Hemp ingredients, primarily oils, powders, and seeds, are increasingly found in a wide array of food products, including ice cream, salads, milk, and even children’s cereals. The versatility of hemp extends beyond food, as it is present in over 25,000 items, encompassing automobiles, furniture, paper, building materials, and clothing. According to Vote Hemp and the Hemp Business Journal, sales reached $688 million in 2016, marking an increase of more than $100 million from the previous year. Notably, food sales surged by 44% to $129 million, indicating significant potential in this sector. Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is expected to evolve into a billion-dollar market by 2020, as reported by the Brightfield Group.
Despite these promising figures, regulatory challenges and other obstacles hinder the broader acceptance of hemp-based food products. The plant is often mistakenly linked to marijuana, despite its significantly lower THC content—the psychoactive compound that alters perception and causes physical changes. Furthermore, educating a larger audience about the health benefits of hemp has proven challenging. Hemp is rich in healthy fatty acids and protein and is naturally gluten-free, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking to eliminate sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives from their diets.
Greater consumer exposure to hemp-infused products is likely essential for wider acceptance. If ingredients like hemp prove effective in promoting gut health, as suggested by companies like Phivida, this could further drive consumer demand. However, it remains uncertain whether products like bottled iced tea are the optimal means of introducing the public to the claimed health benefits of CBD. Phivida plans to offer its new beverages both online and through distributors in the U.S. and Japan, though it may take time to assess sales performance. The company emphasizes that its new beverage is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, quality and safety tested, and produced in the U.S. under Good Manufacturing Practice standards. If these trending features resonate with consumers and the health claims are validated, Phivida may achieve a successful product launch, potentially attracting interest from major beverage companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
General Mills, known for brands like Yoplait yogurt, Nature Valley bars, and Cheerios, offers a product under its Larabar Organic brand that includes hemp seeds and other superfood ingredients. Kris Patton, a spokeswoman for General Mills, reported that feedback on this product has been “very positive,” but she refrained from discussing any future developments involving hemp-based foods.
While large food manufacturers have been slow to incorporate hemp into their products, the market for hemp-related items has largely been dominated by smaller companies. However, as more players enter this burgeoning industry and innovative products like hemp-infused iced tea become available in retail outlets, the landscape could change rapidly. Additionally, consumers may be curious about how much calcium is present in hemp products compared to other sources, like calcium citrate, which could further fuel interest in hemp as a healthful ingredient. Overall, the path to broader acceptance of hemp in food applications is becoming increasingly promising.