As consumers increasingly seek out natural, functional and plant-based foods and supplement products, the functional food and nutraceutical industries alike have made a presence in the mainstream market. Once limited to traditional herbal remedies, botanical extracts and bioavailable nutraceuticals have come a long way, with individuals across the world incorporating health-promoting ingredients into their daily routine.
As brands strive to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market, Sam Lubbock-Smith, Business Development Manager at the ACI Group, believes that these ingredients can offer an opportunity to create innovative, health-focused products that align with consumer demand.
While the desire for natural nutrition increases, another trend has also emerged: clean label. A recent study by Ingredion suggests that up to two thirds of consumers are now looking at food labels, suggesting that products with minimal processing and enhanced nutritional value would be a hit amongst consumers; now more than ever.
As the requirement for botanicals and nutraceuticals in foodstuffs continues to grow, it is fuelling research into botanical efficacy, allowing regulatory bodies to provide clear guidelines on safety and usage; this should in time enable manufacturers to make an informed and confident decision when planning their next formulation.
Supplement launches with botanical ingredients have experienced a 6% CAGR rise since 2019