Discover ACI’s new functional ingredients and transform your active nutrition product developments for 2025

The food and beverage industry is highly competitive; categories are becoming blurred and product democratisation means that previously niche products are now available to all. But what does this mean for the sector in the year ahead? 

At ACI, our team of experts tracks contemporary trends to assist our customers, cutting through the noise to understand the deeper movements that will drive innovation and product development.  

One of the areas pinpointed for growth is active nutrition. This category includes products with enhanced functionality such as sports nutrition, dietary supplements, products that target gut and brain health, and healthy ageing. 

To stay relevant in this buoyant market, ingredient suppliers and brands must work together to remainrelevant and deliver products consumers want as part of their daily health and wellness routine. 

To do this, we not only ask what the biggest active nutritional trends are, but how current productlines are evolving, offering you the choice to develop a new formulation, or reformulate an existing product to enhance its bioavailability, nutrient uptake, texture, and flavour. 

We believe that when it comes to health-supporting supplements and nutraceuticals, staying ahead of consumer trends isn’t simply good business sense, it's an essential part of what we do. 

Our partnership with DolCas Biotech, a science-backed functional ingredient supplier allows us to do just that. Read on as we explore five key areas of active nutrition and the ingredients that can support them. 

1. Fight inflammation with Curcugen®

Inflammation can impact whole-body health and is a contributing factor in many illnesses and conditions including heart disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Although inflammation is a natural response to injury, chronic inflammation can cause serious and permanent harm to the body. 

 Functional ingredients that fight inflammation including turmeric can be a game changer when added to food formulations. Curcugen is a next-generation curcumin formula and a clinically researched turmeric extract. It offers between 39 to 52 times more bioavailability than standard curcumin extracts, utilising turmeric’s natural components to enhance absorption and efficacy in a food and beverage-friendly format. 

Studies have shown Curcugen’s potential in supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation, making it an excellent addition to supplements aimed at combating chronic inflammation. 

2. Protect the gut-brain axis with Ginfort®  

This gut-brain axis allows bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous system, linking the emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. 

Recent advances in research have described the importance of gut microbiota in influencing these interactions. Ginfort® is a concentrated ginger extract and functional ingredient that supports gut health. 

Up to 26% of its bioactive compounds are derived from ginger roots, offering a potent dose of gingerol and shogaol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Its highly bioavailable, patented formula allows it to be effective in extremely low doses, making it an attractive option for formulators seeking to add a gut-brain health hack to their product lines.

3. Fortiquin®: put the sparkle back in aging populations 

While there has been relatively little research into sexuality in old age, available surveys show that some form of sexual activity usually continues until the end of life. For example, in a sample of people aged 80-102, 62% of the men and 30% of the women were still having sexual intercourse.

Fortiquin®, a botanical blend inspired by Ayurvedic practices, is designed to address male sexual health and stamina. The branded ingredient is clinically tested and proven to increase stamina fivefold by blending botanicals with amino acids to create a natural but potent solution for male vitality.

4. Tackling cardiometabolic health with Bergacyn®

Cardiometabolic health remains one of the top concerns for consumers, particularly as heart disease is a leading cause of death globally. 

Bergacyn®FF offers a unique blend of bergamot citrus and Cynara cardunculus (artichoke leaf) extract, formulated to support liver health, reduce fat storage, and promote healthy weight management.

Bergacyn’s clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness in lowering liver fat and improving lipid transport, two critical factors in metabolic health. The combination of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds enhances bioavailability and provides a comprehensive solution for heart and liver wellness, helping to support consumers battling obesity or metabolic syndrome. 

5. NitrateBurst® ensures peak performance for all 

In the past, products targeting performance nutrition were seen for elite athletes, but the category is evolving, now catering to a broader audience of everyday fitness enthusiasts. 

With performance and everyday lifestyle ambition, the sports nutrition market is expanding to offer products that support or enhance natural performance. Here, NitrateBurst™, a spinach-derived nitrate extract is capitalising on the growing trend of clean-label performance enhancers. 

As a natural source of nitrates, NitrateBurst supports nitric oxide production, which plays a crucial role in blood flow and endurance during exercise. For fitness enthusiasts, whether competitive athletes or weekend warriors, NitrateBurst offers an edge in stamina and cardiovascular support. 

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the active nutrition market is on a steady upward trajectory. The global demand for functional food and beverages, once the domain of niche health products, is now expanding rapidly. Consumers are not just seeking new products—they are searching for products and ingredients that offer tangible, science-backed benefits that align with their evolving health needs.

If you want to chat with one of our team members to discuss your next active nutrition formulations, contact the ACI team today!