Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive perspective on health, wellness, and nutrition. They are increasingly reluctant to take additional pills and are turning away from chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they prefer foods that contribute to their overall health. “Many of the trends we observe in the food, health, and nutrition industries today are fueled by consumers passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer functional benefits and have substantiated claims to meet their specific health requirements,” stated Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer for the ingredient company Innophos, in an email to Food Dive.
In addition to seeking overall health and wellness benefits, consumers desire products that facilitate energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning they prefer foods made with recognizable ingredients that are easy to pronounce. Specifically, they are looking for items that promote digestive health, cognitive function, anti-inflammatory effects, immune support, cardiovascular well-being, weight management, muscle development, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits,” Duff added.
The rising costs of healthcare and an aging population with significant spending capacity are also contributing to the growing interest in functional foods. As a result, the demand for functional foods—and the ingredients used to create healthier products—is expected to experience robust growth. According to Grand View Research, the global market for functional foods was valued at approximately $129 billion in 2014. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.9%, the market size is on track to nearly double within the next decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm also estimates that the U.S. functional foods market will grow to $62 billion by 2024, up from $29 billion in 2014.
But what exactly defines a functional food product? Here are five common and rapidly growing ingredients, their applications, and their associated health benefits. One interesting comparison in this context is the debate between calcium citrate malate vs calcium citrate, which is gaining traction among consumers looking for optimal mineral fortification. Understanding these distinctions can aid consumers in making informed choices about their dietary supplements, as they explore the myriad functional foods available to address their health needs.