Functional Foods Manufacturer

GFR Pharma’s technologies and capabilities can help you enter the fast-growing functional foods market. Functional products can command premium prices as consumers become more health-conscious and actively seek out foods with extra benefits.

Functional Food Definition

A functional food is a food providing an additional health function through the addition of new ingredients or additional quantities of existing ingredients.

While there is no legal definition for a functional food, some common distinctives are that it appears in food form, it is intended to be consumed as part of one’s usual diet, and that some of the ingredients provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition.

In the past, governments have regulated the fortification and enrichment of foods to prevent nutrient deficiencies that could cause diseases. Now companies are moving past disease prevention and are trying to optimize health with products that have a proven functional benefit.

Formulating Functional Foods

Making a functional food is not as easy as simply adding a new ingredient to an existing food product. Our team of experienced formulators work to make sure the product retains the same taste and texture profiles that consumers are used to. Great-tasting functional foods can encourage consumer compliance by delivering nutrients in a more palatable and easy-to-take form than traditional supplement forms.

Formulators must ensure that the additional ingredients retain their nutritional value when mixed with other ingredients. Each ingredient’s pH level, solubility, bioavailability and stability must be considered.

Functional foods may take many forms including powders, liquids or unique forms like seed mixes. Liquids are popular because they are good carriers of functional ingredients but in order to ensure a shelf-stable liquid, certain ingredients must be suspended.

Common Functional Food Additions and Their Health Benefits

Consumers are aware that nutrition plays a role in physical energy levels, mental clarity, weight control, and proper growth and development. They also see the need for ingredients that support heart, bone, eye, immune and digestive health.

Commonly Added Ingredients Potential Functional Benefits
Fatty Acids (Omega 3, Monosaturated & Polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA,  EPA & CLA) Brain, Eye, Heart & Immune Health. Cognitive Development
Antioxidants Preventing Free Radical Damage
Prebiotics & Probiotics Digestive & Immune Health. Gastrointestinal Benefits
Fibers Digestive Health. Supports Maintenance Of Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
Plant Stanols/ Sterols Heart Health. Reducing Cholesterol
Minerals Numerous Including Bone, Prostate, Immune & Heart Health
Vitamins Numerous Including Eye, Immune, Brain, & Bone Health
Herbs Varied Health Benefits
Carotenoids Eye & Prostate Health. Neutralizes Free Radicals
Flavonoids Heart, Urinary Tract & Brain Health, Neutralizes Free Radicals
Phytoestrogens Bone, Immune, & Brain Health. Supports Menopausal Health For Women

*This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.

*Specific health claims must be evaluated on an individual basis.

The functional food market is already a multi-billion dollar industry and is rapidly growing at more than 10% annually. Consumers are driven by benefits and must see the benefits as credible, that the product is relevant to their lifestyle, tastes great and is convenient.

 

Functional Food Regulations

GFR Pharma can guide you to using ingredients and forms that fit within the food regulatory streams within Canada, the United States and other countries. Canadian functional foods are regulated by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). American functional foods are regulated under the FDA regulations for conventional foods, food additives, and dietary supplements.

When designing labels for functional foods, one must be careful when making health claims to ensure that they don’t cross the line into a therapeutic claim. Specific ingredients have pre-approved claims based on scientific studies that can be included on the labels.

 

Functional Food Packaging Options

Once produced, functional foods can be packaged into bottles and pouches as well as individually packaged in small pouches and stick packs.

 

Health-conscious consumers are willing to invest in their food choices and partnering with GFR Pharma as your functional foods manufacturer can help you enter this competitive and growing market.

Functional Food Contract Manufacturing Quote

GFR Pharma is a solution provider for all your functional food contract manufacturing needs.

Testimonials

We appreciate our relationship with GFR. From QC to communications, we have found working with GFR to be a pleasure, highlighted by excellent communications and reliable delivery dates. Thank you.
Michael BentleySierraSil Health Inc.
Great first experience manufacturing my product with GFR. I am definitely going to be utilizing your services in the future for more of our products and look forward to our next project with you. Thanks again!
We cannot wait any longer to express our appreciation for your help during our production process.

We thank you for your professional suggestions and the quick responses to every question we have had; you have been so patient in helping us with every one of our inquiries.

Your guidance throughout the entire product development and production is a tremendous support to us.
Please forward my sincere gratitude to the GFR team. You guys are seriously, seriously on-it!
Chris GFounder
In all my years, I can honestly say, no other company I have ever worked with has provided me with such an unparalleled level of care and service. Literally, GFR Pharma has provided my company with the best level of service I have ever experienced. You are that good, that efficient, that professional.

If there was a problem, it was fixed. If there was a challenge, it was met. If there was a deadline, it was met.

It’s time for an official thank you.
I always prefer to make our products at GFR if possible, because I am confident with your product quality and service for us.

We are growing well steadily in the Korean market and so orders are continuous and items keep increasing.

I really hope to work closely with GFR with most of our products.
James T.President