5 Innovation Trends Shaping the Food Tech Industry

Technology is revolutionizing the food sector, from its growth and production to its distribution and supply worldwide. The latest advancements in food tech trends enhance how the industry handles production, distribution, and consumption, demonstrating how AI, automation, and other technologies enhance the food industry. 

Agriculture is becoming more automated, using digital and advanced technology to produce food and raw materials. GMOs, drones, meat industry technology, crop monitoring, and other technologies are used in food production. (Source)(Source)

The increasing demand for vegan food also allows companies to research alternative protein sources such as plants. Further, the food industry is working on sustainable packaging to improve environmental health. 

All these aspects are together changing the food tech industry. This study explores the top five innovation trends in food technology and the startups bringing this change.

However, our report covers 10 Food Tech Trends that you can get by filling out the form below:

Let’s explore the trends:

Trend 1: Alternative Proteins

Plants will become the dominant alternative protein source due to their low impact on the environment and consumers’ perception of positive health benefits. In addition, alternative proteins consume less land and water and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants than conventional proteins. 

Further, alterations in consumer behavior and an increased interest in alternative protein sources have paved the way for expansion in the alternative protein industry. Plant protein, insects, Mycoprotein, and Cultured meat are the four leading alternative protein sources.

(Source)(Source)

In 2021, the global alternative proteins market was valued at $14.76 billion and is expected to reach $37.64 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.1%. 

In 2021, North America held the highest market share, 34.9%, out of the global alternative proteins market. During the forecast period, it is anticipated that the European alternative food market will grow rapidly due to the rapid development in the number of food producers with sustainable supply chains. (Source)

Advantages of Using Alternative Proteins

Rise In Per Capita Income of The Consumers – The increase in the per capita income resulted in an increasing demand for dietary intake for humans and animals. The human body cannot produce nine essential amino acids supplemented through dietary intake. Therefore, any food that contains these nine amino acids is a complete source of protein. Further, the high amino acid and vitamin content of plant-based proteins alternative protein is also a valuable source for animal feed that has emerged as a concern worldwide. It has increased the market share of the alternative proteins market. (Source)(Source)

Maintaining Sustainability – Consumer focus on sustainability, growing health concerns, and a desire for exceptional flavor in meat analogs are a few reasons boosting demand for meat analogs, which is predicted to impact the alternative protein market growth positively. Texturized vegetable proteins have an elastic, spongy texture and various other textural features that make them suitable for use in meat mimic products. Furthermore, meat analogs have a longer shelf life and are safer than meat products. Hence, they are employed in various food products, which boosts the market growth of alternative proteins. (Source)

Challenges of Alternative Proteins

Compliance With Stringent Regulatory Requirements – There needs to be more regulatory guidance regarding edible insects in the food industry. Consumption of edible insects varies from person to person. It slows the growth of insect-based protein growth. Furthermore, allergies connected with various alternative proteins, such as plant-based and insect-based proteins, are limiting market expansion. Secondly, strict regulatory compliances for the livestock industry are limiting market expansion. Despite the availability of a wide range of proteins on the market, not all are safe for use in the livestock business. It results in significant investments in alternative proteins for various animals. (Source)

Startups Working on Alternative Proteins

1. TurtleTree

TurtleTree generates milk components by deploying its proprietary, cell-based technology that benefits the world, especially animals. Cell samples are collected from animals and allowed to develop in a unique growth medium. The cells eventually produce dairy components, which are then processed. The cultivated dairy is then created and ready for sale. (Source)(Source)

Cell-based Technology Process

Important Collaborations

In 2021, TurtleTree and Solar Biotech partnered to address the technologies needed to scale up the bio-manufacturing process. TurtleTree would deploy Solar Biotech’s fully solar-powered biomanufacturing technology and facilities to scale production and reduce costs. (Source)

2. Next-Gen Foods

Along with chicken products, it intends to offer additional plant-based meat substitutes. The company is currently in its infancy and early phases of development. (Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Next-Gen Foods partnered with the Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC), a company wholly owned by Temasek, to launch its first global R&D and innovation center in Singapore. FTIC will house Next-Gen Foods’ full-time R&D and technology teams based in Singapore, with ambitions to expand its R&D team next year. (Source)

