As people's health awareness increases, functional foods have gradually attracted attention and become a new growth point in the food industry. Functional foods refer to foods that, on the basis of providing basic nutrients, have specific health effects such as enhancing immunity, regulating blood lipids, and regulating the intestines, and are scientifically proven to be beneficial to human health.
Healthy demand drives the rapid development of the market
According to the "National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030)" released by the Chinese Nutrition Society, functional foods will play an increasingly important role in disease prevention and health management. Market research data shows that the global functional food market size is expected to exceed US$300 billion in 2024 and exceed US$500 billion by 2030. The Chinese market is particularly strong, and consumer demand for products such as dairy products, health drinks, and plant extracts continues to grow.
Technological innovation leads product upgrades
At present, ingredients such as probiotics, collagen, plant polyphenols, and Omega-3 fatty acids are widely used in functional foods to achieve multiple functions such as improving intestinal health, beautifying skin, and protecting the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. Technology companies are also constantly using artificial intelligence, big data analysis and other means to achieve personalized nutrition advice and product customization.
For example, a brand launched a customized nutrition bar that can generate a unique formula based on the user's physical examination results and living habits, which is favored by urban white-collar workers and fitness enthusiasts.
Stricter policy supervision to ensure consumer safety
It is worth noting that with the rapid development of functional foods, regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. my country's "Food Safety Law" clearly stipulates that functional foods must be clinically verified and must not be promoted for the purpose of treating diseases. The State Administration for Market Regulation has also continuously strengthened the sampling and information disclosure of related products to protect consumer rights.
Future Outlook: From "Eating Full" to "Eating Well"
With the popularization of the concept of "preventive medicine", functional foods will play a more important role in health management, chronic disease prevention and control, and coping with an aging society. Experts predict that in the future, functional foods will be deeply integrated with nutritional medicine, genetic testing, smart health platforms, etc. to promote the full implementation of the national health strategy.
