Innovations Shine at Gulfood 2026 Expo

Golden Flakes in Water and Frozen Onion: Unconventional Innovations at Gulfood 2026 Expo

Dubai has once again proven itself as the hub of innovation and gastronomic future. This year's Gulfood 2026 exhibition, held jointly at the Dubai World Trade Center and the Dubai Exhibition Center, started as an event bigger than ever before. Participating in one of the world's largest food and beverage trade fairs is not just a professional experience but a journey beyond the boundaries of flavors, textures, and ideas.

The event, twice the size of last year's edition, features thousands of products, innovations, and technological solutions on display. It provides a lively and educational experience not only for distributors but also for curious visitors, especially if one is receptive to gastronomic extremities.

Golden Flakes in Water: Luxury in a Bottle

One of the exhibition’s most spectacular products is undoubtedly the mineral water from Uzbekistan containing 24-carat gold flakes. The special bottle draws attention not only with the purity of the water inside but also with its rotating stand that ensures the continuous floating of the gold particles. The product is made at one of the oldest European gold mines and is available in the American market in the premium price category for around 360 dirhams.

Mushroom and Herb-Infused Honey

Health-conscious food enthusiasts were captivated by honey combined with mushrooms and herbs. Among the exhibited products were truffle, moringa, and saffron honey. These creations offer not only a gastronomic experience but also feature as finalists in the health and wellness category of the Gulfood Innovation Awards.

Protein Drinks with a New Approach

For those leading an active lifestyle, Gulfood presented a surprise: a new fruit-flavored, lightly carbonated drink containing 10 grams of transparent whey protein per bottle. Those looking to combine hydration with protein intake can choose from three flavors – lemon-ginger, blood orange-ginseng, and raspberry-peach.

Sugar-Free Caramel Popcorn

Reducing sugar intake is a priority for many people, targeting which is Nekked Popcorn, offering classic caramel flavor without artificial ingredients and sugar. The product uses monk fruit extract for sweetening, and other drinks from the company, like sugar-free cola, peach soda, and grape soda, were also a big hit among visitors.

Frozen Caramelized Onion – The Time-Saving Champion

For quick-cooking aficionados, the innovation from Austrian company Holzmann is particularly useful: pre-cooked, naturally caramelized onions in 4 mm slices offered frozen. One kilogram of this product replaces six kilograms of raw onions, saving time and minimizing waste.

Collagen Strip – A New Dimension in Supplements

A significant innovation emerged in the market for dietary supplements: a sublingual collagen strip promising quick absorption and various beneficial effects. The same company showcased the drink Rootiva, which aids hair growth and strengthening with carrot and broccoli extracts.

Chocolate Hummus: A Bold Dessert Idea

Liviano showcased a new side of hummus with a chocolate version made with premium cocoa. The product boasts high protein and fiber content and can be used as a dessert, sandwich spread, or dip. It’s no surprise that this creative idea also made it as a finalist for the innovation awards.

Nutrient-Rich Inactive Yeast

For those looking to add more nutrients to their diet, the inactive yeast flake may be interesting, reminiscent in taste of Parmesan and naturally containing large amounts of Vitamin D and B12. Just one spoon of this yeast can cover up to 300% of an adult's daily Vitamin D requirement. While not suitable for baking, it is excellent as a flavor enhancer for various savory dishes.

Fruit Bouquets

Replacing flower bouquets this year were decorations made from fruit. At one stand at the Dubai Exhibition Center, one could admire a fruit composition in the shape of the UAE flag, consisting of blackberries, lychee, strawberries, and red and green grapes. This decoration is both creative and consumable, ideal for events or as an exclusive gift.

Spinach Chocolate Cookie – A New Level of Healthy Snacking

One of the South African producer's specialties was a spinach-enhanced chocolate cookie made from whole grain flour, coconut oil, and chickpea flour. The product contains no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or salt, and offers an attractive alternative for children by hiding vegetables. Notably, the producer mainly employs women and aims to involve young people in farming, contributing to community development.

Summary

Gulfood 2026 reinforced Dubai as one of the foremost innovation centers of global gastronomy. The products showcased at the exhibition offer novelties not just in flavors and forms but provide forward-looking solutions in social, health, and environmental aspects. For those wishing to follow the future of the food industry, Dubai and Gulfood are unmissable stops.