Report Buyer, the online destination for business intelligence for major industry sectors, has now added a new report on the exploding market for functional foods. Functional, Fortified and Inherently Healthy Foods and Beverages: The U.S. Phood Market, forecasts that the market will grow to $39 billion by 2011.

Greater consumer awareness of the benefits of functional foods is stimulating growing consumer demand for these products. In fact a huge niche market is already well established and expected to continue growing out of the demand for “Phoods” and “Bepherages”. These are new terms for functional foods, packaged foods and drinks providing a positive pharmaceutical benefit beyond basic nutrition by virtue of their inclusion of medically beneficial ingredients.

Phoods and bepharages are increasingly seen as excellent, alternative delivery systems for many of the nutritional supplements already being taken by a number of consumers. As a result it is clear that phoods may already be eating into the vitamin and nutraceutical market.

This report highlights some of the ingredients which will play a vital role in this expanding market. It suggests that during the next few years, the largest increases in nutraceutical ingredient demand is likely to be for glucosamine, probiotics and sterol esters, whey protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Co-Q10. It also indicates that many functional foods, such as refrigerated teas, food bars, yogurts, and bottled waters, are and will continue to make inroads into the market share of their conventional competitors.

Along with a comprehensive assessment of functional foods and consumer trends driving the market, this report addresses key nutrients, the status of government regulation of food and beverage health claims, and issues such as obesity and the new Food Guide Pyramid impacting the market.

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