Fats from the right sources, such as avocado and coconut, are considered beneficial and are now found even in decadent products like avocado ice cream and coconut yogurt. The popularity of the keto diet for weight loss is also supporting this interest in healthy fats—particularly MCTs, which are rapidly absorbed and metabolized to reach ketogenesis more easily.

Protein continues to be a sought-after nutrient, especially in snacks. This is because consumers expect snacks to provide satiety and hold them over until the next meal.

On-the-go protein snacks like protein bars, snacking cheese , jerky, and RTD protein shakes let consumers easily bring their healthy snack to work, school, or the gym. For active adults, exercise support benefits like muscle recovery and energy are also important.

See our Bar Solutions —from ingredients to bar development services. Whether the snack of choice is a bar, RTD beverage, or snackable cereal , better-than versions are a clear stand-out to the active consumer.

Added micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, along with the top trending macronutrients protein and fiber, give active adults snack options they can feel good about. While active consumers are likely to use nutritional supplements to promote optimal health, there is still a strong appeal in getting their nutrients through food.

Brands looking at fortifying their snacks should consider that consumer awareness is especially high for vitamin C, calcium, iron, and plant protein. These nutrition trends are overwhelmingly positive and can serve as a reminder of the important role of the food industry in supporting active and healthy lifestyles.

To create foods and beverages for the active consumer, just remember that healthy nutrition is in! Contact Glanbia Nutritionals to learn more about fortifying your products to provide the most important nutrients consumers are looking for.

Our active and healthy lifestyle ingredients —from proteins to bioactives to custom nutrient premixes —have got you covered. Protein contains essential amino acids that our bodies need to support a variety of functions—from muscle building to energy production to immune response. While most people get the bulk of their protein from a healthy diet, some groups of people are interested in the benefits of higher protein intakes —and protein powder helps them achieve this.

A protein powder offers a quick and easy way to take in more protein than one can usually get from foods. This is because a protein powder has been processed from the original food into a concentrated source of protein. Athletes , active lifestyle consumers , and seniors are just a few examples of people looking for extra protein for muscle support, satiety, weight management, and more.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance RDA for an adult with minimum physical activity is 0. This means that someone with a low activity level who weighs lbs. should be sure to consume at least 55 grams of protein each day to prevent a protein deficiency.

This can be calculated by dividing your weight in lbs by 2. However, certain groups of people have higher protein needs. For example, starting in their 40s to 50s, people need to increase their protein to People with very high activity levels especially those who regularly lift weights or engage in endurance sports may require 1.

For humans, the essential water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B1 thiamine , vitamin B2 riboflavin , vitamin B3 niacin , vitamin B5 pantothenic acid , vitamin B6 pyridoxine , vitamin B7 biotin , vitamin B9 folate , vitamin B12 cobalamin , and vitamin C ascorbic acid.

The essential fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A , vitamin D , vitamin E , and vitamin K. The essential minerals are categorized as macrominerals or trace minerals, with the latter required by the body in only tiny amounts.

The essential macrominerals are calcium , phosphorous , magnesium , sodium , chloride , potassium , and sulfur , while the essential trace minerals are iron , manganese , copper , zinc , iodine , and selenium.

Functional foods are foods that provide a health or wellness benefit beyond essential nutrients. While these can include foods and beverages that naturally contain beneficial ingredients like MCTs in coconut, beta-glucan fiber in oats , and L-theanine in green tea , functional foods more commonly refer to products that have been fortified with functional ingredients.

Functional ingredients, also known as bioactive ingredients , include certain botanicals, fatty acids, amino acids, fruit and vegetable extracts, and mushrooms, as well as functional fibers and proteins. A sports drink with antioxidants, a cereal with probiotics, and a nutrition bar with turmeric are all examples of functional foods.

Many different nutrients support sports performance due to their roles in muscle building, endurance, or exercise recovery. High-quality protein is the most important nutrient for building, repairing, and maintaining muscle since it contains all the essential amino acids. One amino acid in particular, the branched-chain amino acid leucine , is known for activating the protein synthesis process.

Endurance athletes also need to consume adequate water and replenish their electrolytes , including potassium and magnesium , to prevent muscle cramps and fatigue.

Like electrolytes, iron —which plays key roles in oxygen transport and energy metabolism—is also lost through perspiration.

Iron requirements are often much higher for endurance athletes and those engaging in high-intensity exercise, making iron another important nutrient for optimal performance.

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Highlights: Active consumers, who are individuals that have regular exercise routines, are very deliberate in their food and beverage purchases and are likely to spend more to ensure the product meets their needs.

The top nutrition trends for active consumers include: no- and low-sugar hydration, natural energy boosters, healthy fats, on-the-go protein, and fortified snacks. But what about more specific trends affecting each of these categories?

Caffeine is a very popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It can help increase power and performance in activities from intermittent sports like soccer to endurance events like long-distance running. Creatine, an organic compound found in human muscle cells, is another popular pre-workout ingredient.

It helps recycle energy to increase strength and muscle mass during high-intensity repetitive exercises. Some new ingredients fueling pre-workout trends include mushroom blends that provide stimulant-free energy, and adaptogens for anti-fatigue and immune support. Creatine is also popular in post-workout supplements as it helps bring more energy to recovering muscles.

Likewise, carbohydrates are critical to fueling the recovery process after a workout. Some sports nutritionists recommend a to ratio of carbs to protein consumed within 30 minutes after exercising.

Portability is a big plus for consumers looking to take their pre- and post-workout to the gym. Single serving stick packs and sachets offer convenience and ease of use. Bars are a great complement to powders for the on-the-go consumer and their design should consider the timing of the workout.

If eaten pre-workout, consumers are looking for energy to propel them through their routine. Bars should also be designed with transportation in mind——if the consumer will be carrying the bar around in their pocket or gym bag, an uncoated bar may prove less messy.

Some vitamins and minerals can play an important role in optimizing metabolic function. For example, vitamin B12 plays an important role in the efficient breakdown of fats and proteins.

Consumers often confuse the increased use of these ingredients as proof that they actually work. At Nellson, we aim to remain as transparent as possible. Metabolism boosters containing botanicals are becoming popular but can present undesirable flavor notes.

To improve the flavor of a formula with multiple botanical ingredients, we start by taste testing each ingredient. We then adjust the flavoring components to find the best mouthfeel, salinity and acidity before working on masking, sweetness and final flavor.

By focusing on the supporting aspects first, we are able to develop amazing flavors. Consumers are gaining a better understanding about what specifically works for their gut.

As a result, the diversity of available probiotic strains and the combination of prebiotics with probiotics have increased steadily.