Functional. Flavorful. Fabulous.

The recipe for 2025 is to bring that extra function in consumers’ food options as more and more consumers are looking for snacks and meals that fuel their bodies and minds. Whether it’s boosting energy, supporting immunity, or improving mental well-being.

No surprise, then, that the global functional food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2030. From protein-packed snacks to gut-friendly options, functional innovation is happening across the shelf, but always keep in mind: taste is still key. ^1,2

We think of protein-high products that are getting a glow-up by infusing them with botanicals like basil adding that extra function as it is known for its health supporting properties like kidney conditions, fluid retention or loss of appetite. Also, mushrooms are having their moment in the functional food sector with 59% of European consumers recognizing their health benefits.³ In Traditional Chinese Medicine mushrooms have been used for various health benefits ever since, including everything from anti-inflammatory properties to gut health to anti-ageing. Let’s take lion’s mane for example as it is gaining traction for supporting brain and nerve health, appealing to those looking to improve focus and productivity. Meanwhile, reishi is being embraced for its adaptogenic properties, offering a natural way to enhance relaxation and mood.

Treat yourself: Indulgence meets Mindfulness

Gone are the days of guilty pleasures. In 2025, it’s all about mindful indulgence, where treating yourself comes with no regrets. And this is not just on special occasions – in fact, 52% of global consumers choose to treat themselves daily, finding joy in small, everyday moments of happiness.⁴

Especially, younger generations are embracing little treat culture to make them feel good about themselves and add a little extra joy to their daily lives. The lovely message of this trend, which is also all over TikTok, with Gen Z leading the charge: self-love often comes in bite-sized portions.

This opens the door for brands to step into this trend by creating delightful treats that taste just as good as they make you feel and incorporate healthier ingredients, allowing them to be enjoyed every day without compromise. We think of indulgent confectionary packed with superfoods like aronia or turmeric and snack bars with that exciting floral twist such as lavender or rose designed to deliver pure feel-good moments.

Taste the world

Social media is connecting foodies around the world, bringing cultural flavors and traditions into food options front and center in 2025. Trends like the viral Dubai chocolate already showed us how food can cross borders, offering a taste experience that unites traditional ingredients with a modern twist.

But brands better be quick as social media sets a fast pace for trends coming in and out. The answer might be innovating fast and dropping seasonal or limited editions. In fact, 19% of cakes, pastries and sweet baked goods launches in Europe were seasonal or limited edition (reference period: May 2023 to April 2024).⁵

Food categories like sauces, bread products, confectionary, sweet treats and snack bars are the perfect match for innovating with flavors from different cultures. This year we’ll likely see the matcha mania spreading beyond beverages into every food item you can think of, giving the traditional Japanese tea ingredient a big moment. But we also think of chai spice hitting the snack aisle infusing those warm, cozy vibes inspired by Indian tea culture, or maca with its unique mellow, nutty and a hint of coffee flavor bringing in the taste of South America to the world.

Bring in natural goodness

2025 is about to bring more natural goodness to food options as consumers are not 100% satisfied with today’s plant-based offerings. They are craving products that are less processed yet delicious, with better texture and even contribute to their well-being. In fact, the global clean label ingredients market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030. ^6,7

This is the year for brands to get creative and serve fresh ideas to this segment – in both ways sweet and savory. From our expereince, botanicals are here to shine in this trend offering endless opportunities to create all natural food options. Not only can they bring delicious flavor, but also add vibrant, natural colors straight from Mother Nature’s palette. We think of a vegan ice cream with a beautiful vibrant pink hue, derived only from beet root or adding some floral twist to snack bars by incorporating the harmonious taste of elderberries.

Fun and bold mash-ups

In 2025, we see fun and unexpected taste experiences take over the food shelves. Foodies are on the hunt for bold, out-of-the-box flavor combos, with 43% of global consumers looking for unique creations that deliver ultimate indulgence at the same time.⁸

This fusion of indulgence and creativity opens doors for brands to explore bold mash-ups that not only surprise and excite, but also create memorable yet tasty experiences.

Thanks to social media, wildly inventive mash-ups are taking off that entertain the taste buds. We see this year food is getting a bold remix with the swicy trend entering the chat. A fun combination of sweet and spicy that bring the best of both worlds in every bite. We think of mash-ups with figs and cayenne pepper or even honey paired with ginger, bringing exciting twists to the food scene.

