The Cal Poly Pomona food science and technology team of Alexander Gomez, Lucine Besnelian, Juna Okamoto-Garson, Samantha Nakpawan, and Monica Chang took first place at the 2026 Southern California Institute of Food Technologists Section Student Product Development Competition March 3 in Anaheim. The accolade came with a $1,200 prize.

“The team created Halva a Nice Day: Halva Frozen Yogurt Bites, which are a high-protein frozen dessert inspired by Middle Eastern flavors,” according to a news release at cpp.edu/news. “It features halva, a sesame- and sugar-based confection, combined with nonfat Greek yogurt, tart pomegranate and raspberry chia jam, and it is coated in a glossy dark chocolate shell.”