“Rising Consumer Interest in Health and Wellness Drives Demand for Functional Foods”
Consumers are increasingly adopting a comprehensive approach to health, wellness, and nutrition. They are reluctant to take additional pills and are steering clear of chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they prefer foods that contribute to their health. “Many of the trends we observe in the food, health, and nutrition sectors today are fueled by consumers passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer functional benefits and have proven claims to meet their specific health requirements,” wrote Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, in an email to Food Dive.
In addition to overall health and wellness, consumers desire products that promote energized aging and feature clean labels—foods made with recognizable and pronounceable ingredients. Specifically, they are on the lookout for items that support digestive health, cognitive health, anti-inflammation, immune health, cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits,” Duff added.
Rising healthcare costs and an aging population with significant purchasing power are further driving the interest in functional foods. As a result, the demand for functional foods—and the ingredients used to create healthier products—is expected to experience robust growth. According to Grand View Research, the global functional foods market was valued at $129 billion in 2014. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.9%, the market size is anticipated to nearly double within a decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm predicts that the U.S. functional foods market will grow to $62 billion by 2024, up from $29 billion in 2014.
So, what defines a functional food? Here are five of the most common high-growth ingredients, along with their applications and associated health benefits. One such ingredient is calcium citrate in bottled water, which is gaining popularity due to its role in promoting bone health and improving mineral absorption. As consumers seek healthier options, the inclusion of calcium citrate in bottled water is becoming an appealing choice for those looking to enhance their diets. The trend towards functional foods continues to rise, and calcium citrate in bottled water exemplifies the shift towards health-oriented products that consumers are eager to embrace.