¹ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/functional-food-market

² https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/consumer-food-trend/

³ Global Data^: Ingredient Insights: Functional/Medicinal Mushroom^, GDCG230001IG—June 19, 2023

⁴ Innova, Global Consumer Trends 2025

⁵ https://clients.mintel.com/content/report/a-year-of-innovation-in-cakes-pastries-and-sweet-goods-2024#workspace_SpacesStore_944ff8cf-c86b-451e-be00-9b7226980251

⁶ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/clean-label-ingredients-market-report

⁷ Innova Food & Beverage Trends 2025

⁸ https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/top-food-trends-2025/

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RTD Milk Drinks: Creamy, convenient, and crave-worthy

Milk-based beverages are stepping into the spotlight in 2025, offering a fresh take on comfort, convenience, and creativity. From traditional dairy drinks to plant-based alternatives and functional blends, this segment offers endless potential to meet diverse needs.

The hottest topic in this space? For sure, everything protein. It stems from increased awareness of protein’s reputation as rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and protein contributing to overall health and wellness.¹ After variations of milk chocolates and coffee lattes, we especially see RTD (ready-to-drink) milk teas in the spotlight of 2025.

The milk tea category alone saw a 133% growth in new product launches in the EU (2021-2024)² as consumers are seeking more than basic milk. Milk teas are serving up endless tasty yet natural combos – from floral and earthy to fruity and spicy. Plus, they’re totally made for modern lifestyles with grab-and-go convenience and natural, feel-good vibes.

Meal Drinks – balanced nutrition on the go.

In 2025, we likely see nutritional meal drinks emerging as consumers increasingly seek convenient, high-quality solutions that fit seamlessly into their busy schedules. Especially younger consumers are embracing these practical on-the-go options to stay fueled without compromising on health.

The global market for nutritional drink products reflects this demand, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2024 to 2031.³ While meal drinks are popular for replacing full meals or curbing hunger between them, consumers are calling for more recognizable and natural ingredients.

This opens the door for brands to innovate – blending more naturalness into meal drink options. We think of adding vibrant notes like matcha, hibiscus or orange peel for an indulgent taste experience or enhancing functionality through botanicals like turmeric, known for its gut health benefits.

Nostalgic Sips

Yes, nostalgia is back – but what exactly does that mean? In 2025, it’s all about bringing classic beverages back to life with a fun, fresh twist for an elevated consumer experience.

According to FMCG Gurus, consumers go back to traditions as they bring comfort while the world is changing at a fast pace and also are confronted with the information overload due to Social Media.⁴

As these old-school vibes inspire fresh flavor innovations, we think of teaming up a classic black ice tea with the delicate sweetness of elderflower or giving a peach ice tea a cinnamon swirl for a delicious dessert-inspired upgrade.

Flourishing Florals

Floral flavors are blooming in 2025 driven by their unique aromatic notes and potential health benefits.

According to Innova’s consumer trend research, a third of respondents in 11 markets have increased their consumption of floral-flavored products in 2024 compared to 2023. Hibiscus remains the go-to floral favorite, but rose, chamomile, and chrysanthemum are steadily gaining traction.⁵

These delicate yet complex floral notes bring a sophisticated edge to beverages enhancing the overall experience with a natural, aromatic twist. We think of rose elevating a premium coffee or lavender infusing a botanical ice tea – with florals bringing plenty of opportunities for innovation to flourish across the beverage industry.

Fizzy Sips: Sparkling Tea

The non-alcoholic star of 2025 might just be Sparkling Tea, offering a fizzy, refreshing experience that is perfectly aligned with the rise of non-alcoholic beverages and consumers’ health-conscious choices.

The global sparkling tea market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030⁶ combining the refreshing effervescence of carbonated drinks with distinctive flavors and the potential health benefits of tea.

From classic soft drink-inspired flavors like orange soda and herbal lemonade to unique, botanical blends like lemon balm or lavender, sparkling tea is bringing vibrant and natural flavors to the glass. It’s also a top pick for those seeking non-alcoholic wine alternatives, with its complex flavors and bubbly texture making it the ideal celebratory sipper.

Bring in Functionality

The functional beverage trend is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, the global functional drinks market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.1% through 2030.⁷

Beyond hydration, functional beverages are designed to deliver tangible health benefits contributing to energy and immunity as well as cognitive, digestive and heart health. As consumers embrace the idea of beverages as tools for holistic well-being, we see the functional beverage market offering numerous opportunities for innovation. Botanicals are all in for this trend as they not only bring deliciousness, but also are associated with specific health benefits. Brands can tap into this trend by crafting indulgent yet purposeful drinks that combine functional ingredients with delicious flavors.

Take the viral bone broth trend sweeping social media, for example. Known for its numerous health benefits, this wellness staple is not for everyone’s taste. However, by blending it with cocoa or infusing it with botanicals, bone broth can be transformed into a delicious, wellness-oriented sip – opening doors for ready-to-drink beverages to deliver health benefits in every bottle.

