Your Favorite Foods... Now with Caffeine

Mintel's Global New Products Database noted that there were 70 new foods that used the term "energy" in the product descriptions during the first half of 2008. Surprisingly only a few of the new "energy" foods were beverages - in fact, 42 of the new products were snack foods, 16 were confectionery items and 7 were breakfast foods.

"We expect the concept of 'energy' - both physical and mental - to greatly influence food-product development," said Krista Faron, a senior product analyst from Mintel. “Energy is poised to take food in a new direction, giving consumers who need a boost many different ways to get it. From natural energizers, like omega-3s or antioxidants, to foods that are fortified with energizing ingredients, we are seeing ‘energy’ emerge as a core benefit in new food products.”

Food Product Design is reporting that "caffeine is also finding its way into foods like energy bars and even cereals like instant oatmeal. High-antioxidant superfruits, like blueberries and noni, are also added to foods promising mental and physical performance boosts.

From Food Product Design