Hemp-based ingredients—primarily oils, powders, and seeds—are found in a wide array of food products, including ice cream, salads, milk, and even cereals for children. Hemp is present in over 25,000 different products, ranging from automobiles and furniture to 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 compared to the previous year. Notably, the food sector experienced a remarkable 44% surge in sales, amounting to $129 million, indicating significant potential for growth in this area. The market for hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is anticipated to reach a billion dollars by 2020, as reported by the Brightfield Group.
However, there are regulatory challenges and other obstacles that hinder the broader acceptance of hemp-based food products. Despite its lower THC levels compared to marijuana, hemp is often associated with it, complicating consumer perceptions. Additionally, educating a sufficiently large audience about the health benefits of hemp has proven challenging. Hemp is rich in healthy fatty acids and protein while being naturally gluten-free—traits that appeal to Americans looking to enhance their diets by eliminating sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives.
To foster greater acceptance of hemp-infused products, increasing consumer exposure to this category is essential. If the ingredient demonstrates effectiveness in promoting gut health, as Phivida claims, it could significantly elevate consumer demand. However, it’s uncertain at this stage whether bottled iced tea is the ideal introduction to the purported health benefits of CBD. Phivida has stated that its 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 emphasizes that its new beverage is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and manufactured in the U.S. under Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Should these appealing features resonate with consumers, and if the health claims, including the benefits of calcium citrate 500 mg uses, hold true, Phivida might see a successful product launch. This could also capture the interest of major tea manufacturers like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
General Mills, the producer of Yoplait yogurt, Nature Valley bars, and Cheerios, offers a product under its Larabar Organic brand that includes hemp seeds and other superfood ingredients. According to Kris Patton, a spokeswoman for General Mills, consumer feedback on this product has been “very positive,” but she refrained from commenting on whether additional hemp-based foods are in development. “We don’t discuss future product innovation,” Patton told Food Dive.
While larger food manufacturers have not rushed to incorporate hemp into their offerings, sales of hemp-related products have predominantly been driven by smaller companies. However, as more players enter the market and new products like hemp-infused iced tea appear in retail, the landscape may soon shift. The growing interest in calcium citrate 500 mg uses and other health benefits could drive further expansion in this emerging market.