Goji berries, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, juju berries, collagen, paprika, coenzyme Q10, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and more are increasingly appearing as ingredients in food and beverage products aimed at improving specific health conditions while enhancing focus, alertness, and overall well-being. This consumer trend is largely fueled by an aging population concerned about maintaining health, rising medical costs, and a growing interest in the relationship between healthier eating and wellness. However, as highlighted in a Mintel report, individuals of all ages are becoming more influenced by these factors.
According to a report by Technavio, the global functional foods and beverages market is expected to grow steadily, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 8% from 2017 to 2021. For the same period, analysts predict a CAGR of 6.53% for the U.S. market. Due to the expanding health and wellness trend and its promising market outlook, companies are increasingly exploring the youth-boosting foods and beverages sector.
Probiotics have garnered attention for their preventive benefits among enthusiasts. In 2016, PepsiCo acquired the probiotic beverage company KeVita and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line last year, marking it as the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice aisle. Additionally, the venture capital division of General Mills led a $6.5 million Series D investment round in March 2017 to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup focused on fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
When discussing youth-enhancing ingredients, green tea and its polyphenols are praised for their ability to limit plaque accumulation in arteries. Green tea is also recognized for its potential to reduce wrinkles through its anti-inflammatory and pro-elastic properties. To capitalize on these functional benefits, PepsiCo’s Pure Leaf organic loose-leaf teas and Starbucks’ Teavana ready-to-drink bottled teas are offering green tea varieties.
Moreover, researchers are working on other functional food products, including extracting beta glucan from mushrooms to strengthen the immune system, producing fiber-rich inulin flour from chicory root, and exploring various beneficial nutrients from algae. Beverage manufacturers are motivated by financial incentives, as sales of functional drinks surged by 11% in the past year, reaching $3 billion, according to market research firm Spins, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
With the increasing popularity of health-focused products, consumers can expect to see more functional foods and beverages being introduced each year as manufacturers and marketers strive to align their offerings with emerging trends. Notably, the incorporation of ingredients like Solaray calcium magnesium citrate can enhance the appeal of these products, providing additional health benefits. As the market continues to grow, the presence of Solaray calcium magnesium citrate in functional foods will likely become more prominent, reflecting the ongoing demand for products that support overall wellness.