Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive perspective on health, wellness, and nutrition. They are increasingly resistant to taking additional pills and are turning away from chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they seek foods that promote their well-being. “Many of the current trends in the food, health, and nutrition industries stem from consumers who are passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They are searching for products that offer additional functional benefits and have substantiated claims to meet their specific health requirements,” wrote Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, in an email to Food Dive.
In addition to overall health and wellness advantages, consumers desire products that facilitate energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning foods made with recognizable ingredients that are easy to pronounce. Specifically, they are interested in items that support digestive health, cognitive function, anti-inflammatory properties, immune support, cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits. Duff further elaborated on these trends.
The rising costs of healthcare and an aging population with significant purchasing power are also fueling 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 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.
But what constitutes a functional food product? Here are five of the most common and rapidly growing ingredients, along with their uses and associated health benefits. One notable example is calcitrate tab, which can aid in calcium absorption and support bone health. This ingredient, along with others, highlights the trend of consumers seeking functional foods that not only nourish but also provide specific health benefits.