3. Growthwell Foods

Growthwell Foods, headquartered in Singapore, emphasizes on plant-based, meat-free lifestyle. The foods are high in protein, which is necessary for developing and strengthening immunity. By incorporating plant-based innovation into vibrant food cultures, the firm develops a healthier, more sustainable food system that values the body, culinary traditions, and the environment. In 2021, Growthwell Foods opened an Innovation and R&D Manufacturing Centre. It is a fully automated large-scale plant-based production facility. Every year, the cutting-edge facility produces 2,000 tonnes of alternative protein products. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Growthwell Foods partnered with a premium food supplier, Indoguna. The partnership was part of Growthwell’s goal to feed 100 million people with its plant-based options. After collaborating with Indoguna, Growthwell’s new vegan seafood was made available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. (Source)

4. Shiok Meats

Headquartered in Singapore, Shiok Meats is a cell-based meat and seafood startup revolutionizing the shrimp market. Shiok Meats develops the same flavors by cultivating meat and seafood cells in nutrient-rich environments while minimizing environmental impact. It utilizes 3D printing to give texture to synthetic shrimp meat made from isolated stem cells, mimicking the flavor and texture of real meat. (Source)(Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Shiok Meats acquired Gaia Foods to expand into red meat and broaden its product line beyond cell-cultured crustacean meat. The company’s goal was to get the technical team from Gaia Foods on board, so they could continue developing their cellular red meat products. The acquisition aligned with their expansion strategy, which aimed to rapidly broaden the company’s product line to reach the cell-based meat technology markets. (Source)

5. Avant 

Avant, headquartered in Hong Kong, has a patent-pending unique biotechnology platform to develop animal-free fish proteins from fish cells in a cost-effective and fully traceable bioprocess. The technique enables companies to produce meat and animal proteins without raising, capturing, or slaughtering animals. Its cell cultivation technology for meat production can save natural resources for the ecosystems while assisting malnourished populations. It also reduces waste and public health hazards related to breeding animals for food. (Source)(Source)

The Process

Important Collaborations

In 2022, Avant Meats established a partnership with QuaCell, enabling a 90% decrease in production costs. This new collaboration quickened its scale-up goals, lowering the startup’s schedule for bringing its spectrum of cell-based proteins to the market. (Source)

Interested in more Startups? Here read about 10 Alternative Protein Startups.

Trend 2: Nutraceuticals

In recent times, nutraceuticals have seen a rapid rise in popularity. They are employed as an alternative or in addition to pharmaceutical treatments to assist in preventing and treating various diseases. (Source)(Source)

In 2021, the global nutraceuticals market was valued at $454.55 billion and is expected to grow and reach $991.09 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 9%. 

In 2021, the Asia Pacific region had the largest market share of more than 30%. The APAC market is likely driven by people’s growing concerns about their health and their growing knowledge about nutraceuticals. The market has been boosted by several factors, such as an increasingly aging population, shifting lifestyle preferences, and healthcare spending habits. The United States constituted around 24.6% of the global nutraceuticals market in the North American region. (Source)

Advantages of Using Nutraceuticals

Combating Health Problems – Nutraceuticals such as prebiotics, probiotics, dietary fiber, and other herbal or natural foods help to treat health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol, and so on. As a result, nutraceutical has led to a new era of medicine and health, in which the food industry has become a research-oriented sector. (Source)

Treating Inflammation – Nutraceuticals can prevent and treat inflammation due to the presence of phytochemicals. It can also reduce oxidative stress in chronic inflammatory disorders such as pneumonia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. The internet and media have also made it easier for consumers to purchase nutraceuticals. (Source)(Source)

Increase In Average Life Expectancy – Nutraceuticals are preventive medicine that has increased life expectancy. Recognizing diseases before they become serious problems or harm patients allows for faster treatment and recovery. Furthermore, treatment may not be necessary at all. Nutraceuticals can also slow down the aging process to increase life expectancy. Current research has shown that herbal nutraceuticals can help with oxidative stress disorders such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, allergies, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and obesity. (Source)

Challenges of Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical industry constantly faces challenges in developing and producing safe and effective products. Some of the challenges include the following:

Poor Regulatory Framework and Lack Of Trustworthiness: The nutraceutical industry is not as regulated as the pharmaceutical industry, leading to product quality and safety concerns. Consumers in some markets like India must know nutraceutical products’ benefits and risks. This lack of education and information has resulted in skepticism among consumers and a reluctance to adopt nutraceuticals as a part of their daily regimen.

