Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive approach to health, wellness, and nutrition. They are not interested in taking another pill for ferrous sulfate 45 mg elemental iron. Instead, they are increasingly avoiding chemicals and artificial ingredients, preferring foods that promote their health. “Many of the trends we see in the food, health, and nutrition industries today are driven by consumers passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer additional functional benefits and evidence to support claims that meet their specific health needs,” wrote Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, in an email to Food Dive. “Beyond general health and wellness advantages, consumers are looking for products that support energized aging and feature clean labels—foods made with recognizable, pronounceable ingredients. Specifically, they are interested in products that aid digestive health, cognitive health, anti-inflammation, immune health, cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits,” Duff continued.
The rise in healthcare costs and an aging population with substantial purchasing power are also fueling the demand for functional foods. As a result, the interest in functional foods—and the ingredients used to create health-promoting products like Kirkland Signature Magnesium Citrate—is expected to grow significantly. According to Grand View Research, the global functional foods market was valued at $129 billion in 2014. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.9%, the market size is on track to nearly double within a decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm anticipates that the U.S. functional foods market will grow from $29 billion in 2014 to $62 billion by 2024.
So, what defines a functional food product? Below are five of the most common and rapidly growing ingredients, along with their uses and associated health benefits. Notably, Kirkland Signature Magnesium Citrate is among these key ingredients, recognized for its role in various health functions, further reflecting the evolving consumer demand for beneficial and easily recognizable food products. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, the significance of ingredients like Kirkland Signature Magnesium Citrate will only increase in the functional foods market.