Functional foods: the key to a high-value market

The global market for functional foods and beverages will reach $218 billion in 2026. Using high-quality protein in your formulations will be key to competing successfully. 

The world changed with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and it modified consumer purchasing habits. Today, consumers demand foods that not only offer vitamins, minerals and proteins, but also ask that manufacturers leave out so-called “critical” ingredients in their formulations.  

Global Industry Analysts, a market research firm, included the $218 billion figure in its study, “Functional Foods and Beverages: Trajectory and analysis of the global market.” The study, published last March, notes that functional food is growing in demand and especially for daily consumption. 

The study adds that accelerated growth is expected annually for food and beverage products with protein, probiotics, omegas, vitamins and minerals. Consumers are aiming to fill nutritional gaps and improve their health and well-being. 

Trends also call for a reduction in sugar, sodium and fat in processed food and beverage formulations. 

“Protein-rich beverages that promote digestive health or contain antioxidants represent another growth driver,” the study states. 

Functional foods and beverages need more protein 

High-quality, complete protein is in high demand as an ingredient for functional food and beverage formulations. ISO Chill® 8000 stands out in this range of products. It’s manufactured from premium whey and concentrated into a powder containing 80% protein. 

Its manufacturer, Agropur, offers it in three versions: 

8000 (whey protein concentrate at 80% protein) 

8010 (instant solubility and dispersibility)  

8000 HS (thermostable to potentiate ready-to-drink beverages).  

These ingredients are of special interest to the functional food and beverage market due to their high nutritional value, characteristics such as thermostability, their capacity as emulsifiers, and value as foaming and water retention agents. 

Consumers are looking for functional foods 

Markets expected to achieve the greatest potential for functional foods include infant and child products as well as beverages with premium ingredients and multiple health benefits. An example would be a beverage that combines digestive benefits with enhanced vitamins, complete protein and antioxidants. 

Boost your food or drink 

Consumers are looking for options that eliminate added sugars and have great taste without sacrificing their health. This coffee formulation is an excellent example: enriched with ISO Chill whey protein concentrate (WPC), the beverage maintains an indulgent flavor while offering the consumer greater nutrition. 

Of the total ingredients, you can mix 46% ISO Chill 8010, 12% Instant Coffee, 40% Sugar, 2% Chocolate Flavor.  All amounts are approximate.