Evidence-based Research: There is a need for more robust and scientifically rigorous research to support the claims made by nutraceutical products.

Standardization: There needs to be more standardization in the manufacturing of nutraceutical products, leading to consistency in product quality and efficacy.

Consumer Education: Many consumers need to be fully informed about the benefits and risks associated with nutraceutical products, leading to confusion and misinformation.

Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and consistency of nutraceutical products can be challenging, especially when maintaining potency and purity over time.

Dilution and Adulteration – Adulteration fraud is said to be common in nutraceuticals. Scammers put extra substances without mentioning them on the label. It can endanger customers’ lives. Adulteration with pharmaceutical drugs is also a problem. Bodybuilding and low-weight supplements have been contaminated with drugs that boost their effects.

Overall, the nutraceutical industry is facing the challenge of balancing product innovation and efficacy with the need for safety and regulation while ensuring that the industry remains sustainable and profitable in the long term. (Source)(Source)

Startups Working on Nutraceuticals

1. Nuritas

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. and Nuritas announced a multi-year collaboration to sustainably back the food production systems needed to feed the world’s growing population. Nuritas would deploy its revolutionary technology platform, which employs Artificial Intelligence and DNA analysis to anticipate, unlock, and confirm highly effective peptides from plant sources, as part of this crucial collaboration. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. would use its extensive scientific knowledge and application skills to evaluate the efficacy of these novel findings in field testing before commercializing the resulting goods internationally. (Source)

2. Iwi Life

Algae is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for human health and well-being. Iwi Life’s algae require no fresh water to develop and are 300 times more productive than peas in vital amino acid production. The patented Almega®PL by Iwi Life is a vegetarian, EPA-rich omega-3 oil derived from sustainably harvested microalgae. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Qualitas Health collaborated with Grupo Indukern and Gullspng Re: food VC. Qualitas Health accelerated corporate growth by developing unique, algae-centered products and expanding its reach in the plant-based products industry due to these partnerships. (Source)

3. Brightseed 

Brightseed, headquartered in the United States, uses a fundamental AI technology – Forager. It is a digital platform that reveals the connection between plant bioactive and human biology. It is a phytonutrient-finding AI technique. Its artificial intelligence identifies phytonutrients hidden in nature and scientifically evaluates their influence on human health and wellness.  Forager’s discoveries have resulted in an IP-protected pipeline of bioactive that improve health and have a real, measurable influence on people’s lives. (Source)(Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Brightseed and Ocean Spray collaborated to utilize Brightseed’s A.I., Forager®, to profile the cranberries’ components and discover new connections between human health and cranberries. The collaboration puts Ocean Spray on the path to having the world’s most comprehensive nutritional profile of cranberry. (Source)

In 2020, Brightseed signed a partnership with Pharmavite LLC to identify phytonutrients currently undiscovered in the plant kingdom. The partnership uses Forager to target select human biological pathways and identify new active natural compounds scientifically validated through biomedical processes. (Source)

4. Plix 

Plix, headquartered in India, was founded with a personal need and the firm idea that nutrition may be obtained through functional components found in nature in simple and handy form factors. It is a plant-based nutraceutical brand that is excellent for the environment. The products are designed with high-quality plant-based components that help to fuel, rejuvenate, and heal. (Source)(Source)

Plix’s Products

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Plix and Olena announced a merger to consolidate their operations under one roof – PLIX and Olena are now officially part of Plix. Their objective is to improve India’s eating habits. They aspire to realize their goal by developing more creative, healthy, convenient, and delicious plant-based products. The brand’s approach is based on total transparency and educating people on what goes into their goods and what they eat. (Source)

5. Canomiks

Canomiks, headquartered in the United States, is a technology company that uses a genomics and AI-based platform to produce novel formulations while validating, testing, and certifying the biological effectiveness and safety of components and formulations. 