Adaptogenic Alchemy

Adaptogenic ingredients are definitely a thing in the 2025 beverage landscape as the trend towards natural living and wellness continues to gain momentum. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca and holy basil are said to have numerous health benefits like their ability to enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and boost mood.

Sales of adaptogens have risen by 257% in the last four years and the global adaptogenic drinks market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2030 to reach USD 2,695.5 million by 2030.^8,9

We see adaptogens like ashwagandha or tulsi in different forms of ready-to-drink options to bring in a health-conscious sip that blends quality ingredients with delicious flavors in beverages such as milk drinks, smoothies or mocktails. The opportunity for brands lies in creating signature sips that cater to different taste preferences, as well as supporting holistic approaches by providing additional function with ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Beyond the booze: non-alcoholic beverages

As mindful drinking and the “sober-ish” lifestyle take center stage, we see non-alcoholic drinks are leading the charge in 2025. Especially younger consumers embrace the idea of cutting back or ditching alcohol altogether.

Therefore, it’s no wonder the global market of non-alcoholic beverages is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 7.4% (CAGR) from 2024 to 2030.¹⁰

Whether it’s movements like #DryJanuary and #SoberOctober, or viral mocktail recipes trending on social media, non-alcoholic beverages offer a refreshing and guilt-free option for all kinds of occasions. This gives brands the opportunity to bring a whole new sober vibe with exciting alternatives to the traditional booze. We think of hops that are ready to blossom beyond beer as they elevate freshness through their bitter taste profiles or adding some botanical indulgence to Spitz culture.

Sweet Vibes – low or no sugar

Sugar? Nah, we’re good. Cutting sugar isn’t just a vibe – it has become a must have in the beverage world as consumers are leveling up their health game preferring low-sugar or even sugar-free options to avoid drinking their calories.

The global market for sugar-free beverages is already booming. It’s set to grow from $136.22 billion in 2023 to a whopping $268.40 billion by 2033, climbing at a steady 7.3% CAGR.¹¹

We expect consumers’ favorites in this category to be carbonated juice drinks, flavored waters and coffee drinks. Also, with the shift toward less processed options, it’s the chance for beverage innovations to turn into natural sweetness solutions with botanical infusions delivering rich sweet flavors while also being Clean Label. It’s all about keeping it real, refreshing, and guilt-free.

Savory Sips

Savory sips are having a moment in 2025, and they are bringing an exciting twist to classic beverages. Social buzz around savory cocktails for example spiked by 46% last year, showing that people are craving for bolder flavors in their drinks.¹²

For those ready to move beyond the mostly sweet options, botanicals like matcha or mushrooms bring earthy depth and savory complexity to consumers’ favorite sips.

But there’s another trend making waves: This year is giving “swicy”. It’s the fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, appealing to consumers who crave bolder notes. We think of cayenne pepper or ginger adding a fiery kick to fruity carbonated drinks or ice teas creating a fun and unexpected taste experience.

¹ https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/milk-trends-in-europe/
² https://www.gnpd.com/sinatra/shared_link/f79a5065-2d9c-4ba8-83a1-023d2cbd6e45
³ Nutritional Beverages Market Size, Trends, & Forecast By 2031
⁴ FMCG Gurus, Top 10 Trends for 2025
⁵ https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/flavor-trends-global-floral-innovation/
⁶ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sparkling-tea-market-report
⁷ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/functional-drinks-market
⁸ NIQ – Unvealing Beverage Trends in 2024
⁹ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/adaptogenic-drinks-market-report
¹⁰ Non-alcoholic Beverages Market Size & Share Report, 2030
¹¹ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sugar-free-carbonated-drinks-market-to-reach-243-5-bn-globally-by-2030-at-7-3-cagr-allied-market-research-301404424.html
¹² https://tastewise.io/blog/2025-beverage-trends

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Cold Brew: Tea’s coolest brew yet

Cold Brew tea has been around for a while, but we see it also trending in 2025.
Cold Brew options are particularly appealing to busy, on-the-go consumers who crave a flavorful beverage without the hassle of brewing.

Driven by these demands, the Cold Brew tea market is experiencing significant growth, which is reflected by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.10% (2024-2031).¹

Cold Brew teas are also an excellent choice for those looking to sip smarter, as they provide a healthier alternative to sugary iced teas. Made with real botanicals and without added sugar, they offer a refreshing, guilt-free option for those seeking a sweet escape from traditional sugary RTD drinks.

The Matcha Mania goes on

We expect Matcha to continue to be a consumer’s favorite. Social media, especially TikTok, has set matcha into the spotlight showcasing both healthy recipes and creative flavor pairings.

