Trend Report Uncovers Niche Markets for Functional Foods

A new report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD), San Francisco, CA, and Packaged Facts, Rockville, MD, offers insight into global trends, which includes products that enhance beauty, cognition, immunity and mood. The “Emerging Health and Wellness Culinary Trend Mapping Report” discusses the latest in functional foods and beverages, demonstrating that key demographics include aging Baby Boomers, as well as younger generations who hope to maintain physical and mental well-being. The report charts global wellness trends targeting niche functions like fending off facial wrinkles and increasing satiety. Unique ingredients—such as collagen, amino acids like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric), newly developed fibers, and age-old herbs like ginseng—are transforming familiar foods into powerhouse wellness products. Juices, smoothies, soups, marshmallows and even frozen vegetables are getting a makeover. Recent trends range from “Huetrition” or nutrition by color, to brain-enhancing foods fortified with specific nutrients. Others, like immunity foods, offer more health related benefits, while mood foods, for example, seek to improve one’s temperament.