It utilizes GeneTune® technology that creates innovative formulations to aid in treating chronic diseases or promoting overall health and wellness. Dietary supplements, meals, and drinks can all benefit from these formulations. This ground-breaking patented technology is transforming the functional dietary supplement and food and beverage industries. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2022, Canomiks and KiwiTech formed a strategic partnership to develop novel formulations and validate, test, and certify the biological effectiveness and safety of constituents and formulations. In addition to their expertise in scaling emerging tech startups, they provided Canomiks with access to a network of investors, industry experts, and mentors to help them succeed in the dietary supplement and functional food and beverage industries. (Source)

Interested in more startups? Here read about 10 Nutraceutical Startups.

Trend 3: Sugar Reduction

Sugar reduction technology is a global macro trend allowing less sugar while maintaining flavor.

Health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, cardiac disease, and skin issues have moved consumer interest to low-calorie and sugar-free items, thus driving the trend. Diet-conscious customers’ need for low-sugar foods and beverages is giving businesses profitable opportunities in the future. Food safety authorities’ efforts and endorsements to reduce sugar and eliminate trans fats in processed diet items to prevent diseases are also pushing the industry. (Source)(Source)

In 2021, the global sugar reduction market was valued at $16.4 billion and is expected to grow and reach $20.1 billion by 2026 with a CAGR of 6.2%. 

In 2020, North America held the highest market share at 35%, followed by Europe at 25% and Asia Pacific at 20%. North America dominated the market due to the rising awareness of healthy diet solutions with low or no sugar and zero calories. In addition, the rising older population and diabetes and obese patients are also driving the market in North America. (Source)

Advantages of Using Sugar Reduction

Diabetes and Obesity – According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes affects 422 million people worldwide, with the majority living in low- and middle-income nations. Furthermore, according to WHO data, 1.9 billion mature adults worldwide were overweight in 2016, with 650 million obese. The rising number of diabetic and obese people propels the Sugar Reduction Technology Market. (Source) 

Covid-19 – The Covid-19 pandemic has raised customer awareness, causing the market to adjust to stay ahead of the competition. Technological advancements in the Sugar Reduction Technology market that enable efficient manufacturing expanded product portfolio, sophisticated design and packaging, effective operational maintenance, and sales monitoring are essential growth factors. Therefore, Sugar Reduction Technology Market Revenue is predicted to increase at a healthy CAGR due to massive millennial demand and growing markets. (Source)

Challenges of Sugar Reduction

Lack Of Sweetness Intensity – Sugar reduction in food and beverage is complicated due to the sweetness and related crunch that sugar lends to nutritious options such as biscuits and cakes. These usually lack natural non-sugar sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit. Non-sugar sweeteners are primarily bitter and do not have the same sweetness intensity as sucrose. Although stevia extract is 200 times sweeter than sugar and monk fruit extract is 150 times sweeter than sugar, not everyone enjoys their flavor. This problem is impeding the growth of the Sugar Reduction Technology Market.  But startups are nevertheless taking up the challenge.  (Source)

Startups Working on Sugar Reduction

1. Better Juice

Better Juice, based in Israel, is one of the first food technology startups to deliver cutting-edge technology that reduces sugars in orange juice. The company’s patent-pending technology uses only natural ingredients to turn monosaccharides and disaccharides (such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose) into prebiotic and non-digestible fibers and sugars, all while preserving the beverage’s flavor. Better Juice makes technology that can cut up to 80% sugar in natural juices and fruit-based formulations such as purées. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2022, Better Juice and GEA partnered to establish a new pilot facility to allow juice producers to test their sugar-reduction technology. The GEA innovation center in Ahaus, Germany, features the Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid among its many other cutting-edge technologies. The facility will offer laboratory services for testing all significant analytical parameters. During the trials conducted by visiting firms, staff from Better Juice and GEA skilled engineers will follow and guide the firms. (Source)

2. Arboreal

“In high-sugar items, like Indian sweets and cakes, Arboreal’s solutions are a first in the industry and have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in sugar reduction. Our IP and know-how currently place us among the top five companies globally in the natural sugar reduction space. Majority of the new launches in the low- and zero-calorie segment in India use our solutions.” – Swati Pandey, Co-founder, and CEO, Arboreal. (Source)

