The use of electrolyte claims is rising in the sports RTD with electrolytes category, with cost and flavor revealed as the primary drivers in consumers’ purchasing preferences at 40% each. Health aspects and benefits took a close second at 38%. Moreover, the use of electrolyte claims in product launches grew by 11% from 2018 to 2022, with 32% of global consumers saying they desired electrolytes in their sports nutrition products. This Nutrition Focus is brought to you by Bartek.
According to Innova Market Insights data, consumers will seek beauty claims for their functional nutrition in 2025. Data shows an especially high rise for beauty-from-within supplements from October 2019 to September 2024, with 15% growth. Europe accounted for 39% of these launches and there was an increase in launches for concentrates. Biotin was the leading beauty ingredient for NPD; zinc bisglycinate showed the fastest growth.
Innova Market Insights data indicates that there is a 4% average annual growth for active nutrition launches from October 2019 to September 2024. Sports Powders was the leading subcategory with 56% share of launches, while Sports Drinks RTD is the fastest growing subcategory. Protein-rich claims are leading. There is a growth in female sports nutrition.
Innova Market Insights data reveals that 87% of consumers globally say they are interested in omega-3 (e.g., DHA, EPA) as an ingredient. Data indicates that from July 2023 to June 2024, 61% of omega-3 launches globally were in the Supplements category. The immune health claims had the fastest growth in omega-3 functional food innovations, while the rising demand for vegan claims in omega-3 supplements is paving the way for more sustainable solutions.
Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers in the US and Asia are increasingly seeking protein in sports and functional beverages. From July 2019 to June 2024, casein protein ready-to-drink (RTD) launches saw a 22% growth. While iced coffee remains the top subcategory, casein use in sports drinks is expanding rapidly. Additionally, immune health claims for casein protein RTDs have surged by 46%.
Innova Market Insights data indicates a 20% average annual growth rate in using the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DE111 in F&B, including supplement launches between July 2019 and June 2024. US/Canada was on the frontline, accounting for two-thirds of global launches. Between July 2023 and June 2024, more than half of launches with Bacillus subtilis DE111 were supplements. Meanwhile, the application of Bacillus subtilis DE111 was rapidly growing in various other categories, such as Sports Nutrition and Soft Drinks.
According to data from Innova Market Insights, global launches of sports nutrition products have been on the rise, showing an average annual growth of 18% between July 2021 and June 2024. While sports powders remained the most popular subcategory, sports drinks experienced the fastest growth. Additionally, 43% of sports nutrition launches worldwide featured a high-protein claim. The NPD market for female-targeted sports nutrition products is also seeing significant growth.
