2017 was a very important year for the nutraceutical industry with the introduction of new ingredients, exciting delivery formats and the focus of special market niches such as adaptogens, cognitive health, sports pre and post workout and child nutrition. Supply chain verification and traceability became a necessary part of many company agendas, beginning with sourcing of premium raw materials by growers through to the processing, manufacturing and product development.
In response to all these developments, 2018 is set to be about personalization of health. Consumers want to know where their food is coming from and how it is being produced and prepared.
Personalization of health comes with the development of technology and availability of information. Consumers want more control over their health, and the variety and amount of data readily available on the internet has given them the ability to take charge of their lifestyle, including their diet and nutrition preferences. Part of taking charge is knowing what nutrients are present in food and how that food is produced and prepared. According to Innova Market Insights, 7 out of 10 consumers in the US and UK want to know what is in the food they eat and if they can easily identify the ingredients list.
In addition, consumers prefer “raw” “sprouted” and “old fashioned” food preparations, minimally processed and nutrient-dense.
Fad diets are no longer in. Consumers are opting for lighter, healthier foods over fad diet products. Social media has done much to influence consumers' food choices. Words such as “thin” to describe baked goods and “hint” of flavor to describe beverages are trending. Healthy snacks are definitely in and much easier to achieve for those with hectic lifestyles than regular sit-down meals.
Top Emerging Ingredients for 2018
Personalization of health has brought about an increasing interest in nutrient-dense food powders which can be easily and conveniently incorporated into a wide variety of functional foods, beverages and nutritional supplements. NP Nutra® offers a wide range of premium fruit and vegetable powders, sustainably sourced and approved through our Triple-T Verification® Program to ensure the highest quality and purity and processed at certified state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities around the world.
According to predictions in various studies and publications, the following NP Nutra® ingredients are predicted to soar in 2018:
| Name | NP Nutra Ingredients | Benefits and Possible Applications |
|---|---|---|
Acerola
| Acerola Juice Powder 25% Vit. C | Known for its high vitamin C content, Acerola is also a good source of magnesium, potassium, pantothenic acid and vitamin A. It is a good antioxidant, helps boost immunity and promotes healthy skin. |
Arginine
| Pea Protein Powder 80% (organic) | Arginine is an amino acid vital to synthesis of protein, it plays a key role in wound healing, immune function, and removing ammonia/waste from the body. Good sources are pea protein, beans, corns, nuts and vegetables. |
Beet Root
| Beet Root Juice Powder (organic) | Beet Roots are a good source of dietary nitrates, bioflavonoids, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus and dietary fibers, both soluble and insoluble. Ongoing studies indicate that nitrates may help boost stamina and endurance pre and post exercise. |
Curcumin
| Turmeric Root Powder (organic) | Curcumin, an important ingredient found in turmeric, is considered a good digestive tonic with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and promote cognitive health. |
Kelp
| Kelp Powder (organic) | Known as a superfood, Kelp helps regulate important body functions such as digestion and metabolism and may be helpful in weight management. |
Prebiotics
|
Banana Powder (organic) Banana Freeze dried Powder Garlic Powder (organic) Yacon Syrup | Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that benefit good bacteria in the gut. Prebiotic ingredients include inulin, guar gum, vegetable fibers and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). |
Plant-based proteins
|
Brown Rice Protein Powder 80% (organic) Hemp Protein Powder 45% (organic) Pea Protein Powder 80% (organic) Sacha Inchi Powder (organic) | Studies indicate that protein is essential to health and plant-based protein continue to grow in popularity as an alternative to protein to dairy and soy. Brown rice, hemp and pea protein are all considered very good sources of plant-based protein. |
For more information about these or any other ingredients in our portfolio, please contact your personal Sales Manager.
References:
https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2017-11/view_features/key-trends-in-functional-foods-beverages-for-2018/
https://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2017/emerging-ingredients-for-2018/
https://www.projectnosh.com/news/2017/report-10-trends-watch-2018
