Ingredient Hot List: Brain Boosters and Nootropics
December 13, 2019
Click Here for the full report!
You could say that food for thought is growing. That is, ingredients and products that will contribute to brain health are. Increasingly, consumers’ holistic approach to health and wellness encompasses brain health as well as other parts of the body. Brain health – which includes the ability to learn, focus and remember -- is a priority for every generation, including children, by way of their mindful parents. As consumers get smart about the importance of brain health and mental clarity, they’re looking for more brain-boosting ingredients, including nootropics (aka cognitive enhancers). Based on the Greek terms for “mind” and “turning”, nootropics span functional foods and supplements that turn up brain functions like cognition, intelligence and memory
A nationwide survey was conducted with 126 Clean Label Enthusiast® consumers, where they were asked about their awareness and usage of trending ingredients. From there, 10 consumers were selected to participate in an online consumer focus group where they gave more detailed feedback on the ingredients. In this report we’ll zero in on a few ingredients related to brain health.
Ginseng, from the Panax genus of the ginseng plant, has long been used and revered for its healing properties, from ancient Asia to Native American medicine practices to today’s health-minded consumers all over the world. The substance has been linked with improved thinking, concentration and memory as well as an easing of depression and anxiety. In consumable form, it is found in teas and extracts and is a featured ingredient in a variety of Asian recipes.
Indian ginseng, or Ashwagandha is trending for its association with stress reduction and mood improvement. We’ve talked about ashwagandha in another ingredient hot list. It’s an ingredient that comes with inherent bitterness – but one that Bon Appetit calls “the most prolific adaptogen.”
According to the proprietary FONA/Insights Now survey of Clean Enthusiasts, ginseng has a high awareness level, at 90%. Nearly two thirds of respondents – 60% -- report that they have tried ginseng or use it regularly. For Indian ginseng/ashwagandha, awareness at 31%, with 19% reporting that they’ve used it. While 47% say they have never consumed Indian ginseng, they told us that they would be interested in trying it.
Ginseng has seen 39% growth in social posts since last year. Ginseng has 83% positive sentiment with 3.1 mentions per minute, and more than 2 million posts in the last year.
Ashwagandha/Indian ginseng has 91% positive sentiment and has seen 32% growth in the number of posts since one year ago. We’re spotting 48 mentions per hour, and 425,000 posts total.
The Republic of Tea offers a Honey Ginseng Green Tea variety, sold in a 2.65-oz. canister. Ingredients include Panax ginseng along with China green tea, linden flowers, pollen, eleuthero and natural honey flavor.
REBBL Ashwagandha Spicy Chai is a 12-oz. drink that contains Indian ginseng extract, as well as assam tea, spices and coconut milk. It’s labeled as ethically sourced and organic, too.
Consumer Sentiment: 8% of consumers polled responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
This amino acid is considered a nootropic and naturally occurs in some tea leaves, L-theanine is said to offer a range of brain-boosting capabilities, such as lower anxiety, better sleep quality, relaxation and attention. Often, it’s combined with caffeine to optimize its benefits. L-theanine is commonly found in green tea, usually 20 to 22 mg per cup. It is present in some black and oolong teas as well, and is available as a supplement in the marketplace.
According to the recent survey of clean label enthusiasts conducted by FONA & Insights Now, most clean-seeking consumers have heard of L-theanine, but admit they don’t know much about it. About 28% say they are aware of L-Theanine, 16% have tried it or use it regularly. About 40% have never tried the ingredient, but are open to trying it out.
Highlighting its status as a hot ingredient, L-Theanine is trending accordingly on social media, with a 93% positivity association, 16 mentions per hour and a 40% increase in posts from just one year ago. In regards to consumer perception, products featuring L-Theanine enjoy some positive sentiment. According to Purchase Intelligence, 78% of consumers polled view such products as convenient; 44% unique; 36% natural; 38% healthy.
Tea, particularly green tea, is the most common source for L-theanine, beyond supplement form.
Yogi Tea’s Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy Tea is billed as a drink that energizes and supports focus with a combination of green tea and assam black tea, along with the amino acid L-Theanine. USA
Sweet Zzzz Dark Chocolate Flavor Sleep Supplement Bites are said to be “formulated with melatonin to support healthy sleep cycles and L-theanine to help calm the mind and quiet the thoughts.” Includes 60 bites and ingredients include l-theanine, natural flavor and melatonin, among others.
Mind Water Peach & Passionfruit Sparkling Nootropic Drink is said to be made with natural nootropics including ginkgo biloba, turmeric, green coffee beans, L-theanine, and green tea.
