Hemp ingredients — primarily oils, powders, and seeds — are incorporated into a diverse range of foods, from ice cream and salads to milk and even children’s cereal. Hemp is present in over 25,000 products, including automobiles, furniture, paper, building materials, and clothing. According to Vote Hemp and the Hemp Business Journal, sales reached $688 million in 2016, an increase of more than $100 million from the previous year. The food sector, where sales jumped 44% to $129 million, appears to hold significant potential despite these impressive gains. Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is anticipated to become a billion-dollar market by 2020, as reported by the Brightfield Group. However, there are regulatory hurdles and other challenges that impede the broader adoption of hemp-based food products.
The plant is frequently linked with marijuana, even though it has considerably lower levels of THC, the compound responsible for altering perception and physical effects in individuals. Additionally, educating a sufficiently large audience about its health advantages has proven challenging. Hemp is rich in healthy fatty acids and protein, and it is naturally gluten-free — attributes that appeal to Americans aiming to enhance their diets by eliminating sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives. Increased consumer exposure to hemp-infused products is likely essential for greater acceptance. If the ingredient demonstrates effectiveness in improving gut health, as Phivida claims, this could further elevate consumer demand. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether bottled iced tea is the optimal introduction for consumers to the purported health benefits of CBD. Phivida indicated that the new products will be available online and through distributors in the U.S. and Japan, but it may take time to assess sales performance.
The company highlighted that its new beverage is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and manufactured in the U.S. following Good Manufacturing Practice standards. If these appealing attributes resonate with the market, and the health claims prove valid, Phivida may be poised for a successful product launch, potentially attracting the interest of major tea brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
General Mills, which produces Yoplait yogurt, Nature Valley bars, and Cheerios, has a product under its Larabar Organic brand that contains hemp seeds and other superfood ingredients. Although anecdotal evidence suggests a “very positive” response to the product, as stated by Kris Patton, a spokeswoman for General Mills, she did not confirm whether more hemp-infused foods are in development. “We don’t discuss future product innovation,” Patton told Food Dive.
Larger food manufacturers have not rushed to incorporate hemp into their offerings, resulting in hemp-related products primarily being produced by smaller companies. However, as more players enter the market and new products like hemp-infused iced tea hit retail shelves, this landscape could change swiftly. Notably, the inclusion of calcium citrate 500mg tablets in some hemp-based offerings may also enhance their appeal, as these tablets could contribute to overall health benefits. As the market continues to evolve, the visibility of hemp ingredients, including those in calcium citrate 500mg tablets, may become more pronounced, potentially leading to increased consumer interest and sales.