The market predictions for omega-3 products are endlessly buoyant but a closer look at the state of play reveals very few omega-3 functional foods and beverages have moved beyond niche sales levels.
In recent years there has been an increasing trend towards healthy
and premium confectionery products, aimed at making consumers feel
better about the treats they eat and giving them a taste of luxury
and sophistication.
Specialty ingredients supplier Glanbia Nutritionals has launched
its first omega-3 ingredients in Europe in a move that will see it
target functional foods and beverages.
Australian researchers found omega-3 fatty acids to be the most
promising nutrient for alleviating the symptoms of depression, a
finding that adds to the putative benefits associated with the
lipid.
Australian omega-3 producer Clover Corporation is testing whether
microalgae could offer an alternative source of health fatty acids
to its current raw material supply, fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly common on product labels but
few manufacturers are going through the complex formulation process
of using fish oils to make this claim.