As consumers continue to recognize the important place of digestive health in immunity and cognitive and emotional health, their appetite for food formulations that offer gastrointestinal benefits grows. As better-for-you food and beverage formulators strive to stay up to date on new ingredients in the pipeline, it’s worth a brief look at a few key ingredients expected to trend in the coming year and beyond.

Four Sigmatic Functional Creamers transform an ordinary cup of coffee into an extraordinary functional beverage by combining creamy coconut and real vanilla or real cacao with MCT Oil, adaptogens, and an effective dose of functional mushrooms.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

Functional food company So Good So You launched its first formulation powered by adaptogenic mushrooms. Immunity Blueberry Clementine includes organic Shiitake, Maitake and Reishi mushrooms and provides 100% of an adult's recommended daily value of Vitamin D3.

There are many GRAS or GRAS-affirmed ingredients poised for use in foods and beverages to improve health and well-being. Some are “new,” some have been gaining traction, and some are surprisingly familiar. Here are half a dozen that merit a closer look.

The Odyssey Functional Mushroom Brew line includes four unique flavor combinations, featuring different types of functional mushrooms and adaptogens.

Crafted from ethically-sourced, certified organic plant-based ingredients (single-origin heirloom cacao, coconut sugar and an efficacious dose of lion’s mane mushroom extract), this handcrafted chocolate is a satisfying and elevated health-promoting snack.

From lactic acid fermentations of produce (such as kimchi and sauerkraut), to fermenting of dairy (cheese, yogurt, etc.), to the curing and smoking of fish and meat are all proven, effective methods and technologies humans have relied on through the ages to alter the intrinsic properties of foods and extend their consumability.

The new Morning Energy Blend contains two species of Cordyceps, plus Vitamin D2 from Agaricus bisporus to support energy, vitality and mood

Village Farms International, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, Balanced Health Botanicals, has expanded its product portfolio with the launch of its Synergy Collection, developed to enhance the benefits offered by the hemp plant beyond CBD.