1、Functional Ingredientsto Watch in 2026The future is functionalThe wellness boom isnt a passing trend its a cultural reset.US consumers now expect functional ingredients to be baked,blended and brewed into everything they eat and drink.Nootropics,proteins and prebiotics have escaped the supplements a
2、isle and are now taking over the supermarket.In this report we explore three important wellness spaces and the functional ingredients to watch out for in 2026.AuthorsCara TimmsInsights Associate,Black Swan DataMichaela OnckerSenior Consultant,Black Swan DataAdam MillwardConsultant,MintelEmma Schofie
3、ldAssociate Director,Global Food Science,MintelSignals from supplementsThe Vitamins,Minerals and Supplements(VMS)category is like an early testing ground for functional ingredients.Before prebiotics disrupted the soda space or protein invaded the snack aisle,they were pills and powders,gels and gumm
4、ies.We can analyze the VMS category to predict the next generation of functional ingredients to permeate food and drink.Mintel understands markets and categories,how they are evolving and why.Black Swan predicts what consumers want next.Together,we turn early trend signals into opportunity spaces an
5、d opportunity spaces into winning products on shelf.Black Swan Data is now part of MintelDelivering the most complete and predictive view of consumer behavior.Muscle Building&RecoveryEvolving exercise goals:from fitness to long-term wellnessConsumers fitness journeys are shifting away from building
6、muscle to restoring,repairing and sustaining the body for long-term wellbeing.30%of US consumers who use sports/performance drinks do so for workout recovery.122%of US consumers of non-alc.beverages say benefits that help them recover from physical activity are key when choosing them.21.Base:1,536 i