Food as medicine? This is becoming a priority for consumers. Immunity-focused functional ingredients have seen strong gains in 2020 and this trend is set to accelerate. Here we take a look at how functional ingredients are empowering our product innovations. From post biotics to organics, we continue to advance our focus on leaner, better for you, balanced ingredient profiles to improve our wellbeing.
But what are functional ingredients?
Functional ingredients are ingredients that provide a health benefit’s to consumers; they are often an added bonus to a product’s primary purpose.
According to Grand View Research, ‘the global functional ingredients market size was valued at USD 64.13 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2020 to 2027. The market growth is attributed to factors including growing demand for clean label products, shifting regulations in the food and beverage market, and rising awareness among consumers.’
Various studies have highlighted the benefits of using different nutritional and functional ingredients in food and beverages, resulting in an increased awareness of these ingredients among end users.
STRESS & ANXIETY
Let’s start with stress and anxiety. MMR informed us that ‘ingredients classed as adaptogens and nootropics have been adopted to help the body resist stress. Most ingredients are rooted in Chinese or ayurvedic healing solutions.’ To be able to rest & relax, the key ingredients are CBD, melatonin, theanine, valerian, holy basil, ashwagandha and rhodiola. They will fight anxiety, stress and insomnia.
Refresh + Relax CBD sparkling water can gives back the balance and kickstart the immune system with throat-soothing ginger and anti-inflammatory turmeric. This golden ginger botanical water can is fiery and smooth.
SLEEP
The range of ingredients used for sleep support are varied and range from familiar botanicals to Ayurvedic and adaptogenic plants and foods such as dried sour cherries. Edgier ingredients such as CBD and nootropic chemicals are also playing a role. Botanicals being promoted for sleep include valerian root, lavender, poppy, passionflower, hop flower, butterfly pea flower and the classic relaxation floral, chamomile.
The Good Night Drink claims to help get peaceful sleep at night. It contains natural herbs like lemon balm and hops to help relieve stress and anxiety. It's a fizzy drink made with alpine sparkling water.
MENTAL WELLNESS
For mental wellbeing, proprietary Kerry research says that ‘there’s a common consumer perception that Omega-3 fatty acids and ginseng may support general brain health. […] Coffee and green tea may enhance energy and lavender and green tea can help with mood management.’
Omega 3 Zooki is an easy way for the whole family to enjoy a daily dose of Omega 3 and Vitamin D. The water soluble formula prepares the nutrients for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
In order to increase immunity boosting, the key ingredients are elderberry, echinacea and camu camu. They are good for immune function; they are antioxidants and antibacterial.
Tetley Super Green Antiox tea is a source of Vitamin C, which is known to have a lot of health benefits. According to Health Canada, Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, heal wounds and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C is a dietary antioxidant and protects against the damage of free radicals.
GUT HEALTH
Gut health is a hot trend topic, and a Science Direct Report says, ‘when developing nutritionally designed foods that promote health through gut microbial reactions, three different types of food ingredients can be used: living micro-organisms (probiotics), non-digestible carbohydrates (dietary fiber and prebiotics) and bioactive plant secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolics).’
Activia Strawberry Yogurt is made with only carefully selected, naturally sourced ingredients, along with billions of live cultures. Then carefully fermented for 8 hours so their unique blend of 5 ferments have time to do their work. Helping to create a smooth and creamy yogurt, good for the gut health.
SKIN COMPLEXION
And regarding skin quality, collagen is a great functional ingredient for aiding skin but also hair and nails through strengthening and growth.
The Tropical Citrus Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are made with natural flavours and contain 100 mg of collagen per 2 gummies serving. In addition, the innovative formula is packed with biotin and other key nutrients to support hair, healthy nails and skin.