Consumer Sentiment: 25% of shoppers polled said they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not new in terms of a food substance with a health halo, but in addition to longtime links in lowering triglyceride levels and easing joint pain, this type of fat is said to improve brain health. Some studies have tied foods with high levels of omega-3s to lower level of depression in humans and enhanced brain function and cognitive abilities.
Omega-3s, including DHA (proven essential in healthy neuronal membranes) are found in certain fatty fish like salmon. Plant sources with the ALA form of Omega-3s include nuts and seeds, including flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seed, along with some leafy greens, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
According to the recent survey of clean label enthusiasts conducted by FONA & Insights Now, Omega-3s don’t have roadblock of recognition. A solid 94% of clean label consumers say they are aware of Omega-3 fatty acids — in fact the highest recognition of any ingredient included. More than one third (36%) have tried it before, and 38% have tried and use regularly.
Social mentions of Omega-3s have grown 29% since one year ago and the ingredients have 81% positivity. There have been 5 million posts since last year, and we’re spotting 9.9 mentions per minute.
Jimmy! Wake & Focus Cookies ‘N Cream Clean Protein Bar has 19 grams of protein and 7 grams of sugar. Ingredients include guarana, omega-3 oil and MCT
Consumer Sentiment: 35% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
DNX Foods Grass-Fed Beef and Uncured Bacon Jalapeno Bar, in a 1.25-ounce serving, has a little something for everyone: the keto-friendly snack is made with animal proteins free from antibiotics and hormones and is high in omega-3s. USA
Consumer Sentiment: 22% of consumers polled responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Spread the Love Almond Flax Butter is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber and vitamin B. The non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and 100% clean label butter, available in a 15-ounce jar, is a superfood-rich product that can be part of the brain-boosting movement. USA
Magical mushrooms may sound like something out of a fairy tale or the wild 1969 Woodstock music festival, but some shoppers attest to real brain-enhancing effects to medicinal mushrooms. In particular, reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzi, are a hot ingredient for both mind and body health, for their nootropic properties as well as their use as an antioxidant and adaptogen. Described by some as a “brain tonic” – reishi is experiencing an old-is-new-again twist, since they have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
Different types of reishi mushrooms are grown around the world. In addition to natural whole and dried mushrooms, Reishi powder is used as an ingredient in teas, coffees and other beverages. In addition to reishi, other mushroom varieties and mushroom powders are in the spotlight – namely, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Cordycepts.
Although the earthy mushroom is a staple in many people’s diets, medicinal mushrooms are less common, with 30% of clean-seeking shoppers in our survey indicating an awareness. That said, while 39% say they haven’t tried reishi or other medicinal mushroom products, they would be interested in doing so. About 17% say that they have tried medicinal mushrooms or use them regularly.
In terms of social posts, reishi enjoys 91% positive sentiment. Mentions have grown 25% in the past year and we’re spotting 46 mentions per hour. There have been about 402,000 posts mentioning reishi in the last year. A large majority (70%) of posts are from women.
Cacao Crunch Activated Superfood Cereal is said to include “the superfood goodness of raw cacao and revitalizing herbs like maca root, reishi, cordyceps and astragalus added with a blend of prebiotics to support body's overall wellness.
Consumer Sentiment: 15% of consumers polled said they likely or definitely would buy this product
Primordial Chocolate Salted Maca Crunch Premium Dark Chocolate is said to be a blend of 70% cacao, coconut sugar and the mycelium of superfood, organic regal mushrooms, namely lion's mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps.
Anabolix Strawberry Smoothie Dietary Supplement contains reishi as well as Peak O2 and EAA and BCAA amino matrix. This product can be consumed before, during and after exercise to support recovery and hydration.
Consumer Sentiment: 6% of consumers asked said they likely or definitely would buy this product.
In recent years, dark chocolate has been praised for its antioxidant properties and there are some credible claims of brain-boosting benefits to this favorite. Flavanols, a form of polyphenol in the cocoa bean, have been shown in some studies to improve cognitive function and memory; cocoa is said to improve blood flow to the brain and the consumption of flavanols may increase the gamma frequency in the cerebral cortex that of the brain that controls memory and sensory processing.
Generally, the darker the chocolate, the greater the levels of flavanols, which is why 70 percent cacao is a hot ingredient. (It’s not just wishful thinking on the part of chocolate lovers.)
Like dark chocolate, there are other ingredients that are part of everyday diets that also have brain-boosting effects. Some fall under the ever-broadening superfoods umbrella. Examples include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in lutein), beets (with natural nitrates that boost blood flow to the brain) and broccoli (high in vitamin K and gluoscinolates that help enhance cognitive function).
