Market Overview
Health food is growing in demand due to higher sales of organic food3. Consumers’ focus is changing to wellness and a balanced lifestyle to improve immunity4.
‘Natural’ Alternative to Cut Sugar Intake!
Monk fruit sweetener’s popularity is rising due to increasing demand for naturally derived sweeteners and the negative effects of sugar leading to obesity and diabetes8. The unique sweetness of monk fruit which is 300 times sweeter than sugar, but imparting no calories, makes it an ideal option to replace sugar6.
Shifting Away from Sugar
Rising health-related issues associated with sugar also increase the demand for chicory root fibre as it helps in weight and blood-sugar management7. Owing to a high fibre content, it helps to reduce sugar and calorie intake by controlling appetite. It contains up to 35% sweetness of sugar and thus can be used to partially replace sugar in foods without contributing to any off-flavour or aftertaste11.
Consumers Adopting an Active and Healthier Lifestyle
Isomaltulose, which comes from sugar beets, sugar cane and honey, provides advantages to those participating in physical activities aiming for weight control. It has a low glycemic index and sucrose-content which promotes fat-oxidation2. It also offers diabetic patients the benefits that are commonly associated with sugar consumption as it reduces blood triglyceride levels1.
Focus on Immune Health
With growing pandemic cases, immunity becomes one of the top consumers’ interest. Vitamin C and D are in the spotlight as immunity boosters5. Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function as it reduces the susceptibility to infection by fighting back pathogens10. Meanwhile, Vitamin C acts as a protective agent from bacteria and viruses, as well as reduces the common cold symptoms9.
In conclusion, adopting a healthful, active lifestyle is vital to support one’s wellbeing. Choosing low-caloric food that is high in vitamins helps in controlling blood sugar levels as well as boost the immune system.
At DPO, we are honoured to be in partnership with Monk Fruit Corp., Beneo and Hexagon to bring you a range of ingredient choices that could elevate your quality of life.
References
1Brunner, S., Holub, I., Theis, S., Gostner, A., Melcher, R., Wolf, P., Amann-Gassner, U., Scheppach, W., & Hauner, H. (2012). Metabolic effects of replacing sucrose by isomaltulose in subjects with type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind trial. Diabetes Care, 35(6), 1249–1251. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc11-1485
2Henry, C. J., Kaur, B., Quek, R., & Camps, S. G. (2017). A low glycaemic index diet incorporating isomaltulose is associated with lower glycaemic response and variability, and promotes fat oxidation in asians. Nutrients, 9(5), 473. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9050473
3Market Research. (2020). Global Health Food Market (Functional Foods, Functional Drinks & Dietary Supplements): Insights & Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID-19 (2020-2024). Industry Report.
4New Nutrition Business. (2019). 10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health 2020.
5New Nutrition business. (2020). 10 Key Trends in Food, Nutrition & Health 2021.
6Pandey, A. K., & Chauhan O. P. (2019). Monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) – health aspects and food applications. Pantnagar Journal of Research, 17(3), 191-198.
7Persistence Market Research. (2019). Chicory Root Fiber Market – Global Industry Analysis 2014 – 2018 and Forecast 2019 – 2029. Industry Report.
8Research and Markets. (2020). Monk Fruit Sweetener Market – Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2020 – 2025). Industry Report.
9Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb, Y. B., Varvara, G., Murmura, G., Saggini, A., Caraffa, A., Antinolfi, P., Tete, S., Tripodi D., Conti, F., Cianchetti, E., Toniato, E., Rosati, M., Speranza, L., Pantalone, A., Saggini, R., Tei, M., Speziali, A., Conti, P., Theoharides, T. C., Pandolfi, F. (2013). Role of vitamins D, E and C in immunity and inflammation. Journal of Biological Regulator and Homeostatic Agents, 27(2), 291-295.
10Shakoor, H., Feehan, J., Al Dhaheri, A. S., Ali, H. I., Platat, C., Ismail, L. C., Apostolopoulos, V., & Stojanovska, L. (2021). Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19? Maturitas, 143, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.08.003
11Shoaib, M., Shehzad, A., Omar, M., Rakha, A., Raza, H., Sharif, H. R., Niazi, S. (2016). Inulin: Properties, health benefits and food applications. Carbohydrate Polymers, 147, 444-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.04.020
