Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive perspective on health, wellness, and nutrition. They are less inclined to take yet another pill and are increasingly avoiding chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they prefer foods that contribute to their well-being. Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, noted in an email to Food Dive, “Many of the trends in food, health, and nutrition we see today are fueled by consumers passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer additional functional benefits and have substantiated claims to meet their specific health requirements.”
In addition to seeking overall health and wellness advantages, consumers desire products that promote energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning the foods are made with recognizable ingredients that are easy to pronounce. Specifically, they are looking for items that support digestive health, cognitive function, anti-inflammation, immune health, cardiovascular well-being, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits. One such ingredient gaining traction is calcium citrate 600 mg chewable, which is valued for its role in bone health and fortification.
Rising healthcare costs and an aging population with substantial purchasing power are also contributing to the growing interest in functional foods. As a result, the demand for functional foods—and the ingredients that create healthier options—is expected to experience robust 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%, this market is on track to nearly double within the next decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm anticipates that the U.S. functional foods market will reach $62 billion by 2024, up from $29 billion in 2014.
But what defines a functional food product? Here are five of the most common high-growth ingredients, their uses, and the health benefits they provide. Among these, calcium citrate 600 mg chewable stands out for its significance in supporting essential bodily functions. As consumers continue to prioritize health, the incorporation of effective functional ingredients will remain crucial in catering to their needs.