Extract and ingredient manufacturers are seeking innovative ways to integrate curcumin into the formulations of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, herbal products, cosmetics, and functional foods and beverages. A significant market exists for consumers who prefer ready-to-eat options with turmeric, rather than cooking with it. However, turmeric has faced challenges, including concerns about lead contamination and several recalls, primarily due to insufficient oversight. This situation could improve if U.S. manufacturers cultivated and processed turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously enforced.
Today’s consumers are increasingly interested in natural health solutions, as highlighted by the “food as medicine” trend. Medical foods remain a relatively nascent category for manufacturers, with Nestlé and Hormel being the most prominent players making strides in this area. As the global population ages, the prevalence of medical issues will rise, prompting many consumers to address health concerns through food. Understanding this consumer segment is crucial for the industry. There is a distinct difference between being health-conscious and viewing food as a potential treatment for chronic illnesses. This trend empowers manufacturers to influence dietary choices and potentially impact medical therapies, presenting significant opportunities and challenges in a rapidly growing market projected to be worth $15 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Nestlé has committed a $500 million budget to advance medical foods research through 2021, including a $1 million investment in machinery for human DNA analysis at their lab in Lausanne, Switzerland. The goal is to create personalized health programs for patients. In recent years, Nestlé has acquired and partnered with medical food companies to bolster its initiatives, such as the acquisition of Pamlab in 2013, which produces products for medical supervision aimed at brain and metabolic health.
Recently, Colorado-based startup Know Brainer Foods has collaborated with Nestlé to launch a line of coffee creamers containing medium-chain triglycerides, organic grass-fed butter, and added collagen protein. The company asserts that its products can enhance focus and energy to kickstart the day. With the ever-increasing array of functional foods and beverages available, it is plausible that turmeric and similar products could one day be “prescribed” for mild memory or mood issues. This concept aligns with the emergence of “food pharmacies” in the Bay Area, which provide fresh produce to individuals managing diabetes, hypertension, and other diet-related conditions.
In this evolving landscape, the introduction of chewy calcium citrate supplements could also serve as an innovative approach to enhance both nutritional value and consumer experience. By incorporating chewy calcium citrate into functional foods, manufacturers can cater to health-conscious consumers looking for enjoyable ways to support their well-being. As the industry continues to explore these opportunities, the role of ingredients like curcumin, along with chewy calcium citrate, will become increasingly significant in the pursuit of health-focused dietary solutions.