Matcha is not only a healthier alternative to traditional caffeine sources but also incredibly versatile. Originating from grounding ceremonial tea rituals, Matcha remains a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts. But it has also made its way into vibrant, flavor-packed lattes and trendy food bites.

The global matcha market size is expected to see rapid growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% (2024-2033).¹

In 2025, we presumably will see elevating more experimental matcha combos blending the earthy richness, vibrant color and its potential health benefits with bold, refreshing twists across tea, food and beverage options.

De-Caf: Sip into serenity

Driven by the consumer’s increasing health consciousness and a preference for reduced caffeine intake, we’ll likely see Decaffeinated Tea options becoming more and more popular in 2025.

The global decaffeinated tea market is experiencing significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024-2031.¹

Think of Rooibos, which is naturally caffeine-free, or our decaffeinated green or black teas as base for innovative blends. Decaffeinated tea also aligns with consumers’ growing need for relaxation and improving sleep.

Whether adding natural botanicals like Lavender or Chamomile known for their calming effects or Melatonin for that extra function, de-caf tea options are here for a health enhancing experience in 2025.

Bold Flavors: Expect the unexpected

In 2025, we expect tea lovers to embrace bold and fun flavor combinations that elevate the sensory experience.

According to Innova 43% of global consumers say that they are looking for crazy creations that provide them with the ultimate indulgent experience.²

Unexpected tea mash-ups can feature hints of chili, roasted nuts, or even savory notes like mushrooms.

For example our Fierry Berry Power Tea combines the heat of chili with the sweetness of Raspberry, delivering a unique taste sensation. This blend even adds function by incorporating five B-vitamins and caffeine, catering to consumers that seek both flavor and energy in their tea choices.

Tea Shots: Small brews, big benefits

In 2025, we see tea becoming a true wellness ritual as consumers are increasingly prioritizing health and wellbeing.

According to Innova 61% of consumers identify as somewhat or very self-sufficient in managing their health, which make tea a key role in empowering these mindful choices.²

Tea shots are perfectly aligning with this trend offering concentrated boosts of botanicals to target unique needs. We think of tea shots packed with superfood botanicals like Acerola, Ginseng, or Acai to deliver satisfying flavors while supporting individual day-to-day health goals.

Ideal for busy lifestyles, tea shots are compact, easy to enjoy, and can even be fortified with vitamins and minerals for that extra health-boosting function.

The Tea Glow-up: Beauty from within

This year we also see the spotlight shine on beauty enhancing teas as topics on skincare and skin health are gaining more traction.

According to Innova 1 in 5 global consumers have purchased F&B products to improve physical appearance or beauty in the past year. The top priorities include improving facial skin, hair, and body skin.²

Integrating tea into your consumers beauty rituals to sip towards their beauty goals aligns perfectly with these market insights and even embodies the fusion of wellness and indulgence that modern consumers crave.

We think of botanicals like hibiscus, known for their antioxidant properties, or rosehip which can benefit a radiant skin due to its vitamin C content. Adding functional ingredients like zinc or collagen to promote stronger hair or nails takes the beauty from within trend even one step further.

Sip into Nostalgia, but make it trendy

Afternoon Tea is back! In 2025, the nostalgia trend in tea is gaining momentum as consumers rediscover traditional authentic flavors and habits.

In fact, 64% of global consumers would like to try new products with old/traditional recipe-inspired flavors (Innova, 2024).²

The key is to harmoniously combine tradition and innovation by infusing classic botanicals like lemon balm or peppermint with a modern twist.

Even the ritual of afternoon tea is experiencing a revival with freshly brewed teas, delicious treats, and beautiful table settings. Giving this cherished ritual a fresh focus transforms the classic tea time into a more personalized experience that suits modern consumers’ taste.

Innovative Formats: The new cup of tea

In 2025, we see innovative formats shape the way consumers enjoy their cup of tea.

The emphasis is on convenience, sustainability and personalization as more than 50% of Europeans and 79% of Gen Z now take refillable water bottles when out of home.^3,4

This drives the demand for trendy bottle-free options, which offer easy on-the-go convenience while reducing packaging and waste.

Modern formats like sticks, sachets or tetraeders adapt to modern lifestyles and give consumers the ability to enjoy their tea anytime, anywhere they want.

Exciting TEAm: Tea meets Gen Z

The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is discovering tea through social media and influencer culture, which are setting the pace for fast moving trends.

