“Ingredients are plug-and-play, offering a faster route to innovation, and new ingredients can benefit any producers, anywhere in the world, from traditional dairy producers to innovative startups, and from price-sensitive to high-end markets. Sunflower protein and probiotics are two examples of these ingredients.”
Cloe Morel, New Business Manager
Lifestyle nutrition – go for fresh, natural and pure
Growing demand for health, combined with changing consumers diets, is highlighting the need for innovative ingredient usage. Proteins, complex carbohydrates, and probiotic content are all growing in importance to meet these needs. Plant-based protein, often from seeds and grain, appeals to the growing flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan population, who are more likely to be seeking out food supplement and nutrition products to ensure their protein intake. Vitamin content will grow in importance for all products as the category becomes more mainstream and part of consumers’ balanced diets.
| Emerging ingredients | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Beta carotene, Ellagic acid | May support cognitive well-being 1,2 |
| L-carnitine | Can help with energy release 3 |
| Chicory root fiber | May assist in maintaining steady blood sugar 4 |
| Dextrin, Guar gum | May support cognitive well-being 5,6 |
| Coleus barbatus extract | Can be linked to metabolism support 7 |
| Seeds & dried fruit | Support overall wellnes 8,9 |
| Plant-based protein | Help meet daily protein needs 10 |
Sports nutrition – add a plant-based product to your brand
Whey protein is strongly associated with the core body-building consumer segment and remains the primary ingredient in Sports Nutrition. Creatine is also popular, as its energy-producing properties appeal to those engaged in endurance sports. The increasing popularity of such sports, such as triathlons, canoeing and long-distance running, is also a major driver in the popularity of glutamine which supports the body during prolonged endurance exercise. Consumer desire for “natural” products is a driver of both glutamine and new plant-based proteins.
| Emerging ingredients | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Plant protein, insect protein, Keto protein | Can provide alternative sources of protein to help meet daily needs 10 |
| Cyclodextrin (gels) | May support fibre intake and digestive health 11,12 |
| Collagen | Being explored for its potential to help maintain joint comfort 13,14 |
| Cannabis/CBD | May assist with managing inflammation and supporting recovery from injury 15 |
| Botanicals; Adaptogens | Can offer natural antioxidant properties 16 |
| Biotin | Can be linked to supporting healthy metabolism and fat utilisation 17,18 |
Special Nutrition – go for naturally sourced, personalised ingredients
Minerals and healthy fats are key ingredients in this category, as they have an important role in supporting the body in a variety of different ways. There is also a growing demand for personalised health. Combined with changing diets, such as the desire for natural and plant-based products, this highlights the need for innovative ingredient usage. New plant-based proteins and probiotic content are some of the ingredients that are growing to meet these needs. Customers suffering from a range of different diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, can get the nutrition they need to aid their ongoing health management via products with these ingredients.
| Emerging ingredients | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vitamins & minerals | Can help maintain general health 19 |
| Ubiquinol | May assist with the body’s natural energy production 20 |
| Metformin | Might support the management of healthy blood sugar levels when used appropriately 21 |
| Non-dairy protein ingredients | Non-dairy proteins can provide an alternative source of protein 10 |
| Emodin | Found in some plant sources, is being explored for its potential role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response 23 |
| Plant-based equivalents to Omega-3 and DHA fatty acids | May help maintain aspects of brain function 24 |
Medical nutrition – ensure a steady supply of emerging ingredients
The main ingredients in medical nutrition are vitamins and minerals. They have a key role in supporting the body in a variety of different ways alongside proteins & amino acids, dietary fibres and omega-3 fatty acids. Patients suffering from a range of different diseases, including cancer and heart disease, can be prescribed extra nutrients by their doctors. Emerging ingredients in this subcategory include CBD, alternative proteins, and products which are free from dairy, gluten and nuts.
| Emerging ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Curcumin, Beta Carotene, L-theanine | Can help maintain cognitive function 1,25,26 |
| L-carnitine | Can help with energy release 3 |
| Resveratrol, Magnesium | May contribute to heart health in some cases 27,28 |
| Dextrin | Can contribute to some digestive health benefits 5 |
| Soy protein isolate, Egg white peptide | Can support daily protein intake 29,30 |
| Corn powder (gluten-free) | Option for specialist formulations 31 |
We help you develop your next secret potion
With our Ingredients Services from Tetra Pak, we can support you from an even earlier stage than before, speeding up your product development process considerably. “We have Product Development Centres around the world where customers can test new recipes. We help ensure a good positioning, and we even advise on package claims to comply with legislation”, says Cloe Morel. And once the recipe is developed and tested, we can either sell you the ingredients or find you a reliable partner from our global network of ingredient suppliers. After years of unsteady supply chains, leading to fluctuations in quality, availability and price, isn’t the thought of uninterrupted production quite satisfying?
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