Products featuring dark chocolate have grown in the last two years. As of December 2019, there was more than 8% growth in product releases featuring the brain-boosting ingredient. According to Mintel, dark chocolate is less likely to be purchased as a gift than milk-chocolate products.
CocoaVia Flavanol Creamer is a functional coffee creamer used to promote healthy blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
Focus Functional Chocolate s described as a formulated supplementary sports food. This focused energy dark chocolate is made with 80% cocoa, and contains lion's mane mushroom, green tea, ginkgo biloba and natural caffeine.
Consumer Sentiment: 21% of shoppers asked said they likely or definitely would buy this product
Click here for the full report!
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or chat us up at www.fona.com/chat
Sources in full report
You could say that food for thought is growing. That is, ingredients and products that will contribute to brain health are. Increasingly, consumers’ holistic approach to health and wellness encompasses brain health as well as other parts of the body. Brain health – which includes the ability to learn, focus and remember -- is a priority for every generation, including children, by way of their mindful parents. As consumers get smart about the importance of brain health and mental clarity, they’re looking for more brain-boosting ingredients, including nootropics (aka cognitive enhancers). Based on the Greek terms for “mind” and “turning”, nootropics span functional foods and supplements that turn up brain functions like cognition, intelligence and memory
About Our Clean Consumer Interaction
A nationwide survey was conducted with 126 Clean Label Enthusiast® consumers, where they were asked about their awareness and usage of trending ingredients. From there, 10 consumers were selected to participate in an online consumer focus group where they gave more detailed feedback on the ingredients. In this report we’ll zero in on a few ingredients related to brain health.
“Brain health support in sports and energy drinks garners interest from many category users. As energy drinks have over the years established connotations with supporting alertness, making the move to a claim to support brain function is not that much of a leap. Various ingredients boast EFSA-approved claims as contributing to the maintenance of brain or cognitive function. Brands can also tap into the buzz around ‘Nootropics.’” -Mintel
Ginseng and Ashwagandha
Ginseng, from the Panax genus of the ginseng plant, has long been used and revered for its healing properties, from ancient Asia to Native American medicine practices to today’s health-minded consumers all over the world. The substance has been linked with improved thinking, concentration and memory as well as an easing of depression and anxiety. In consumable form, it is found in teas and extracts and is a featured ingredient in a variety of Asian recipes.
Indian ginseng, or Ashwagandha is trending for its association with stress reduction and mood improvement. We’ve talked about ashwagandha in another ingredient hot list. It’s an ingredient that comes with inherent bitterness – but one that Bon Appetit calls “the most prolific adaptogen.”
Shopper Sentiment
According to the proprietary FONA/Insights Now survey of Clean Enthusiasts, ginseng has a high awareness level, at 90%. Nearly two thirds of respondents – 60% -- report that they have tried ginseng or use it regularly. For Indian ginseng/ashwagandha, awareness at 31%, with 19% reporting that they’ve used it. While 47% say they have never consumed Indian ginseng, they told us that they would be interested in trying it.
Social Status
Ginseng has seen 39% growth in social posts since last year. Ginseng has 83% positive sentiment with 3.1 mentions per minute, and more than 2 million posts in the last year.
Ashwagandha/Indian ginseng has 91% positive sentiment and has seen 32% growth in the number of posts since one year ago. We’re spotting 48 mentions per hour, and 425,000 posts total.
“Addressing the need for calming down, relief, and emotional support will allow food and drink brands to resonate, particularly among Millennials who, while maintaining an above-average awareness of healthy living, look beyond the traditional nutrition-based attributes of healthy eating.” -The Millennial Impact, Mintel
Products of Note
The Republic of Tea offers a Honey Ginseng Green Tea variety, sold in a 2.65-oz. canister. Ingredients include Panax ginseng along with China green tea, linden flowers, pollen, eleuthero and natural honey flavor.
REBBL Ashwagandha Spicy Chai is a 12-oz. drink that contains Indian ginseng extract, as well as assam tea, spices and coconut milk. It’s labeled as ethically sourced and organic, too.
Consumer Sentiment: 8% of consumers polled responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
L-Theanine
This amino acid is considered a nootropic and naturally occurs in some tea leaves, L-theanine is said to offer a range of brain-boosting capabilities, such as lower anxiety, better sleep quality, relaxation and attention. Often, it’s combined with caffeine to optimize its benefits. L-theanine is commonly found in green tea, usually 20 to 22 mg per cup. It is present in some black and oolong teas as well, and is available as a supplement in the marketplace.
