This report examines the market for functional foods, assessing how it has developed since Mintel last investigated it in March 2002. Responding to growing consumer awareness of their health and diet, Mintel’s analysis constructs an overview of the growing functional foods market, along with major trends and new emerging products. It also looks into major legislative changes that enable consumers to better understand health claims and the role of functional foods in their diet.

With consumers becoming more health conscious and recognising the need to take more responsibility to protect their own health, the functional foods and drinks market has grown to an estimated £835 million in 2003. More than half (53%) of consumers agree they should do more about their own health, thus resulting in a 14% growth of the market in the last year. Characterised by brand range extensions and new product launches, the future of the functional foods market looks positive.

Exclusive consumer research and authoritative market analysis provides insight into all the key industry issues, including:

Rising health awareness of consumers

New products within the functional foods market

UK legislation on the use of health claims to protect consumers from misleading or inaccurate functional claims

Emergence of new outlets selling functional food products

Consumer attitudes and purchasing trends

For the purpose of this report, Mintel defines functional foods and drinks as foods with health benefits beyond their nutritional value. The products must be food or drinks, not capsules or pills, and they must exert their potentially beneficial effects in amounts normally consumed. They may be functional for specific consumer groups or for all family members.