The rise of functional foods shouldn’t come as a surprise, with millions of users sharing tips on TikTok. Ever since the pandemic took place, people have looked out more for their health, especially Millenials and GenZ, and that includes their diet. But what exactly are functional foods and why are they trending? In today’s blog post we’re breaking down the concept and sharing some interesting examples. 

Definition 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines functional foods as “A food, which beneficially affects one or more target functions in the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way that is relevant to either an improved state of health and well-being and/or reduction of risk of disease”. Did you know the concept originated in Japan in the 1980s when government agencies started approving foods with proven benefits in an effort to better the health of the general population? 

In fact, since the introduction of fortified foods, the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies has significantly decreased around the globe. For instance, after iron-fortified wheat flour was introduced in Jordan, rates of iron deficiency anemia among children were nearly cut in half. 

Examples 

Consumers have turned to purchased foods, especially those containing probiotic bacteria or prebiotics, that constitute some of the functional food market, which is constantly expanding.  

The common sources of functional foods rich in probiotics are yogurt, cultured buttermilk, and cheese. The other foods that are produced by bacterial fermentation are Japanese miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, beer, sourdough, bread, chocolate, kimchi, olives, and pickles. Another fermented dairy product is kefir. But among these, the dominant food vehicles for probiotics are still yogurts and fermented milks, both of which provide a relatively low pH environment in which the probiotic bacteria must survive. 

Probiotics can be used then to fortify dairy products, confectionery, beverages, and many others, which can help generate vitamins (such as B9 or B12) or other interests that we have (diabetes, weight control, immune system…).

Benefits 

Functional foods provide important nutrients that can help protect against disease. Many are especially rich in antioxidants. These molecules help neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals, helping prevent cell damage and certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. 

One example includes functional foods that are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat shown to reduce inflammation, boost brain function, and promote heart health. In addition to having a beneficial effect due to the metabolites they provide, they also modulate the intestinal microbiota, helping in multiple disorders/diseases.

DARWIN’s Functional Foods 

Here at DARWIN, we help companies develop their functional foods thanks to our advanced bioprospecting techniques. Some examples in our portfolio include Yox con Mentalis, Alpina’s new dairy shot product, which also includes vitamin B5, a micronutrient, B12, and choline. This probiotic, Levilactobacillus brevis, generates GABA, a neurotransmitter, which plays a significant role in behavior, cognition, and the body’s response to stress.  

Another great example consists of nuts enriched with probiotics naturally found in them, enhancing a product that already had very interesting properties. These products combine the benefits of nuts as a source of calcium and omega-3 with the probiotic properties of the selected microorganisms. 

We can be your trusted partner in developing functional foods. Contact us today.