Immune health, emotional health drive the functionalization of food and beverages

In the survey, choosing naturally nutrient-rich foods was one of the top means of achieving immune health, only getting enough sleep and being physically fit. Overall, nearly 60 percent of consumers worldwide said they are looking for foods and beverages to help them achieve this goal.

Immune health is one of the fastest-growing health claims in food and beverages. According to Innova, excluding supplements, immune support claims are currently focused on three foods and beverages, including dairy products such as yogurt and fermented drinks, sports nutrition products and infant and toddler products.

Innova data shows that dairy launches worldwide have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6% over the past five years, with dairy with immune health claims growing at an average yearly rate of 27% and yogurt at 37%. 2020 saw a 2% increase in the number of global launches of sports nutrition products with immune health claims, accounting for 11% of all immune health products.

For example, Pepsi’s functional beverage brand Propel launched Propel Immune Support in 2020, claiming to promote immune support while replenishing electrolytes lost after exercise.

In total, these three categories account for 73% of new product immune campaigns in 2020. Smaller but growing types include soft drinks and hot beverages, particularly juices and teas.

In addition, with the increasing social pressures of a fast-paced life, there will be a constant stream of emotional problems. Currently, consumers are under an unprecedented level of stress and are actively seeking products that promote relaxation and mental clarity.

As a result, emotional wellness has emerged as a critical growth driver for functional food and beverages, generating new consumer interest in psychologically-based approaches to healthy eating. Due to this, the market for functional foods and beverages related to emotional health is growing.

For example, in the Chinese market, Six Walnuts launched a new product, “Camunin,” to relieve the public’s anxiety and psychological stress during the epidemic, focusing on anti-anxiety, with a variety of stress-relieving, calming and relaxing ingredients such as GABA and L-theanine.

Immune health ingredients are also gradually linked to statements describing “feeling good,” and consumer demand has evolved from monolithic to diversified, improving progressively mental health, relieving fatigue, and improving sleep.

With the new epidemic raging worldwide, immune health and emotional health will continue to be sought after as part of a healthier lifestyle and a more active, holistic approach to health, based on consumer concerns about their own health.