Adults of all ages are turning to foods and beverages to help them maintain enough energy to support fast-paced lives
A new year finds many US consumers struggling to shed extra pounds and keep them off—while recognizing the importance of engaging in regular physical activity to promote overall good health. Likewise, adults of all ages are turning to foods and beverages to help them maintain enough energy to support fast-paced lives.
Without a doubt, this is why some of most popular functional foods are sports drinks and nutrition bars. According to market research publisher Packaged Facts, 36% of all U.S. adults consume sports drinks. Meanwhile, dollar sales in the nutrition bar segment grew an impressive 8% in 2014 to reach $2 billion. Despite the popularity of both segments, several factors—including a shift away from sugary sports drinks to more natural formulations, as well as increased consumer demand for nutrition bars featuring savory rather than sweet ingredients—are ushering in a new era of sports nutrition.