Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive approach to health, wellness, and nutrition. They are increasingly reluctant to take additional pills and are moving away from chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they prefer foods that contribute to their well-being. “The trends we observe in the food, health, and nutrition sectors today are largely driven by consumers passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer additional functional benefits and verified claims to meet their specific health requirements,” stated Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer for ingredients company Innophos, in an email to Food Dive.
In addition to overall health and wellness benefits, consumers are looking for products that promote energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning foods made from recognizable ingredients that are easy to pronounce. Specifically, they are interested in products that support digestive health, cognitive health, inflammation reduction, immune health, cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits,” Duff added.
Rising healthcare costs and an aging population with significant purchasing power are also contributing to the growing interest in functional foods. As a result, the demand for functional foods—and the ingredients used to create healthier products—is expected to experience substantial growth. 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 is anticipated to nearly double within a decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm also estimates that the U.S. functional foods market will grow from $29 billion in 2014 to $62 billion by 2024.
But what defines a functional food product? Here are five of the most common and rapidly growing ingredients, along with their uses and associated health benefits. Consumers are also curious about the benefits of different forms of calcium, such as calcium citrate vs malate, which may play a role in their health choices. By understanding these ingredients, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their wellness goals. The discussion around calcium citrate vs malate highlights the importance of choosing the right supplements to complement a balanced diet, further emphasizing the shift toward functional foods that cater to health-conscious individuals.