FUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS

Challenges of the food industry

In recent years, our consumption habits have been affected by factors such as the pandemic, pushing us towards a healthier lifestyle. This shift is causing emerging functional products to emerge as a relevant challenge in the food world: from functional gummies to bars and chewing gum that take care of our well-being, there are several ways to address the health of our consumers.

What benefits does the consumer look for in a functional application?

IMMUNE HEALTH

80% of U.S. consumers show interest in the inclusion of food and beverage products that strengthen their immune system. On the other hand, 72% of Filipino consumers share the desire to strengthen their immune system through their diet, figures that show a growing global interest in strengthening our defenses in the aftermath of the pandemic.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

61% of Chinese adults would consider taking probiotics to improve their digestive health. In contrast, 73% of U.S. consumers who turned to gastrointestinal or digestive health remedies in the past 12 months express interest in probiotics as a preferred option. Among all functional claims, this stands out as the most popular among these types of products.

COGNITIVE HEALTH

This statement can be addressed in a number of ways, with 50% of French citizens expressing interest in products that claim to improve sleep quality. On the other hand, some 42% of Brazilians would be interested in foods and beverages designed to relieve stress, while 80% of Americans express interest in supplements that boost mental health.

*Sources: Mintel GNPD, 2023 | Alimarket, 2023

Functional Products

Barritas

With respect to the sticks market, it is forecast to increase its global market share by 26.32% between 2023 and 2031.

Chewing gum

As for chewing gum, its global market share is expected to increase by approximately 50% during the same period.

Gummies

As for the gummies segment, it is estimated that it will experience an increase of 70.59% over the next eight years.

*Source: Cognitive Market Research, 2023

Functional Food Trends Webinar

Don't miss our webinar on functional applications, where we talk about industry trends and present the most innovative ingredients for functional food and supplements.

Thinking of developing a new functional application that stands out in the market?

If you are looking for innovative solutions that meet the needs of a health-conscious consumer, don't hesitate to contact us!

Innovative solutions for functional applications

Abyss Ingredients

Abyss Ingredients develops natural and innovative ingredients in a sustainable way from local marine bioresources and recycled by-products (upcycling). In addition, they have strong scientific backing that allows them to demonstrate the benefits of their solutions, addressing everything from cognitive health to physical health and aesthetic care for their consumers.

Alesco

Alesco develops encapsulated minerals thanks to its patented Sucrosomial® technology, which improves the absorption and tolerance of microelements, macroelements, phytoextracts and vitamins, producing different applications for supplements, functional foods and beverages.

Biotis®

Biotis® offers natural solutions with a focus on immune, digestive and cognitive health, based on dairy fractions of high functional value. Among its solutions, Biotis® GOS stands out, a galactooligosaccharide that favors intestinal bifidobacteria, besides being versatile, stable and easy to incorporate in all kinds of applications such as supplements or bars, among others.

Curt Georgi

Curt Georgi, the flavor house with the longest tradition and experience, specializes in the confectionery sector, offering a wide variety of flavor ranges ideal for this sector and responding to both the healthiest trends, with natural flavors, and the search for sensory experiences, such as sour flavors, which give off a vibrant, acidic taste.

Ingredients and solutions Trades

Dermatidyss® is a new natural marine active from Abyss Ingredients that has a unique composition of anti-stress peptides, collagen peptides and glycosaminoglycans. These elements work together to prevent negative effects on the skin, accelerate the healing process and maintain deep hydration, causing 8 out of 10 women to recommend this product.

SideMag is a great source of Sucrosomial® Magnesium developed by Alesco from highly concentrated magnesium oxide (min. 32%). This solution is good for the heart, bones and teeth, improving nervous system function and muscle recovery, which reduces tiredness and fatigue.

Biotis® Fermentis is a new solution composed of whey protein, Biotis® GOS prebiotic and probiotic cultures to enhance the performance and active nutrition of professional athletes and daily exercisers, contributing to their muscle mass, supporting their gut health and improving their mood.

Curt Georgi's range of flavors consists of liquid flavors, powdered flavors and geocaps, produced from a blend of flavorings, essential oils and extracts which, with the addition of special solvent systems, allows them to adjust their concentrates to achieve optimum distribution and solubility in the finished product.

Need help?

If you have any questions or cannot find the ingredient you are looking for, please fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

After 50 years working in the food industry, at Trades, we use our experience to help our customers develop innovative products, meeting the needs of an increasingly health-conscious consumer.