The gummy format offers a fun and flavorful eating experience for consumers who want to tap into added nutritional benefits. Mintel reports that gummy formats are now the number one way adults aged 35 and younger consume supplements.

What do you have on your shopping list this week? It probably includes at least one item with a functional ingredient. Protein bars to keep your energy up, probiotic gummies to support your gut biome, or turmeric mango green tea to boost your immune system. All are examples of how functional ingredients add value to otherwise ordinary products.

Functional foods and beverages offer consumers countless ways to pursue health or lifestyle goals through food choices. And manufacturers can add functional options to their assortment as a tactic for building market share and brand loyalty.

What is it about the tangy taste of fresh apple cider that makes us happier? Do you notice that even thinking about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll can make your mouth water?

Fact: Most people like to try new flavors

• 67% of us agree that “we love to discover new flavors.” We rank taste as the #1 driver of choice for foods and beverages, according to a study from Innova.
• More than 70% of people will visit a food & drink establishment that offers new flavors, says Technomic’s research, with two-thirds agreeing they’ll pay more for innovative tastes.

When the calendar flips to September, we leave summer behind for a new season. We start craving fall flavors even if the hot temps stick around. Despite changes to our routines this year, the flavors we associate with fall and winter seem strongly connected to cheerful times like: