Top 5 Trendy Ingredients of 2019
As consumers look for more health-oriented food products, ingredients with functional health benefits have seen a strong uptick. This year, we have closely tracked functional ingredient trends in the food industry. Here is our list of 5 simple but powerful ingredients to add to your product portfolio:
Hemp
If you’re in the packaged food scene, you’re aware of the rise of CBD. With claimed benefits ranging from relieving arthritis pain to treating anxiety disorders, CBD has become a major ingredient in health food products. However, CBD (cannabidiol) is only one compound of the nutrient-rich hemp plant. This is why “full-spectrum” hemp products have recently become popular. Instead of only utilizing CBD isolate, food products can incorporate other cannabinoids from the plant as well as hemp seeds, which provide an array of vitamins, fatty acids, and protein. Especially considering the legality of CBD production in some states, hemp seeds may be a better option as an ingredient in your food product.
Matcha
Matcha is a concentrated green tea powder rich in caffeine and used in a variety of pastries and beverages. Unique from other green tea, matcha is specially grown in the shade, which results in a higher production of the amino acid, theanine. In addition to being responsible for matcha’s strong umami flavor, theanine boasts an array of health benefits as well. In both mice and humans, theanine was shown to significantly reduce stress. Due to its antioxidant properties, matcha can also potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Being both delicious and functionally beneficial, matcha is a great ingredient to consider.
Turmeric
A longtime staple of Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has made a strong comeback in the modern healthy food scene. With a subtle, earthy flavor, turmeric can be added to foods both sweet and savory without being overpowering. Its deep yellow color, on the other hand, is overpowering thanks to the chemical curcumin. The medical properties of curcumin have long been studied, but have yet been proven in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. Therefore, the functional benefits of turmeric largely remain anecdotal. That said, turmeric is a top-selling ingredient. According to the American Botanical Council, turmeric was the 5th top selling herbal ingredient in 2017, with sales of over $32 million.
Dates
As alternative sweeteners gain popularity, dates have become a popular ingredient to replace sugar. High in fiber, dates have been shown to regulate digestive health and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Medjool dates in particular boast an array of macro- and micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. If you’re looking to add sweetness to a product without adding sugar, dates might be the ingredient for you.
Ashwagandha
Another ingredient with historical roots in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha has recently become popular as an adaptogen, claimed to reduce stress and increase stamina. In the US, it’s root powder is sold as a supplement and can be mixed into smoothies. In one study, ashwagandha was shown to have neuroprotective properties against Alzheimer’s disease. Ashwagandha could be a good ingredient for your product if you are looking to promote functional benefits, but does not improve flavor.
Food Made Simple is the publication from Journey Foods, a a product lifecycle management (PLM) software company that offers a platform for packaged-food companies to effectively manage and launch new products. Our goal is to help companies reach Nutrition 3.0, a data-driven, nutrient-centered and cost-focused approach to fast formulations and ingredient management. Developing food products that incorporate sustainable and nutritious ingredients costs too much time and money. We aim to change that.
