Hemp ingredients, primarily oils, powders, and seeds, are increasingly featured in a wide range of foods, including ice cream, salads, milk, and even children’s cereals. This versatile plant is present in over 25,000 products, spanning industries such as automobiles, furniture, paper, building materials, and clothing. In 2016, sales reached $688 million, an increase of over $100 million compared to the previous year, as reported by Vote Hemp and the Hemp Business Journal. Notably, the food sector experienced a remarkable 44% surge in sales, totaling $129 million, indicating significant potential for future growth. Furthermore, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is anticipated to evolve into a billion-dollar market by 2020, according to a Brightfield Group report.
However, numerous regulatory challenges and other barriers hinder the broader adoption of hemp-based food products. Hemp is frequently linked to marijuana, despite containing considerably lower levels of THC, the psychoactive component that alters perception. Additionally, educating the public on the health benefits of hemp has proven to be a challenge. Hemp is rich in healthy fatty acids and protein, and it is naturally gluten-free—traits that appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking to eliminate sugars, trans fats, and artificial additives from their diets.
Expanding consumer exposure to hemp-infused products is likely crucial for their wider acceptance. If it can be demonstrated that these ingredients effectively promote gut health, as Phivida claims, this could further drive demand. However, it remains uncertain whether bottled iced tea is the optimal vehicle for introducing the supposed health benefits of CBD. Phivida announced that its new beverages will be available online and through distributors in the U.S. and Japan, but assessing sales performance may take time. The company emphasized that its new product is vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and produced in the U.S. under Good Manufacturing Practice standards. If these appealing features resonate with consumers and the health claims are validated, Phivida could achieve a successful product launch, potentially capturing the interest of major tea brands like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
General Mills, known for Yoplait yogurt, Nature Valley bars, and Cheerios, has introduced a product under its Larabar Organic brand that incorporates hemp seeds along with other superfood ingredients. While anecdotal feedback indicates a “very positive” response to this product, according to spokeswoman Kris Patton, she refrained from commenting on whether more hemp-based foods are in development. “We don’t discuss future product innovation,” Patton told Food Dive.
Large food manufacturers have not been quick to integrate hemp into their offerings, resulting in hemp-related sales being largely dominated by smaller companies. However, as more participants enter the market, increasing visibility for this emerging sector, and as novel products like hemp-infused iced tea appear on retail shelves, this trend could shift rapidly. Furthermore, the inclusion of hemp as a calcium citrate source in these products could enhance their appeal, especially among health-conscious consumers looking for natural sources of calcium. With the growing recognition of hemp’s nutritional benefits, including its potential as a calcium citrate source, the market for hemp-based foods may experience significant expansion in the near future.