The Rise of Functional Foods: Fueling Body and Mind

Functional foods are rapidly changing the way we approach health—bridging the gap between nutrition and wellness by offering targeted benefits for the body and mind.

To understand this rising trend, DeliveryRank reached out to experts in the field to answer key questions about how these products work, why they matter, and where the future of functional nutrition is headed.

Trimona Foods and Probiotic Yogurt

Atanas Valev, Dairy and Nutrition Educator, shares his insights on how Trimona Foods is leveraging probiotic-rich yogurt to support modern wellness goals—and discusses the role he sees for fermented dairy products in the future of functional foods.

“Trimona A2A2 probiotic yogurt is harnessing the power of probiotic-rich cultures to meet the growing demand for natural, gut-friendly wellness solutions. Consumers today are increasingly seeking foods that do more than just nourish; they want products that actively promote health from within, and organic yogurt fits this need perfectly by combining clean, natural ingredients helping to build a healthy microbiome.

Fermented dairy foods—such as yogurt and various types of cheese—have been recognized for millennia for their contributions to human health and are expected to play a key role in the future of functional foods. Among them, yogurt stands out as a staple in health-conscious diets, often linked to improved metabolism and immunity in numerous research studies. Trimona’s long fermentation process makes it more suitable for lactose-sensitive individuals, and as a well-balanced protein food—containing whey protein and casein, it can serve as a two-in-one meal option. Additionally, yogurt is naturally easier to digest, making it a viable choice even for those who have difficulty tolerating dairy proteins.

Ultimately, fermented dairy is not just a trend but a timeless, science-backed category with staying power in the evolving landscape of functional nutrition.”

Natural Benefits of Chia Seeds

Fernando Ramirez, CEO of Space Enterprises (World of Chia), shares his expertise on how World of Chia is leveraging the natural benefits of chia to shape the future of functional foods, as consumers increasingly seek cleaner labels and plant-based nutrition.

“At World of Chia, we are committed to redefining the landscape of functional foods by harnessing the natural power of chia seeds. Our mission is to replace synthetic and artificial ingredients in food with natural and healthy chia seeds. And our philosophy is centered around a holistic and customer-centric approach, where we prioritize health and sustainability, nurtured by innovation.

Chia seeds allow our products to be fully natural, without any synthetic or artificial ingredients, nutritious as chia contains omega 3, fiber, protein and minerals, and functional, enhancing the health benefits our consumers receive.

Chia seeds are renowned for their functional properties, particularly in their ability to modulate blood sugar levels. They help release sugars slowly into the bloodstream, avoiding spikes in blood sugar and positively impacting the metabolism of carbohydrates. This slow release translates into a sustained energy boost, a function that the Aztecs and later the Tarahumara runners in Mexico, found in chia seeds, which has been the inspiration behind the global popularity of chia as a superfood, thanks to the book "Born to Run."

While many shy away from sugars and carbohydrates, our approach is different. We believe that carbohydrates can be a valuable source of energy when paired with the right ingredients to optimize their use in the body rather than convert them into storage as fat.

Our ongoing innovations include exciting new products like chia pudding, chia peanut butter, and chia sea moss gel. These offerings not only provide more natural and healthier options but also embrace the functional approach that defines World of Chia. We are devoted to providing our consumers with nutritious, planet-friendly choices that support both their personal health and the environment.

In conclusion, at World of Chia, we are leveraging the potent qualities of chia seeds to pioneer the future of functional foods, committing to a world where food nourishes and sustains both people and the planet.”

Fix8 Innovation in the Era of Gut-Friendly Products

Vaania Kapoor from Fix8 Kombucha answers the question: With the rising demand for gut-friendly products, how is Fix8 innovating within the functional foods space to meet consumer needs and stay ahead of future wellness trends?

“As demand for gut-friendly products continues to surge, Fix8 Kombucha is at the forefront of innovation in the functional foods space—blending cutting-edge science with delicious, everyday wellness. Our mission has always been to make gut health accessible, enjoyable, and effective, and we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.

At Fix8, we don’t just brew kombucha—we craft functional drinks backed by research. Each can is formulated with live cultures and naturally occurring organic acids that support digestive health. But we go beyond the basics. We're the first kombucha brands in the UK to include Vitamin C in each can, creating a synergy between gut health, mood, and focus—reflecting the growing consumer interest in the gut-brain connection.

Innovation for us also means meeting consumers where they are. Our recent launch into numerous retailers like Sainsbury's and Tesco as well as 100s of offices, cafes and restaurants is designed to bring gut health to more people in their everyday environments—from workplaces to wellness spaces. And with the launch of Fibe Prebiotic Soda, our sister brand, we’re expanding into low-sugar, fibre-rich drinks for those seeking an easy and delicious way to support their microbiome.