3. DouxMatok

DouxMatok, based in Israel, is a global food-tech firm that offers superior nutrition via its sugar-based sugar-reduction technologies in answer to the consumers’ taste preferences and the growing need for healthier foods. Incredo® Sugar is the very first product invented utilizing exclusive technology. It is a one-of-a-kind sugar reduction solution produced from natural cane or beet sugar. (Source)

Incredo Sugar Vs. Regular Sugar

Important Collaborations

In 2022, DouxMatok and Better Nutritionals partnered to provide sugar-reduced gummies that taste just as good as regular gummies to customers of Better Nutritionals. The collaboration will explore new horizons in gummy supplements and help companies launch new products in the market while still keeping their commitment to high-quality nutraceutical-grade products that taste great. (Source)

4. Inulox 

Inulox invented an enzyme-based sugar reduction technique. This technology can convert sugar into a prebiotic fiber. It is based on natural enzymes derived from good gut bacteria that function in the body after consuming foods or drinks with sugar. The enzyme can be mixed straight into foods and does not affect the taste or texture. The company aims to assist people in benefiting from lower sugar and higher fiber diets. The enzyme will be marketed to food producers and manufacturers in the near future. (Source)

5. BlueTree

BlueTree is developing a sugar reduction platform for industrial applications in the beverage sector. Its goal is to selectively eliminate sugars from natural drinks without using additives.

The company has developed a technology, a system, and a product for 100% natural, freshly squeezed orange juice, with the amount of sugar in the juice being physically selectively decreased by up to 50%. It can be used for any natural liquids that are high in sugar. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, BlueTree partnered with a global natural ingredients and compounds supplier, Prodalim. The two companies have inked a deal for the future sale of 100 million liters of reduced-sugar, 100% natural orange juice. The Prodalim and BlueTree teams will commercialize BlueTree’s goods. (Source)

Trend 4: Sustainable Food Packaging

The food industry is pressured to find sustainable alternatives and fulfill increasing customer needs for sustainable food. Many businesses have devised creative ways to replace traditional food packaging materials. In the coming years, the sustainable food packaging market will likely expand as consumers become more aware of the dangers of using plastic for food packaging. (Source)(Source)(Source)

In 2019, the global sustainable food packaging market was valued at $144.66 billion and is expected to grow and reach $326.32 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 10.7%.

The food sector is anticipated to dominate global sustainable packaging during the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increasing use of recycled plastic, which is available at a low cost and is also beneficial to the environment. In 2019, the global sustainable food packaging market accounted for around 51.6% of the total global sustainable packaging market. A rising number of restaurants and diners drive the industry’s expansion. (Source)(Source)

Advantages of Using Sustainable Food Packaging

Environmental Effects – Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging is frequently built from recycled materials, which lowers resource waste during production. The production process is also more efficient, reducing the consumption of resources and the negative environmental impact on organizations. (Source)

Strengthening Brand Image – Environment-friendly packaging has boosted brand images by proving to be responsible and careful about the environment. This has resulted in greater sales, increasing the revenue of the market. (Source)

Green Packaging with More Storage and More Space – Sustainable packaging is more creative and eco-friendlier with more space. This, in turn, reduces the freight costs as the transport costs reduce, thereby making it beneficial in the long run. Sustainable packaging also can expand the product line with a smaller package footprint. (Source)

Challenges of Sustainable Food Packaging

Cost Considerations – The primary goal of any industry is to minimize costs while increasing profits. Most businesses strive to achieve this without sacrificing the quality of their packaging design. Compared to traditional packaging methods, the cost of materials used in sustainable packaging is higher. In the long term, this is costly for businesses. (Source)

Meeting Current Standards and Consumer Expectations – Customers can be restless, and manufacturers certainly don’t want to offer them any incentive to switch to a competitor’s goods. While demand is turning toward sustainability, customers still anticipate a similar experience to what they have had in the past, which poses a significant issue. (Source)

