“Emergence of CBD-Infused Sports Nutrition Bars: A New Trend in Functional Ingredients”
A variety of products containing either CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis, are increasingly appearing in the food and beverage industry. However, this marks the debut of a sports nutrition bar specifically formulated with CBD oil. This innovation may signal the onset of a new trend, as reported by Bakery and Snacks, which states that the product is “designed to enhance athletic and workout performance through advanced phytocannabinoid nutrition.” The company claims its new SNAAC CBD bar is packed with 12 superfoods, including raw and unfiltered honey, almonds, coconut oil, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pink Himalayan salt, chia seeds, baobab fruit, mulberries, cacao, and pea protein. Many of these ingredients have recognized health benefits, making this CBD-infused bar appealing to a diverse consumer base, including athletes.
Analysts predict a promising future for CBD-infused products across all food and beverage categories, although regulatory challenges persist. There is also a possibility that some consumers may confuse THC with CBD. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a euphoric effect and can be found in areas where marijuana is banned. Consuming 15 mg of CBD in bar form may offer a stable and reliable dosage for individuals seeking its medical and therapeutic advantages without the risk of overconsumption.
Justin Singer, CEO of cannabinoid supplier Stillwater Brands, recently shared with Food Dive, “We believe cannabinoids will emerge as a new category of functional ingredients, akin to probiotics, omega-3s, or flavonoids. I am convinced that the wellness aspect of cannabinoids far surpasses the intoxication side.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is monitoring products that make exaggerated claims about both CBD and THC, so brands utilizing cannabis or hemp in their formulations should be cautious in their marketing strategies. Marijuana-based products have faced particular scrutiny. Last year, the agency took action against four companies selling marijuana-based supplements that inaccurately claimed to cure cancer, one of the most prevalent and problematic unfounded assertions in the cannabis sector.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb emphasized last fall that substances containing marijuana components would be treated similarly to other products making unverified claims. “We do not allow companies to market products that take advantage of vulnerable patients with unfounded assertions that their substances can shrink or cure cancer,” he stated in a release.
Incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate in these formulations may also enhance their appeal, as calcium citrate is recognized for its health benefits. As the market evolves, the inclusion of such functional ingredients could pave the way for new product developments, particularly in the realm of sports nutrition.
