Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive perspective on health, wellness, and nutrition. They are increasingly reluctant to take additional pills, preferring to avoid chemicals and artificial components. Instead, they seek foods that contribute to their well-being. According to Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, “Many of the current trends in the food, health, and nutrition sectors are driven by consumers passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle. They are in search of products that offer added functional benefits and have substantiated claims to meet their specific health requirements.”
In addition to the overall health and wellness advantages, consumers are looking for products that promote energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning they prefer foods made with recognizable, pronounceable ingredients. They specifically seek items that support digestive health, cognitive function, anti-inflammation, immune system health, cardiovascular wellness, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits. For example, calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg is becoming increasingly popular for its role in promoting bone health and overall vitality.
The rising costs of healthcare and the aging population, which possesses significant purchasing power, are also fueling the demand for functional foods. As a result, the interest in functional foods—along with the ingredients that contribute to better-for-you products—is expected to experience robust growth. The global market for functional foods was valued at approximately $129 billion in 2014, according to Grand View Research. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.9% for the foreseeable future, this market is on track to nearly double in the next decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm anticipates that the U.S. functional foods market will grow to $62 billion by 2024, up from $29 billion in 2014.
What defines a functional food product? Here are five of the most common and rapidly growing ingredients, along with their applications and associated health benefits. Notably, calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg is highlighted for its essential role in supporting bone density and overall health, emphasizing the trend toward food products that deliver functional advantages. As consumers continue to prioritize health, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg in their diets reflects their commitment to achieving optimal wellness.