Shopper Sentiment
According to the recent survey of clean label enthusiasts conducted by FONA & Insights Now, most clean-seeking consumers have heard of L-theanine, but admit they don’t know much about it. About 28% say they are aware of L-Theanine, 16% have tried it or use it regularly. About 40% have never tried the ingredient, but are open to trying it out.
Social Status
Highlighting its status as a hot ingredient, L-Theanine is trending accordingly on social media, with a 93% positivity association, 16 mentions per hour and a 40% increase in posts from just one year ago. In regards to consumer perception, products featuring L-Theanine enjoy some positive sentiment. According to Purchase Intelligence, 78% of consumers polled view such products as convenient; 44% unique; 36% natural; 38% healthy.
“I tried L-theanine recently, as a relaxation and sleep aid. I purchased the powder form online. It worked quite well, and I was able to rest more completely, and fall asleep faster.” -Clean Enthusiast Consumer
Products of Note
Tea, particularly green tea, is the most common source for L-theanine, beyond supplement form.
Yogi Tea’s Vanilla Spice Perfect Energy Tea is billed as a drink that energizes and supports focus with a combination of green tea and assam black tea, along with the amino acid L-Theanine. USA
Sweet Zzzz Dark Chocolate Flavor Sleep Supplement Bites are said to be “formulated with melatonin to support healthy sleep cycles and L-theanine to help calm the mind and quiet the thoughts.” Includes 60 bites and ingredients include l-theanine, natural flavor and melatonin, among others.
Mind Water Peach & Passionfruit Sparkling Nootropic Drink is said to be made with natural nootropics including ginkgo biloba, turmeric, green coffee beans, L-theanine, and green tea.
Consumer Sentiment: 25% of shoppers polled said they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are not new in terms of a food substance with a health halo, but in addition to longtime links in lowering triglyceride levels and easing joint pain, this type of fat is said to improve brain health. Some studies have tied foods with high levels of omega-3s to lower level of depression in humans and enhanced brain function and cognitive abilities.
Omega-3s, including DHA (proven essential in healthy neuronal membranes) are found in certain fatty fish like salmon. Plant sources with the ALA form of Omega-3s include nuts and seeds, including flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seed, along with some leafy greens, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
Shopper Sentiment
According to the recent survey of clean label enthusiasts conducted by FONA & Insights Now, Omega-3s don’t have roadblock of recognition. A solid 94% of clean label consumers say they are aware of Omega-3 fatty acids — in fact the highest recognition of any ingredient included. More than one third (36%) have tried it before, and 38% have tried and use regularly.
Social Status
Social mentions of Omega-3s have grown 29% since one year ago and the ingredients have 81% positivity. There have been 5 million posts since last year, and we’re spotting 9.9 mentions per minute.
“Most of the time I am eating [omega-3s] naturally occurring. When I use a supplement it is because I do not think I am eating enough omega-3s and I would like the benefits of them.”
-Clean consumer sampled
Products of Note
Jimmy! Wake & Focus Cookies ‘N Cream Clean Protein Bar has 19 grams of protein and 7 grams of sugar. Ingredients include guarana, omega-3 oil and MCT
Consumer Sentiment: 35% of consumers responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
DNX Foods Grass-Fed Beef and Uncured Bacon Jalapeno Bar, in a 1.25-ounce serving, has a little something for everyone: the keto-friendly snack is made with animal proteins free from antibiotics and hormones and is high in omega-3s. USA
Consumer Sentiment: 22% of consumers polled responded that they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Spread the Love Almond Flax Butter is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber and vitamin B. The non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and 100% clean label butter, available in a 15-ounce jar, is a superfood-rich product that can be part of the brain-boosting movement. USA
Reishi & Other Medicinal Mushrooms
Magical mushrooms may sound like something out of a fairy tale or the wild 1969 Woodstock music festival, but some shoppers attest to real brain-enhancing effects to medicinal mushrooms. In particular, reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzi, are a hot ingredient for both mind and body health, for their nootropic properties as well as their use as an antioxidant and adaptogen. Described by some as a “brain tonic” – reishi is experiencing an old-is-new-again twist, since they have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
Different types of reishi mushrooms are grown around the world. In addition to natural whole and dried mushrooms, Reishi powder is used as an ingredient in teas, coffees and other beverages. In addition to reishi, other mushroom varieties and mushroom powders are in the spotlight – namely, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Cordycepts.