This generation is looking for creative fun ways to have enjoyment. Innova’s Generation Z trends research shows 27% of Gen Z say that they invest into foods, beverages, and experiences that uplift their mood.⁵

Tea offers endless possibilities to cater to this desire for creativity and fun. We think of botanicals to stir up #WaterTok with natural flavor and color or innovative vibrant color-changing teas for an interactive experience.

And let’s not forget Bubble Tea that has been on the list for the past years, and the trend is still bubbling. Bubble Tea is likely to bring fun and excitement opening the door for fun innovations like our sugar-free Instant Strawberry Bubble Tea Base for quick and easy preparation.

Customizable – your tea, your way

In 2025, we see a growing momentum to tailor the tea experience to personal taste, brewing habits, and even health-related benefits. According to Innova precision wellness is one of the key trends as nearly 60% of consumers say that they are proactive about their health, with over half planning their nutrition intake based on health issues.²

Customizable offerings allow consumers across all generations to craft their perfect cup of tea. We think of modular systems that enable flexibility to mix and match ingredients to design own tea blends tailored to personal preferences such as sweetness and flavor intensity, while also offering the option to add botanicals that can cater to a specific wellness goal – may it be support in boosting immunity or enhancing relaxation.

That was a lot of tea to sip on! Ready to brew up some new tea options for your consumers?  Contact us at sales@martin-bauer.com, and let’s bring these trends to life together. 2025 – we are ready!

¹ Grand View Research: Tea Market Size, Share & Trends, Industry Report, 2030
² Innova, 2024: Top 10 F&B Trends 2025
³ Kantar Profiles/Mintel, April 2022; Base: 1,000 internet users aged 16+ per country (2,000 in Germany)
⁴ What Stanley Cups tell us about Gen Z’s water bottle obsession (telegraph.co.uk)
⁵ Innova, 2024: Generation Z Trends and Beyond: Global Consumer Overview

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From root to plate – plant-based is here to stay.

The trend of plant-based food alternatives, which has gained significant popularity, is expected to continue its growth and development in the upcoming year. In addition to the existing meat and dairy alternatives, there will be a particular emphasis on high-protein and high-fiber plant-based solutions.

Matching this, we see significant potential for psyllium husks, due to their ability to boost the soluble fiber content in products and for their technical benefits such as stabilizer, water-binding & thickener agent, especially in gluten-free products.

Functional Foods Fuel the Future

Products with health and wellness benefits will continue to grow in popularity in 2024. According to FMCG Gurus (2023), 45% of global consumers say they have become more interested in health-promoting ingredients over the past two years. And the trend continues to grow. In addition to the already familiar food functionalities such as beauty, energy, and focus, which are particularly important for busy people and gamers, this year we will also see more products addressing anxiety, stress & memory issues, and healthy aging.

In terms of formats, on-the-go and over-the-counter formats will continue to grow among consumers who are looking to improve their daily lives with wellness-focused ingredients.

Sweet Balance: Natural sweetness on the rise.

As consumers become increasingly skeptical of artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, the zero/low sugar food and beverage markets are expected to grow with natural alternatives in 2024 and beyond. We see great potential for our botanical sweet mixes to meet this demand. In particular, botanical solutions with stevia herb or sweet blackberry leaves will continue to conquer the food market in 2024.
For more information on our Botanical Sweet Mixes, click here: Botanical Sweet Mixes – MartinBauer

Naturally colorful – bold and bright

Colorful can be natural. We are seeing a strong shift in consumer thinking – the trend is clearly away from artificial colors and toward colorful botanicals derived from nature. By using these natural colors e.g., in form of botanicals powders or extracts, we can open new worlds of color for familiar products and appeal to the emerging Gen Z consumer group. These younger consumers are very concerned about the environment and their own well-being. Food creatives and influencers are defining a new visual language for natural foods and beverages with bold color combinations that celebrate joy and creativity. Colorful products in everyday life – and natural ones at that – are particularly enriching for this target group.

Nourishing the soul – healthy indulgence

According to FMCG (2023), 57% of global consumers say they have tried to improve their mental wellbeing in the past year. Social media and younger generations are driving this movement. Self-care is not only about health; indulgence is also self-care. Delicious, natural treats in particular give people a moment to celebrate themselves and what they love.

In line with this, Nostalgic flavors count in this trend. Especially older consumers seek out tastes that transport them back to their childhood or evoke memories of bygone times. These flavors not only provide a sense of comfort and familiarity but also have the power to evoke positive emotions and support overall well-being.

As people seek to indulge and be healthy at the same time, there is a growing interest in familiar treats presented in a more natural and healthier form. For instance, gummy bears with botanical ingredients that offer associated health benefits and mood-enhancing properties are gaining attention, along with their delicious taste that appeals to customers.

