Social media is rife with firms selling “practical meals” that declare to make your pores and skin look more healthy, enhance sleep, increase the immune system, improve digestion, enhance athletic efficiency, scale back anxiousness and extra.
From collagen shakes and beauty-enhancing teas to probiotic-rich cookies, antioxidant-loaded superfood gels and magnesium-fortified scorching chocolate, there’s seemingly one thing on the market for everybody.
The worldwide marketplace for practical meals was estimated at US$186.2 billion in 2023 and is predicted to develop to US$212.9 billion by 2028, based on market analysis firm Mordor Intelligence.
However what are practical meals?
Whereas there isn’t any precise definition, the time period broadly refers to meals which were modified or enhanced to offer well being advantages past fundamental vitamin.
“The [US-based] Academy of Vitamin and Dietetics defines practical meals as complete meals and people which are fortified, enriched or enhanced, which may positively influence well being when consumed usually as a part of a different food regimen, supported by important scientific proof,” says Hong Kong-based dietitian Sally Poon.
“They endorse well being claims on meals labels which are substantiated by rigorous scientific analysis authorized by the US Meals and Drug Administration.”