A Year of Innovation in Functional Food and Drink 2025
2025-12-23T00:01:33+00:00
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Top functional health claims globally are energy, digestive and immunity. Those to watch include healthy ageing, mental health and weight management. Sophia Cornelius, Senior Analyst - Specialised Nutrition - Registered…
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Food
Drinks
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A Year of Innovation in Functional Food and Drink 2025
"Top functional health claims globally are energy, digestive and immunity. Those to watch include healthy ageing, mental health and weight management."
Explore the latest innovations in functional food and drink with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product developments over the past 12 months.
Key innovation trends in the global functional food and drink market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
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What we have seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Global spotlight: functional health claims in food and drink launches
Graph 1: % of all food & drink launches with a functional health claim, by super-category, 2024-25
Global spotlight: energy claims dominate the functional health space in every region
Graph 2: functional food & drink launches by share of functional health claims, by region, 2024-25
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Overview of functional food and drink launches in Europe
Graph 3: food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
Europe: a focus on digestive health and fibre is driving innovation in dairy
Digestive health is a driver for buying functional food and drink
Dairy products with digestive health claims are more likely to feature high or added fibre claims
Graph 4: % of dairy launches with and without a digestive health claim, that feature other selected claims, 2024-25
From bowl to bottle, digestive and fibre claims are prevalent in liquid formats in the dairy category
Brand renovation/innovation: Tesco acknowledges its gut conscious consumers by launching their gut sense range
Europe: functional drinks expand beyond their traditional health claims
Consumers are choosing functional foods and drinks to support mental wellbeing
Functional health claims are common in drink launches
Graph 5: % of drink launches with a functional health claim, by claim, 2024-25
Innovation is using nootropics and adaptogens for relaxation and focus
Brand renovation/innovation: Superkeen develops first autoimmune protocol friendly cereal
The Middle East & Africa (MEA): functional immunity claims appeal to consumers wanting health and longevity
Overview of functional food and drink launches in the Middle East & Africa
Graph 6: share of food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
Immunity is a leading dietary health benefit sought by consumers
Brands cater to the consumer demand for immunity with front of pack claims
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Overview of functional food and drink launches in Asia
Graph 7: share of food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
Asia: rise in energy claims could address age-related stamina decline and support active ageing
Reduced stamina with age is fuelling functional energy claims
Functional energy claims remain most common in sports and energy drinks
Graph 8: % of functional food and drink launches with an energy claim, by category, 2024-25
Functional energy claims are being incorporated into everyday foods and on-the-go solutions
Brand renovation/innovation: Nestlé is innovating to meet the needs of active aging consumers by tackling key health concerns
Asia: indulgence gets a functional twist, with desserts and ice creams incorporating health benefits
The rise of healthy indulgence, nutrition and health is reshaping dessert and ice cream choices
Energy and claims linked to gut health are rising in desserts and ice creams
Graph 9: % of dessert and ice cream launches with a functional health claim, by top health claims, 2024-25
Australia & New Zealand: healthy indulgence transforms snacking with better ingredients and functional benefits
Overview of functional food and drink launches in Australia & New Zealand
Graph 10: share of food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
Snacking is being redefined by consumers’ desire for healthy indulgence
Healthy ingredients are being combined with sweet treats
THE AMERICAS
Overview of functional food and drink launches in North America
Graph 11: share of food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
North America: weight management pivots to enrichment, as trusted ingredients pair with functional health claims
Restriction is giving way to enrichment, as GLP-1s change the weight management landscape
Slimming claims are being combined with other health and nutrition claims consumers know and trust
Graph 12: % of food and drink launches with a slimming claim, that feature selected health and nutrition claims, 2024-25
Nutrient dense launches combining protein and fibre will meet the needs of GLP-1 users
Brand renovation/innovation: Danone is capitalising on the evolving weight management market with its innovative new dairy drink
North America: gut health moves beyond digestion, as multifunctional drinks and diverse health claims gain traction
Consumers are interested in gut health beyond digestive reasons
Gut health is trending, and as a result, so are the claims associated with it
New products offer multiple health benefits
Brand renovation/innovation: Finally introduces chickpea-based nut-free spread for allergen-friendly eating, which is naturally good for the gut
Latin America: snack innovation blends indulgence with functionality
Overview of functional food and drink launches in Latin America
Graph 13: share of food and drink launches with a functional health claim, by category, 2024-25
Consumers are looking for snacks that offer both taste and nutrition
Energy-boosting claims dominate snacks
Graph 14: % of snack launches with a functional health claim and selected nutrition and health claims, 2024-25
Nutrient-rich, health-focused snacks made from natural ingredients
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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