For more information about healthier indulgence options, click here: Feel good jellies – Martin Bauer or Chocolate towards a healthy indulgence – Martin Bauer

Summarizing what´s “in” for foods 2024

Looking ahead to the new year, we expect consumers to continue their pursuit of healthy foods with natural and functional ingredients, as well as more natural sweetening solutions, while showing a growing interest in foods that offer also indulgence and colorful appearance for more self-care moments and enjoyment.

What are your thoughts on these current trends? Are there any additional ones you anticipate for 2024? Reach out to us and let’s have a conversation about it: sales@martin-bauer.com

Der Beitrag Savor the Future: Our Top Food Trends 2024 erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.

This shift of aqua feeds towards botanical solutions extends beyond traditional nutritional considerations. The exploration of functional ingredients, derived from nature, addresses a spectrum of challenges faced by the aquaculture sector. From disease management to environmental impact and nutritional optimization, the feed industry is actively pursuing innovative solutions to navigate these complexities and foster sustainable growth.

Functional Ingredients Addressing Key Challenges:

1. Rosemary and Lemon Balm: Natural Defense Against Infections

The effectiveness of rosmarinic acid-rich botanicals, like rosemary and lemon balm, in reducing mortality rates and combating infections caused by Streptococcus iniae highlights a promising shift towards disease prevention through plant extracts and powders. these These botanicals offer a natural alternative or supplement to antibiotic treatments and have demonstrated effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria in various fish species, including Nile tilapia, rainbow trout, common carp, and gilthead seabream.

2. Peppermint: Enhancing Immunity and Barrier Function

Peppermint, with its menthol and bioactive compounds, emerges as a potent ally against Vibrio harveyi, showcasing improvements in immunological parameters. Moreover, it has shown to strengthen the natural mucus barrier in the skin of Caspian roach, contributing to enhanced resistance against bacteria and elevating overall animal welfare.

3. Garlic: Allicin for Immunostimulation and Growth

Garlic, celebrated for its allicin content, has shown to be a botanical powerhouse for immunostimulation and growth in various fish species, including Nile tilapia, rainbow trout, Barramundi, grouper, and Pacific white shrimp. Enriched aqua feeds with garlic not only prevent infections by Aeromonas and Escherichia bacteria but also demonstrate efficacy in mitigating parasite infestation in Nile tilapia and rainbow trout.

4. Thyme: Natural Allrounder in Aquaculture Challenges

Abundant in thymol and carvacrol, thyme emerges as a natural immunostimulant, promising to fortify resistance against pathogens and playing a pivotal role in the utilization of plant compounds in aquaculture.

5. Fenugreek and Turmeric: Versatile Organ Supporters

Fenugreek, rich in proteins, and turmeric, abundant in curcumin, have showcased versatile functionalities in research studies, counteracting the detrimental effects of soy meal in aqua feeds. These botanical additions not only enhanced immune responses but also provided antibacterial activity, contributing to the resilience and adaptability of feed formulations.

6. Antiparasitic Powerhouses from Botanical Origins

Garlic, rich in allicin, and ginger, rich in gingerol, act as botanical antiparasitic powerhouses, particularly against fluke parasites. Further, essential oils from clove and rosemary present promising results in managing infections, offering botanical solutions to address the major challenge of parasite infestation in aquaculture.

7. Botanical Anesthetics and Botanical Microencapsulation: Innovations for the Future

Plant extracts, as well as plant powders, could serve as natural alternatives to chemical anesthetics in the future. They demonstrated the potential to de-escalate stress-inducing situations, such as noise or treatments requiring fish handling. Furthermore, the microencapsulation of botanical solutions ensures optimal conservation and controlled release of bioactive secondary plant compounds, paving the way for innovations in botanical aquafeed production.

Regulatory Landscape and Future Prospects

Despite the promising outcomes, the integration of these botanical derivatives into aquaculture faces regulatory challenges. Continued research is imperative to address concerns and foster industry-wide acceptance. The progressive inclusion of secondary plant compounds into aqua feeds marks a potential evolution towards sustainable practices in aquaculture, supported by empirical evidence and research-backed findings. The proactive efforts of the feed industry to address these challenges underscore a commitment to advancing the sustainability and efficacy of aquaculture practices.

Interested to learn more? Get in touch: animal.nutrition@martin-bauer.com 

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A new level of tea enjoyment through creative methods

Innovative tea creations, new preparation methods and formats will play a key role in attracting younger consumers who are moving away from traditional hot tea. According to Mintel, younger consumers can be inspired with fun ideas and novel recipes, to create new ways of consuming existing tea products and will encourage them to consume hybrid drinks. In France, 80% of Millennials enjoy experimenting with new tea flavors, while 70% of Polish Millennials are interested in trying new tea formats¹.

