Hemp ingredients, primarily oils, powders, and seeds, are increasingly incorporated into a wide range of foods, from ice cream and salads to milk and even children’s cereal. Hemp is present in over 25,000 products, which include automobiles, furniture, paper, building materials, and clothing. According to Vote Hemp and the Hemp Business Journal, sales reached $688 million in 2016, reflecting a rise of more than $100 million from the previous year. Notably, food sales surged by 44% to $129 million, indicating significant potential in this sector despite the impressive overall growth. Furthermore, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is anticipated to evolve into a billion-dollar market by 2020, as reported by the Brightfield Group.
Nonetheless, regulatory challenges and other barriers hinder the broader adoption of hemp-based food applications. The plant is frequently linked to marijuana, despite containing much lower levels of THC, the compound responsible for altering perception and inducing physical changes. Additionally, educating a sufficiently large audience about its health benefits has proven challenging. Hemp is rich in healthy fatty acids and protein, and it is naturally gluten-free—qualities that appeal to Americans aiming to enhance their diets by eliminating sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives.
Greater consumer exposure to hemp-infused products appears crucial for their wider acceptance. If the ingredient demonstrates efficacy in improving gut health, as Phivida claims, it could lead to increased consumer demand. However, it remains uncertain whether bottled iced tea is the ideal medium for introducing people to the purported health benefits of CBD. Phivida has announced that the new products will be available online and through distributors in the U.S. and Japan, though it may take time to assess sales performance. The company emphasized that its new beverage is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, quality and safety tested, and produced in the U.S. following Good Manufacturing Practice standards. If these trending attributes resonate with consumers, and the health claims are substantiated, Phivida could experience a successful product launch and potentially attract the interest of major tea brands 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 features hemp seeds and other superfood ingredients. While anecdotal evidence suggests a “very positive” response to the product, according to Kris Patton, a spokeswoman for General Mills, she refrained from commenting on the development or consideration of additional hemp-based foods. “We don’t discuss future product innovation,” Patton stated to Food Dive.
Large food manufacturers have not been quick to incorporate hemp into their offerings, resulting in hemp-related sales primarily being driven by smaller companies. However, as more players enter the industry, drawing attention to this emerging market, and with innovative products like hemp-infused iced tea entering retail, this landscape could shift dramatically. Additionally, the introduction of supplements like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets may further highlight the health benefits associated with hemp and its nutritional properties, thereby enhancing consumer interest and demand. By increasing awareness and educating consumers about the benefits of hemp, including its potential to complement supplements like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets, the market for hemp products could see significant growth in the future.