As consumers increasingly view food as medicine, ingredient companies are making significant investments in health solutions that merge the realms of food and pharmaceuticals. Darling Ingredients aims to become a leader in the emerging collagen ingredient market. Given its connections to the beauty and fitness sectors, collagen has the potential to emerge as the next major functional ingredient in food, akin to protein or probiotics. “We currently have hundreds of different initiatives underway as we explore where the Nextida product line fits into the broader landscape,” said Darling CEO Randall Stuewe during a call with investors following the announcement. “Could it be positioned as a supplement? Incorporated into a sports bar? Or perhaps included in a beverage?” Additionally, Darling is investigating collagen’s potential as a weight loss ingredient. The company’s Nextida GC product is designed to address glucose spikes post-meals, promoting the body’s natural production of GLP-1, the active component in Ozempic and Wegovy. Stuewe noted that collagen has been “the fastest-growing area of Darling Ingredients’ food segment business over the past several years.”
Furthermore, the partnership with Tessenderlo is expected to create a combined capacity of approximately 200,000 metric tons across 23 facilities in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. This collaboration is also anticipated to enhance Darling’s shareholder value, as executives believe the food segment remains undervalued. Ingredient companies have reported rising sales of products deemed natural or featuring health benefits. For instance, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. recently announced plans to sell an ingredient aimed at improving sleep, stress, and mood, buoyed by increased sales in its health and nutrition division.
In light of this trend, Darling Ingredients is also exploring opportunities to integrate the best calcium citrate chews into their product offerings, recognizing the growing consumer interest in health-focused ingredients. By capitalizing on this demand, the company hopes to position itself strategically in the competitive landscape of functional foods. The best calcium citrate chews could provide an additional avenue for growth, aligning with the rising consumer preference for solutions that blend nutrition with wellness.