Moving away from the classic tea bag to single-serve solutions such as instant, drops or even liquid concentrates (even for on-the-go use) takes consumers on a multi-sensory journey and creates new and exciting drinking experiences.

In addition, the growing exchange of tea cultures and consumption habits will create demand for more tea varieties and different preparation methods, such as infusing tea with cool, sparkling water or pouring it directly into hot milk – promising exciting new taste creations.

Mocktail Magic: Creative Tea Blends that Enchant the Senses

Mocktails will continue to conquer the scene – non-alcoholic cocktails or mocktail preparations with tea will become the new star of the weekend. This is since the younger target group, especially Gen Z, is consuming less alcohol and is looking for exciting and unusual flavors that work as an alternative and can be enjoyed at gatherings, dinners, barbecues, etc.

Of course, the ongoing health and wellness trend also supports the demand for mocktails, which is exactly why herbal/botanical infusions have become the next point of interest for mocktail bases.

Functional Teas 2024: Wellness for Body and Mind in every cup

Consumers have always enjoyed a good cup of tea and its many health benefits, but now they are increasingly using it to find peace in a world full of anxiety. They have realized that tea is more than just a tasty beverage – it can literally improve their mental and physical well-being.

The functional tea trend continues to gain momentum and is increasingly focused on more specific issues such as women’s health, healthy aging, and emotional/mental well-being.

However, we also see that more established categories such as energy, focus and relaxation remain popular are in high demand.

Same, but different

To sum up the trends for 2024, they can be described as nothing new, but rather an extension and diversification of what has been important to tea consumers in the past and will be important in the future.

Health and enjoyment seem to dominate, but preparation methods and new functional formulations will continue to evolve in interesting ways.

For more information, please contact us at: sales@martin-bauer.com

¹Mintel: The future of tea 2023; Base: France 870 and Poland 993 internet users aged 16+

Der Beitrag Teatrends 2024: further health and enjoyment trends will conquer the cups. erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.

Integrating herbal infusion solutions into everyday life can have a positive impact on women’s health. Let’s dive in together and discover the essential factors that shape women’s well-being and their natural solutions:

PMS – Feel good with the power of botanicals.

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a monthly companion for many women. Behind those three letters lies a host of physical and emotional changes. Mood swings, cramps or difficulties falling asleep are just some of them that are widespread. From our broad botanical portfolio, we see to name just a few chamomile, lavender, passionflower and fenugreek as useful components that can increase the feel-good factor during this time.

Menstruation well prepared

Often discussed in whispers, menstruation is far more than just a biological cycle and central to female life. According to Mintel, studies have shown the link between good nutrition and a healthy menstrual cycle. With botanicals such as lady’s mantle herb, yarrow herb and green tea we see far-reaching opportunities to support women’s well-being in a botanical way during this time.

Stay fit and radiant while pregnant.

Pregnancy – a magical transition in a woman’s life, characterized by expectation, change and anticipation. From the first signs to the emotional highs, botanicals can support the unique journey of expectant mothers. There is a wide range of botanicals that can support each trimester, e.g. fennel, anise, peppermint, sea buckthorn berries, ginger and black caraway to name just a few.

Breastfeeding – more than just food intake

Breastfeeding is an intimate connection between mother and child that not only provides vital nutrients, but also creates emotional bonding and security. We support this unique moment and focus on botanicals such as rooibos, lemon verbena, anise, lemon balm, honeybush and many more.

Take a (meno-)pause.

The menopause is a natural but often underestimated milestone in a women’s life. The end of the reproductive cycle marks the beginning of a new phase that is accompanies by physical changes and emotional challenges. We want to remedy this with botanicals such as red clover flowers, lady’s mantle herb, birch leaves, basil, and apple mint to name just a few.

Be inspired by the endless possibilities of botanicals in women’s health issues and grow your business by expanding your product portfolio.

For more information, please contact us at: sales@martin-bauer.com

Der Beitrag Women’s health: Delivering what women want and need. With the power of botanicals. erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.

The fundamental question driving the Mushumbi Water Project in Zimbabwe was: How can we ensure safe, easy access to water to improve health and quality of life in rural communities in Africa? Put simply, our solution was to build wells, which local communities operate independently via their own Water Committees.

Healthy water supply = healthy people

According to health organizations, more than 700 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. In places without a safe water supply, cholera and diarrheal diseases are some of the most common causes of death. Many children do not get enough to drink – with fatal consequences.