Shopper Sentiment
Although the earthy mushroom is a staple in many people’s diets, medicinal mushrooms are less common, with 30% of clean-seeking shoppers in our survey indicating an awareness. That said, while 39% say they haven’t tried reishi or other medicinal mushroom products, they would be interested in doing so. About 17% say that they have tried medicinal mushrooms or use them regularly.
Social Status – Reishi
In terms of social posts, reishi enjoys 91% positive sentiment. Mentions have grown 25% in the past year and we’re spotting 46 mentions per hour. There have been about 402,000 posts mentioning reishi in the last year. A large majority (70%) of posts are from women.
Reishi Mushroom Products of Note
Cacao Crunch Activated Superfood Cereal is said to include “the superfood goodness of raw cacao and revitalizing herbs like maca root, reishi, cordyceps and astragalus added with a blend of prebiotics to support body's overall wellness.
Consumer Sentiment: 15% of consumers polled said they likely or definitely would buy this product
Primordial Chocolate Salted Maca Crunch Premium Dark Chocolate is said to be a blend of 70% cacao, coconut sugar and the mycelium of superfood, organic regal mushrooms, namely lion's mane, reishi, chaga and cordyceps.
Anabolix Strawberry Smoothie Dietary Supplement contains reishi as well as Peak O2 and EAA and BCAA amino matrix. This product can be consumed before, during and after exercise to support recovery and hydration.
Consumer Sentiment: 6% of consumers asked said they likely or definitely would buy this product.
Dark Chocolate
In recent years, dark chocolate has been praised for its antioxidant properties and there are some credible claims of brain-boosting benefits to this favorite. Flavanols, a form of polyphenol in the cocoa bean, have been shown in some studies to improve cognitive function and memory; cocoa is said to improve blood flow to the brain and the consumption of flavanols may increase the gamma frequency in the cerebral cortex that of the brain that controls memory and sensory processing.
Generally, the darker the chocolate, the greater the levels of flavanols, which is why 70 percent cacao is a hot ingredient. (It’s not just wishful thinking on the part of chocolate lovers.)
Like dark chocolate, there are other ingredients that are part of everyday diets that also have brain-boosting effects. Some fall under the ever-broadening superfoods umbrella. Examples include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in lutein), beets (with natural nitrates that boost blood flow to the brain) and broccoli (high in vitamin K and gluoscinolates that help enhance cognitive function).
“These studies show us that the higher the concentration of cacao, the more positive the impact on cognition, memory, mood, immunity and other beneficial effects.” -Researcher Lee Berk, as quoted by Forbes
Product Growth
Products featuring dark chocolate have grown in the last two years. As of December 2019, there was more than 8% growth in product releases featuring the brain-boosting ingredient. According to Mintel, dark chocolate is less likely to be purchased as a gift than milk-chocolate products.
“While purchasers are creatures of habit when choosing chocolate, they are also open to new flavors and varieties and willing to pay more for premium quality. There are also opportunities for chocolate products promising functional health benefits.” -Mintel
Dark Chocolate Product Releases
CocoaVia Flavanol Creamer is a functional coffee creamer used to promote healthy blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
Focus Functional Chocolate s described as a formulated supplementary sports food. This focused energy dark chocolate is made with 80% cocoa, and contains lion's mane mushroom, green tea, ginkgo biloba and natural caffeine.
Consumer Sentiment: 21% of shoppers asked said they likely or definitely would buy this product
The Takeaways
Awareness of the mind-body connection is getting stronger, as consumers of all ages seek out ingredients that boost brain health, for reasons ranging from better focus to sharper memory. Product developers like yourself may choose to seek out brain-boosting ingredients include nootropics, which are functional foods and supplements said to increase cognitive function, clarity and other aspects of brain health. If brain boosting products are in your future, consider this: not all ingredients with a “healthy halo” need to be undiscovered newbies to the ingredient list – familiar favorites like dark chocolate and ginseng are also options. Just know that taste is still the #1 consideration for consumers, so make sure you have the right taste solutions partner to help you deliver it all – taste and nutrition.
Click here for the full report!
You deserve more. Let’s get started.
What does true partnership look like? You deserve a flavor partner ready to turn these trends into the tangible.
Let FONA’s market insight and research experts get to work for you. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.” Our technical flavor and product development experts are also at your service to help meet the labeling and flavor profile needs for your products to capitalize on this consumer trend. Let’s mesh the complexities of flavor with your brand development, technical requirements and regulatory needs to deliver a complete taste solution.
From concept to manufacturing, we’re here for you — every step of the way. Contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600 to request a flavor sample or chat us up at www.fona.com/chat
Sources in full report