We keep a pulse on future trends through ongoing collaboration with nutritionists, gut health experts, and the wellness community. Fix8 isn't just riding the wave of gut health—we’re helping shape its future with science, flavour, and function at our core.”

Role of Dried Fruits, Seeds and Pulses in the Future of Functional Eating

Baz Goode, Head of Brand at Whitworths, shares his perspective on the role dried fruits, seeds, and pulses will play in the future of healthy, functional eating.

“The prevailing conversation around nutrition often centres on reducing sugar, salt, fat, and ultra-processed foods. While this is essential, equal attention must be given to the vital nutrients that are missing from our diets and causing a devastating impact on the Nations disease burden.

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are prime examples of nutrient-dense foods that can significantly improve diet quality. Just 25g of nuts or seeds deliver the same nutritional value as 80g of vegetables. Due to its nutrient density, dried fruit offers a convenient solution to consume 1 of your 5 a day with just a small 30g serving versus 80g+ grams of fresh fruit. Research shows that daily consumption of these foods can lead to substantial reductions in chronic disease risks.

We are in the process of creating a Healthy Food Coalition aiming to bring together industry leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and consumer advocates to develop and implement strategies that promote the consumption of nutrient-rich foods. We will champion this cause through our brand, by introducing new products, providing consumers with nutritional tools, and influencing both the nutrition world and retail sectors.

The UK’s food strategy must focus on improving diet quality for everyone through driving increased consumption of nutrient-rich foods as well as reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can play a crucial role in this improvement. The Burden of Disease study reveals that 8 of the top 10 diet-related drivers of mortality stem from deficiencies in essential nutrients, including fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fibre, and healthy fats. By promoting the consumption of these foods, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

We are committed to pushing for policy changes that support this new focus on diet quality. We believe that a collaborative effort through the creation of a Healthy Food Coalition can help shape the future of the nation's food strategy, ultimately reducing the burden of chronic diseases and improving public health.

"With growing interest in natural, nutrient-rich snacks, how is Whitworths innovating within the functional foods space to meet evolving consumer needs?

Our ambition for the Whitworths brand is to provide consumers with more delicious and nutritious products across all eating occasions.

We will give consumers a choice to enjoy delicious, tasty food yet at the same time increase their intake of essential macro and micro-nutrients (that as a nation are severely lacking from our diets) found in nuts, seeds and dried fruit through innovative product solutions.

Our innovation pipeline includes nut-based products that are a delicious meat (and meat-analogue) alternative, which is highly nutritious, low processed (non UPF) and great value for money while still delivering on taste and texture expectations.

We will also deliver innovation for the confectionary category, lunchbox snacks and create simple snacking products for consumers to get 1 of their 5 a day, every day while on-the-go.

We’re leaders in the food industry, influencing the diet debate to improve diets and save lives. It’s crucial to focus on what’s missing from our diets, not just what we’re over-consuming.

We will continue to champion this category through our brand, introducing new products, provide consumers with nutritional tools, influencing retail, push for consensus across the nutrition world, and pushing for policy change.”

Integrating Functional Ingredients Into Everyday Foods

Lynne Wadsworth, a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, explains how holistic health and wellness are integrating functional ingredients into everyday foods to support optimal well-being.

“As a holistic health practitioner, Holistic Health & Wellness, LLC integrates functional ingredients into everyday foods by focusing on natural, nutrient-dense whole foods that provide targeted health benefits. Below are some tips on how they do this:

1. Enhancing Everyday Meals with Functional Ingredients

Smoothies & Beverages: Adding adaptogens like ashwagandha for stress relief, collagen for skin and joint health, or maca for hormonal balance.

Breakfast Options: Incorporating chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp hearts in oatmeal or yogurt for omega-3s and fiber.

Soups & Broths: Boosting with medicinal mushrooms (e.g., reishi, lion’s mane) for immune and cognitive support.

Salads & Dressings: Using turmeric, ginger, and apple cider vinegar to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Baking & Snacks: Swapping refined sugars for natural alternatives like raw honey or monk fruit and adding fiber-rich ingredients like psyllium husk.

2. Tailoring Ingredients to Individual Needs

For Hormonal Balance: Flaxseeds (phytoestrogens), maca root, and evening primrose oil.

For Gut Health: Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and prebiotic-rich foods like garlic and onions.

For Energy & Vitality: B-complex-rich foods such as leafy greens, bee pollen, and spirulina.

For Stress & Sleep Support: Magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate), chamomile, and valerian root.