The new wells in Mushumbi are having a positive long-term impact on the health of the local population, who are no longer forced to drink contaminated water. “Drinking safe, worm-free water has changed our lives,” said one woman. “We no longer have diarrhea and stomach problems.” With the help of the Mushumbi Water Project, 20 wells were built from 2020 to 2022. More than 2,000 households – that’s around 10,000 people – are benefitting from the new drinking water supply.

Saving time, changing lives

Another benefit of the wells is that they save time. Previously, the women and children – who are traditionally responsible for fetching water in African families – had to undertake frequent long walks to the waterhole. Their only alternative was to scoop up water from the Dande River. “Before the wells were installed we used to waste a lot of time,” another woman tells us. “We would get out of bed at 4 o’clock in the morning to set out on the long search for water. We would lose three hours and not get to the fields to work until 7 o’clock. By that time it was already hot and the work was hard.”

Autonomous management and gender balance
A fundamental part of the Mushumbi Water Project is to share knowledge and enable communities to autonomously and sustainably improve their standard of living. Everyone involved benefits from the shared knowhow and the sense of community is strengthened.

One example is the autonomous management of the wells by Water Committees. We held various workshops and training sessions to show teams how to take care of the wells themselves, to maintain them, and to resolve smaller problems by working together as a community. Since almost all the fields are traditionally owned by men, it was important to us to ensure a better gender balance in the Committees. The proportion of women in the Water Committees is around 60 percent, ensuring greater inclusion of women in community decision-making processes.

Organic Africa brings new knowledge

Before the small farmers in the Mushumbi region began cultivating hibiscus for Organic Africa, most of them grew cotton or tobacco. Not only was this less lucrative, the work was also much more hazardous to health due to the use of various chemicals. As cotton and tobacco harvests deteriorated year on year in the wake of long periods of drought, the farmers became more interested in switching to a different raw material. Since then, hibiscus has been an important source of income in the region. “Rosella,” as the locals call the plant, only needs water just after sowing – afterwards it thrives, even in very dry places.

Der Beitrag Better water for a better life erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.

Safety you can count on!

Every step in our vertically integrated supply chain is traceable. Pre-drying, drying, cutting, sieving, roasting – all this is done gently by well-trained workers under controlled conditions. An independent lab monitors and analyzes our yerba mate to rigorous safety standards.

Sustainability you can contribute to!

We are committed to sustainable sourcing and engaging directly with the populace to help communities thrive and embrace sustainable mate production practices. This goes to boost productivity and local income while protecting Mata Atlântica, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Benefit from our perfectly balanced mate varieties

Get inspired by the endless opportunities yerba mate has to offer and branch out your business by adding this trending treat to your portfolio.

For more information, feel free to contact us: sales@martin-bauer.com

Der Beitrag Energize your business with yerba mate erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.

Tea in all its many facets – more versatile than any other beverage!
Next to water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world and has developed into a modern lifestyle – whether classically hot, cold brewed, as a “home-made” iced tea or as a trendy bubble tea. While the traditional tea plant camellia sinensis is used to make the classic green, black and white teas, there are numerous other botanicals from all over the world which can be used to create tasty and trendy new tea infusions. When people talk about tea today, there are no limits to the different taste profiles or many positive values of tea, herbal and fruit teas. For more information on our different tea solutions:  Tea – MartinBauer (martin-bauer.com)

Many positive values of tea

As consumers are paying increasingly more attention to how they can do good for themselves and their bodies, the renewed focus on the functional benefits of herbal ingredients make tea more and more attractive – whether for strengthening the immune system, supporting digestion, or providing and energy boost. Due to our global sourcing, we can create infusions with botanicals that are said to have different functional properties.

Discover the flavors of the world – from home!
Since travelling was restricted due to the worldwide pandemic, consumers are still craving new culinary adventures to try at home. Experiencing exotic flavors in a cup of tea at home make us feel closer to new cultures, excite our daily lives, and inspire new purchase patterns. We select the best botanicals from all over the world, evoking an innovative flavorful journey to beautiful countries and travel destinations. Our botanicals are not only tasty and put vacation atmosphere in one cup – they also add naturalness and clean label options.

Worldwide responsible sourcing

For us at MartinBauer, tea in all its facets is part of our DNA. We have been dealing with herbal raw materials for tea applications for our over 90 years. We are on the ground for you and take care of our raw material partners and supply chains at the origin.

With our expert knowledge we are the ideal partner to find suitable solutions for you and your product. For more information on our sourcing standard: Quality and safety – MartinBauer (martin-bauer.com)

So raise your tea cups and glasses – let’s toast together to “International Tea Day”!

Together, let’s make the world a little more botanical!

Der Beitrag International Tea Day 2023: The whole world in one cup erschien zuerst auf MartinBauer.