ACI Group has debuted its active nutrition trend predictions for 2025, with a specific focus on "what's evolving".
The company has based its trend forecast on its horizon scanning and tracking of contemporary trends, which allows it to predict what will drive novel formulations in the year ahead.
According to ACI, until recently, the functional food and nutraceutical industries approached a new year by questioning "what's new", when they'd be better off focusing on how players are redefining and evolving ingredients to be better than ever before.
Here are the five key areas that ACI believes will thrive in 2025:
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Specialist ingredients for inflammation: As chronic, low-grade inflammation has been identified as a culprit of many illnesses and conditions, there's a need to address the root causes of this phenomenon. Curcumin could be the inflammation buster necessary for the job, according to ACI
- The gut-brain axis: Personalisation has long been touted as a key trend in new formulations, but there has been a shift to high-impact daily essentials that are available to all. Products that offer targeted gut health benefits could also benefit a user's cognitive health, creating a two-in-one supplement perfect for health-conscious consumers. For this, ACI highlights the potential of ginger extracts
- Healthy ageing: Ageing can affect the body in many ways, but it has a particularly strong influence on sexual functioning, according to ACI. Since this is an often neglected area and potentially reversible, the nutraceutical industry could potentially look to support older individuals in this area. For this, the company recommends specialised botanical blends inspired by Ayurvedic practises
- Cardiometabolic health: Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death globally, so an increasing number of consumers are looking to improve their cardiovascular health. Bergamot citrus and artichoke leaf extracts can support healthy weight management, so ACI recommends these ingredients in this context
- Performance nutrition for everyday fitness: Performance nutrition used to be for elite athletes only, but this sector is now evolving to cater to everyday fitness enthusiasts. With this change, the sports nutrition market is expanding to offer products that support or enhance an individual's natural performance. For this indication, ACI recommends extracts high in nitrates — supporting the boost in nitric oxide production
Functional ingredients driving change
ACI Group believes that functional ingredients in this space are well defined in terms of products and formats, and that this sector was previously driven by allergen-free, plant-based, clean label products.
While the company believes that these factors are still highly relevant, they must be accompanied by functional benefits.
For instance, te ability of a functional ingredient to enhance cardiometabolic health or promote healthy ageing could set a product aside from the competition.
This prompted ACI to place value on reformulating an existing product to enhance bioavailability, texture of flavour.
According to the company, enhancing the scope of nutrient-dense and bioavailable products could be a big trend for the upcoming year.
ACI also promotes the idea of creating platforms with a small range of specialist products. Formulating fewer products but utilising the best nutraceuticals means that brands can focus on a core area and offer quality products that exhibit tangible effects on the body.
A dynamic new future in active nutrition
As 2025 comes ever closer, it's clear that the active nutrition market is on an upward trajectory.
The global demand for functional foods and beverages, nutraceuticals and functional ingredients is expanding, and consumers are looking for science-backed solutions that align with their health needs.
From anti-inflammatory supplements to gut health, men’s health solutions and performance boosters, the future of active nutrition lies in effective and scientifically validated ingredients. For brands, the key to success is staying ahead of consumer expectations, leveraging innovative ingredients that not only meet health goals but are also easy to incorporate into everyday life.