3. Encouraging Mindful Consumption

A holistic approach isn’t just about ingredients—it’s also about how food is consumed. As a result, I encourage my clients to:

Eat slowly and mindfully.

Listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues.

Choose organic and minimally processed foods when possible.

By integrating these functional ingredients into daily routines in a simple, practical, and delicious way, Holistic Health & Wellness, LLC helps support overall well-being without drastic dietary overhauls.

Here are a few recipe ideas for integrating these foods into meals and snacks:

BREAKFAST IDEAS

Hormone-Balancing Chia Pudding

✔ 2 tbsp chia seeds

✔ 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

✔ ½ tsp cinnamon (blood sugar balance)

✔ 1 tsp maca powder (hormone support)

✔ 1 tsp raw honey (natural energy)

✔ Top with berries and hemp seeds

Mix and refrigerate overnight for a delicious, hormone-friendly breakfast.

Green Glow Smoothie (for energy & stress support)

✔ 1 cup spinach (magnesium + B vitamins)

✔ ½ frozen banana (natural sweetness + potassium)

✔ ½ avocado (healthy fats for brain + skin)

✔ 1 tbsp flaxseeds (omega-3s + fiber)

✔ 1 scoop collagen powder (skin & joint support)

✔ 1 tsp matcha or maca (natural energy boost)

✔ 1 cup coconut water or almond milk

Blend and enjoy a nourishing, anti-inflammatory start to your day.

LUNCH IDEAS

Gut-Healing Miso & Mushroom Soup

✔ 2 cups bone broth (collagen + gut health)

✔ 1 tbsp miso paste (probiotics)

✔ ½ cup shiitake mushrooms (immune-boosting)

✔ 1 tsp grated ginger (digestion support)

✔ ½ tsp turmeric (anti-inflammatory)

✔ 1 handful of spinach (iron + folate)

 Simmer and serve for a comforting, gut-friendly meal.

Hormone-Support Quinoa Power Bowl

✔ ½ cup cooked quinoa (protein + fiber)

✔ ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes (blood sugar balance)

✔ ¼ cup chickpeas (plant-based protein)

✔ ½ avocado (healthy fats)

✔ 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (zinc for hormone health)

✔ Lemon-tahini dressing (healthy fats + detox support)

Mix everything together for a satisfying, nutrient-dense lunch.

DINNER IDEAS

Omega-3 Salmon with Turmeric Roasted Veggies

✔ 4 oz wild-caught salmon (brain + heart health)

✔ 1 tbsp olive oil (healthy fats)

✔ 1 tsp turmeric & black pepper (anti-inflammatory)

✔ Roasted Brussels sprouts & carrots (fiber + antioxidants)

Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Zucchini Noodles with Garlic & Hemp Pesto

✔ 2 cups spiralized zucchini (low-carb, nutrient-dense)

✔ ¼ cup hemp seeds (omega-3s + protein)

✔ 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (B vitamins)

✔ 1 tbsp olive oil (healthy fats)

✔ 1 garlic clove (immune support)

✔ Squeeze of lemon

Blend pesto ingredients, toss with zucchini noodles, and enjoy!

SNACK & DESSERT IDEAS

Golden Milk Latte (Anti-Inflammatory & Relaxing)

✔ 1 cup almond or coconut milk

✔ ½ tsp turmeric + pinch of black pepper

✔ ½ tsp cinnamon (blood sugar balance)

✔ 1 tsp raw honey (optional)

✔ ½ tsp ashwagandha powder (stress support)

Warm and whisk together for a cozy, calming drink.

Superfood Energy Bites

✔ ½ cup almond butter

✔ ¼ cup ground flaxseeds (fiber + omega-3s)

✔ ¼ cup cacao nibs (antioxidants)

✔ 2 tbsp chia seeds (hormone balance)

✔ 1 tbsp maca powder (energy)

✔ 1 tbsp honey (natural sweetness)

Mix, roll into balls, and refrigerate for an easy, grab-and-go snack.

As you can see, these meals are packed with functional ingredients that support hormones, gut health, energy, and overall well-being.

CONCLUSION:

With expert insights and growing consumer demand, functional foods are proving to be more than a fad—they’re a forward-thinking approach to daily well-being. As innovation continues, these purposeful products will likely become essential tools in supporting holistic health.

CREDITS:

·       Atanas Valev | Trimona | www.trimonafoods.com

·       Fernando Ramirez | World of Chia | www.worldofchia.com       

·       Vaania Kapoor | Fix8| www.fix8.com

·       Baz Goode | Whitworths Group | www.whitworths.co.uk

·       Lynne Wadsworth | Holistic Health & Wellness | www.holistic-healthandwellness.com