functional foods
The Role of Polyphenols in Functional Foods
Introduction: Nature’s Molecular Bridge Between Plants and People Polyphenols, nature’s most abundant and diverse class of bioactive compounds, are emerging as a cornerstone of the next generation of functional foods. Found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, wine and numerous botanicals, these plant-derived molecules are recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cell protective effects. Beyond ...
Personalized Nutrition Through Functional Foods
The Rise of Personalized Nutrition Personalized nutrition (PN) is no longer a fringe idea—it’s entering the mainstream. Studies as early as two-week interventions with twins revealed dramatically different blood sugar and insulin responses to the same meals, underscoring the need to tailor dietary advice to the individual rather than rely on one-size-fits-all guidelines.1,2 The U.S. ...
Functional Foods for Immune Support
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened consumer interest in immune health, leading to an increased demand for functional foods that support the immune system. A survey indicated that 60 percent of respondents purchased fruits or vegetables, and 44 percent bought supplements in capsule form to proactively support their immune health.1 What once was a seasonal spike in ...
![[Extra! Extra!] Fiber Hits the Bakery & Snack Aisle](https://niemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiber-and-Biotics-300x281-1743182465.jpg)
[Extra! Extra!] Fiber Hits the Bakery & Snack Aisle
Consumers have increasingly become interested in preventative health measures since the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, they’re demanding functional foods and supplements in droves. One emerging category for prebiotics, according to Comet-Bio (London, ON, Canada), is the bakery and snack aisle: In a July 2021 blog post on the Comet-Bio website, registered dietitian Hannah ...
Sustainability in Functional Foods
The Growing Demand for Sustainable Functional Foods The consumer demand for sustainability in foods has increased by 18 percent since the prior year to a total of 42 percent of consumers that now consider sustainability in their buying decisions. This is the highest recorded level according to a recent survey. In addition, cost has become ...
The Future of Gut Health in Functional Foods
Introduction: The Rising Focus on Gut Health The functional food and beverage market continues to grow at a rapid pace as consumer demand for healthy, nutrient dense products increases with evolving lifestyles. The global functional food and beverage market size was $333.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $364.18 billion in 2024 ...
Industry Responds to RFK Jr.’s Nomination as HHS Director
On Nov. 14, President-elect Donald Trump nominated environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) as director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After ending his own presidential campaign, Kennedy endorsed Trump and has since launched “Make America Healthy Again,” a campaign that “prioritizes regenerative agriculture, protects natural resources and removes harmful toxins ...
Emerging Taste Trends for New Functional Foods and Beverages
In today’s fast-changing food and beverage environment, even the savviest AI would likely scratch its head trying to decide how to create a new hit product. Sustainability, climate change, health and wellness, new botanical flavors, plant proteins, immune support, sleep and relaxation—all are product-development variables that must be taken into consideration in the race to ...
A Mind/Body Connection for Cognitive Health
Maintaining and improving cognitive health has become a major concern for consumers of all ages. Ingredient manufacturers have developed natural solutions to address both the mind and body. The natural health care community and society as a whole are increasingly recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health. Physical issues and ailments ...
The ROI of Transparency
During the past 10 years, organizational transparency has become an increasingly important idea for companies conducting business in the United States. In the world of dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, promoting transparency is a critical component of any brand and also of ingredient suppliers. But what we have learned from our research and our ...
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