The new trend of application of curcumin in beverages

In recent years, with the improvement of people's living standards, people's concept of life has begun to change from the problem of material survival to the problem of quality life, and the topic of "health" as the premise of all pursuits has also been re-examined and defined

Functional nutritious food and beverages are more convenient and accessible, can be integrated into all aspects of life, and fit life scenarios.

Back to the supremacy of natural immunity

In the last decade, there have been more than 600,000 types of food and beverages claimed to be natural ingredients

At the beginning of 2020, the "black swan" event of the new crown pneumonia epidemic has caused a severe impact on the lives of all human beings, and external uncertainties have increased

As the post-epidemic era continues to spread, people's voice for "returning to nature and healthy diet" has been rising, and the desire for health is unprecedented

Immunizing ingredients are not limited to trace elements that consumers are familiar with

Curcumin is the most important active ingredient in turmeric that exerts pharmacological effects.

Modern medicine has shown that curcumin also has special medical effects, mainly manifested as excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties, which can protect the liver, improve immunity, enhance memory, protect cardiovascular and joints,

In fact, in the United States, Canada, and Europe, turmeric extract is a relatively mature functional raw material in the field of food and beverages.

The trend of curcumin as a natural nutritional ingredient is obvious.

Beverage innovation keeps up with trends

Emotional Management The global COVID-19 pandemic has made consumers realize that their health is a top priority

Recently, in a research report published in the international journal Nature Communications, scientists from the University of Queensland and other institutions confirmed the relationship between depression and the body's stomach by conducting the world's largest study of the genetic factors of peptic ulcer disease.

Curcumin's excellent anti-inflammatory plays a positive role in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, while probiotics have unique advantages in the treatment of intestinal diseases, and gamma-aminobutyric acid improves sleep, stabilizes mood and promotes intestinal health.

The direction of immunity acquisition Mintel pointed out in a May 2020 survey report based on 3,000 Internet users aged 18-49 that 70% of users would be interested in trying functional drinks because of the claim to relieve fatigue, and 56% of users would be interested in improving immunity Claimed and interested in trying energy drinks

Curcumin, anthocyanin, phycocyanin, ginseng extract and Dendrobium officinale are active ingredients for boosting immunity and relieving fatigue

Low-sugar direction Low-sugar has been the hottest topic in the beverage industry in the past two years, and young consumers are especially concerned about the sugar content and calories

Products targeting younger consumers will benefit from a “low/no/reduced sugar” or “low/no/reduced calorie” claim
.
From the top ten varieties of extracts exported from 2014 to 2019, it can be seen that steviol glycosides has always ranked first
.

With its pure natural, high sweetness, low calorie and healthy advantages, steviol glycosides has become the most used sweetener in new food and beverage products after sucralose and acesulfame potassium
.
Therefore, consider the use of "frontier" ingredients: steviol glycosides are used as natural sweeteners for turmeric beverages, and the market potential is huge
.

Flavor Choice Direction With the strong growth in sports drink and energy drink consumption in recent years, consumers are starting to feel limited by the homogeneous choices currently on the market
.
45% of consumers agree that there are limited flavor options for functional beverages on the market
.

Influenced by the modern concept of "returning to nature and healthy eating", more and more consumers hope to return to the taste of natural food itself, and the application of fruit juice can bring rich taste and nutrition to beverages
.

　　2021 is the year of juice concentrate and beverage innovation
.
In terms of retail sales, the size of China's fruit juice beverage market in 2019 was 143.
5 billion yuan
.
It is estimated that the market size of fruit juice beverages can reach 149.
9 billion yuan in 2021
.
The addition of low-concentration fruit juice to turmeric beverages enhances the added value of nutritional benefits while indulging in the natural fruity aroma
.

　　(Source: China Business Industry Research Institute)

"China Food News" (September 6, 2021, 06 edition)

(Editor in charge: Huang Guangshun)