Startups Working on Sustainable Food Packaging

1. SwapBox 

SwapBox, based in the Netherlands, is a zero-waste packaging firm developing and manufacturing reusable packaging for the food and beverage sectors. SwapBox’s packaging innovation seeks to be environmentally friendly by recycling materials. The packaging can be reused up to 500 times, saving 500 disposable packaging. By reusing materials in two ways, SwapBox’s packaging concept seeks to be environmentally friendly. Designed and manufactured in Belgium, the microwavable bowls of SwapBox are crafted from 100% recyclable polypropylene. (Source)(Source)

SwapBox Products

2. SoFresh

SoFresh, based in the United States, creates packaging materials that save food and keep it from getting moldy. Its products let food manufacturers eliminate preservatives, stop wastage, lower production costs, and give customers better quality. The business infuses the film and containers with natural food-grade extracts to emit active vapor in food. Mold spores that absorb the vapor have a far more difficult time surviving since it slows the metabolism. The product line includes conventional and customized bread and bakery packaging, lid stock materials, overwrap films, and barrier laminations. (Source)

3. Impactful Health R&D

4. LAM’O

LAM’ON, headquartered in Bulgaria, makes packaging made of lamination film and foil that is 100% compostable and biodegradable. The company makes a packaging foil called PACK’ON out of polylactic acid derived from corn. The foil’s antibacterial properties and oxygen barrier make it excellent for food packing. The film and foil degrade in natural elements such as water, carbon dioxide, and composite. (Source)

5. Parkside 

Parkside, headquartered in the United Kingdom, specializes in advanced packaging. The company’s sustainable packaging options include solutions that can be recycled, reused, resealed, or composted. The collection has a wide range of plastic and paper flexible laminate options. It can be used for snacks, fruit and vegetables, coffee, confectionery, and other products in the ambient, chilled, and frozen segments. The company has manufacturing units in the UK and Asia and offices in Europe, Russia, China, and Singapore for sales, development, and research. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2022, Parkside partnered with Iceland to make recyclable paper packaging for frozen food. The cutting-edge sustainable approach was developed for the supermarket’s Northcoast selection of frozen fish. As it was one of the first successful deployments of paper flexible packaging for frozen food, the packaging solution that the company developed marks a significant milestone for Iceland and the frozen food industry. (Source)

Interested in more startups? Here read about 10 Sustainable Packaging Startups.

Trend 5: Personalized Nutrition

Personalized nutrition is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to several factors. The increased focus on health and wellness has led many people to take a more proactive approach to their health and look for ways to improve it. In addition, advances in technology and science have enabled the development of sophisticated tools for measuring and analyzing various aspects of an individual’s health, such as genetic and biochemical markers.

Personalized nutrition considers an individual’s unique needs, goals, and preferences and provides tailored recommendations based on that information. This personalized approach is seen as a way to achieve better health outcomes by addressing an individual’s unique health status and biochemistry. Personalized nutrition fits the growing trend of precision medicine, which seeks to tailor medical treatments to an individual’s specific health needs.

Consumers are also increasingly interested in using data and technology to manage their health and wellness. Personalized nutrition offers a way to utilize these tools to achieve better health outcomes.

(Source)(Source)

In 2021, the global personalized nutrition market was valued at $14.6 billion and is expected to grow and reach $37.3 billion by 2030. The market is expected to increase at an approximate CAGR of 11.48% during the forecasted period. 

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.76%. In 2021, the Asia Pacific region witnessed the fastest growth. (Source)

Advantages of Using Personalized Nutrition

Increase in Personalized Diets – As people have become more conscious about their health, the demand for personalized diets and supplements has increased gradually. This shift in the market for health and fitness products has increased the demand for individually customized diets. Therefore, there is an increasing trend of personalized diets as consumers are now more nutrition-specific. (Source)

Challenges of Personalized Nutrition

High Cost of Supplements – The price of supplements varies based on seasonality and origin. For example, Synthetic ingredients are less costly due to their fewer production costs. Therefore, the raw materials of these supplements influence the final or total costs of the supplements. Moreover, the type of packaging also affects the cost of personalized supplements offered by various companies in the market. (Source)

Startups Working on Personalized Nutrition

1. Care/of 

Care/of, based in the United States, assists people in developing personalized vitamin regimens tailored to meet their specific requirements. The products are backed by science and comprise a combination of nutrients that have been the subject of extensive research in addition to traditionally used herbs. Each active ingredient has its page with a short overview and links to scientific studies that other scientists have reviewed. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2021, Care/of and Target collaborated to introduce a new range of vitamins at Target retail locations and Target.com. The partnership allowed Care/of to reach out to new clients and broaden its line of vitamins and supplements. The new product range featured three multivitamins, namely Multivitamin for Women, Multivitamin for Men, and Prenatal, as well as five benefit-led blends, namely Sleep, Immunity, Relaxation, Energy, and Focus. (Source)

2. Panaceutics Nutrition

Headquartered in the United States, Panaceutics Nutrition is a personalized nutrition products company. The company uses its proprietary science and technology to make personalized nutritional products based on genetic and medical tests, beliefs, and preferences. These products are then sent directly to the end consumer. It offers clinical nutrition personalized formulas and pharmacy-grade dietary supplements via monthly subscriptions of pill-free suspensions that combine up to 20 active ingredients in tasty puree-filled pouches. These pouches are a convenient way to take personalized formulas of dietary supplements. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2019, Panaceutics and DSM partnered to bring inexpensive personalized nutrition solutions to market, giving customers access to precise nutrients for optimal health. The collaboration focused on DSM exclusively market and sold personalized Panaceutics Nutrition products in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The two companies will also work together on personalized health initiatives, such as using Panaceutics’ exclusive technology to make personalized beverages and bars. (Source)

3. DayTwo

DayTwo is a microbiome-based personalized health company in the United States. Focusing on a person’s gut microbiome, the company gives them actionable insights to keep their blood sugar levels regular. It is committed to making personalized solutions for the growing number of chronic illnesses, such as prediabetes, diabetes, and clinical obesity. DayTwo holds one of the largest actionable microbiome databases and uses AI to develop new ways to help people with nutrition, diagnostics, and treatments. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

In 2017, DayTwo and Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen) collaborated to improve DayTwo’s microbiome-based health solutions. DayTwo, Weizmann Institute scientists, and Janssen will examine DayTwo’s platform for the efficient prevention of metabolic syndrome-associated disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The partnership with Janssen was in line with a sequence of high-profile collaborations with prominent health-related institutions in the United States. (Source)

4. Vivoo

5. Persona

Established in the United States, Persona is a personalized dietary supplement startup. It provides the convenience and ease of a nutritional supplement program personalized for individuals by the company’s specialists and cutting-edge technology. The company offers a free, science-based supplement recommendation; easy, daily supplement packs tailored to consumers’ health needs; and personalized health information to help them on their lifelong wellness path.

Herbal extracts, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, BCAA, coenzyme Q10-200-400, cordyceps, melatonin, lycopene, probiotics, DHA, and other ingredients are included in the supplements. (Source)(Source)

Important Collaborations

Persona^TM Nutrition and Culturelle®, the top probiotic brand, established a partnership in 2019 to distribute Culturelle probiotics through Persona’s tailored nutrition program. Culturelle would be combined with Persona’s Foundational^TM Muti to improve overall health. (Source)

Conclusion

When nearly all industries suffered in the pandemic, Food Tech turned adversity into opportunity. Most startups flourished in that time as VC investment shot up to $39.3 billion in 2021, per Pitchbook. Even in 2022, Food tech companies have collectively raised billions of dollars to invent new ways of producing food. (Source)

The significant investments in 2022 would provide a big push for food tech in 2023.

In Nov 2022, Perfect Day completed the acquisition of Indian firm Sterling Biotech Limited (SBL), which produces gelatin, dicalcium phosphate, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The acquisition will double Perfect Day’s production capabilities and bring its animal-free dairy proteins to the Indian market. (Source)

The demand and research development of these trends will grow in 2023, so investments are expected to be pouring into the Food Tech sector. 

While this article discussed the top 5 trends, our complete report will give you information about the top 10 trends in food tech along with answers to important questions like:

• At which stage of research are these trends?
• What are the advantages and challenges of these trends?
• What are the companies and startups working on them?

Are you interested in tapping into the food tech industry? Get our complete food tech report in your inbox by filling out the form below –

Authored By: Vipin Singh, Market Research.