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Case Study & Trends

Case Study

New Opportunities for Functional Foods in the Growing Blood Sugar Market

Many individuals are often surprised by elevated blood sugar levels revealed during health checkups, leading them to commit to dietary changes. Furthermore, the temptation of sweet flavors such as caramel apple can cause blood sugar spikes, a phenomenon no longer confined to the elderly. Increasingly, individuals in their 20s and 30s are also becoming more concerned with managing their blood sugar levels.

According to statistics, over 40% of individuals have experienced the consumption of health supplements for blood sugar management, with the consumption rate among those in their twenties approaching 60%. Reflecting this growing demand, the blood sugar management market is gradually evolving, with an increase in keyword searches and health supplement registrations related to blood sugar control, indicating a widespread awareness and the emergence of this trend.

Notably, blood sugar management is shifting from a simple preventative measure against diabetes to a strategy focused on health benefits such as weight loss and alleviation of post-meal drowsiness. Currently, there are three primary categories of ingredients associated with blood sugar management.

  • The first category includes common food items such as Peanut Butter and Apple Cider Vinegar. While these supplements may not be directly used for blood sugar control, they have already established a perception of effectiveness among consumers. These products are frequently linked with keywords like “salad,” “meal,” and “food,” indicating that consumers perceive them as convenient meal options with a low barrier to consumption.
  • The second category includes functional ingredients like Banaba and Bitter Melon Extracts, which are associated with terms such as “functionality,” “effectiveness,” “research,” and “insulin.” This suggests that consumers expect these ingredients to deliver clear, scientifically backed health benefits as functional foods. Additionally, in South Korea, when two specific ingredients are used, health supplements can carry claims such as “This helps to inhibit postprandial blood sugar spikes.”
  • Lastly, there is Berberine, a novel ingredient. While consumers may recognize it as similar to functional food ingredients, it is classified as a general food product in Korea, meaning the consumption barrier is relatively low.

Therefore, it is crucial for brands to consider the unique characteristics of these ingredients when developing consumer engagement strategies. Kolmar BNH is committed to staying ahead of rapidly evolving blood sugar management trends by continuously providing optimized services to meet the needs of consumers.

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