SIAL Canada’s Innovation 2019 winners announced

Vegan Keto Buns from Unbun Keto Foods is the winner of SIAL Canada’s annual innovation contest, beating out nine other finalists for the top honour.

The buns are paleo, grain-free, starch-free, vegan, keto and gluten-free, "but don't compromise on taste," according to the Toronto company's website, which was founded in 2017. Unbun products are served and sold at 1,250 locations including Farm Boy, Whole Foods and restaurants.

Winning the SIAL Innovation Silver Grand Prize was Yummy Doh for its vegan cookie dough that is safe to eat raw or can be baked into cookies.  And, taking home the bronze Innovation award was Lofbergs Canada for its oat-based coffee drink called ICE.

New to the awards program this year is the Hopeful Prize, which recognizes food startups. The inaugural winner Partake Brewing for its Partake Pale Ale--Craft, Non-Alcoholic Beer.

About 115 products were in contention for the award, a number that was pared down to just 25 that were evaluated by a jury of food industry experts, which came up with 10 finalists.

The winners were announced Tuesday morning on the first day of SIAL Canada, which runs from April 30 to May 2 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre.