trend More functional products

Functional food is becoming increasingly popular

Functional foods often involve added or removed ingredients to enhance the health properties of the product. For example, products can be enriched with extra fiber or protein, or they can contain a lower cholesterol content. The goal is to improve nutritional value without sacrificing taste and overall eating experience.

Functional food is increasingly gaining popularity, as consumers consciously choose products that not only fulfill basic nutritional needs, but also offer specific health benefits. Consider foods that contribute to a stronger immune system, improved digestion, or increased energy levels.

90 percent of the Dutch population does not eat according to the Wheel of Five guidelines.

Source: rivm.nl

For healthy people who eat a varied and healthy diet according to the Wheel of Five, functional foods have fewer benefits than people who do not adhere to the guidelines. Only 10 percent of the Dutch population eats according to the Wheel of Five. For a large part of the population, these functional foods are said to offer health benefits.

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Optimalisatie onderzoek

On average, healthy people need 0.83 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. In the Netherlands, the average for men is about 85 grams and for women 67 grams.

Source: wateetnederland.nl

The average fiber intake in the Netherlands is much lower than the RDA of 25 to 30 grams, namely 21 grams.

Source: wateetnederland.nl

For product developers, the challenge lies in creating these functional products without sacrificing sensory qualities, such as taste and texture. Sensory tests therefore play a crucial role in the development of functional foods. These tests ensure that new products not only meet consumers’ health expectations, but are also attractive to the senses. This increases the chance that these innovations will become successful and widely accepted.