Top 7 immune-boosting ingredients consumers search for

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Top 7 immune-boosting ingredients consumers search for

From gut health to longevity, the food as medicine trend is growing fast, boasting a global market value of $25bn (€23bn), and growing at a CAGR of 4.3% (Prophecy Market Insights).

Its success is supercharging sales of foods and beverages with functional ingredients, including immunity boosters.

Why do consumers what immune-boosting ingredients?

The growing popularity of the food as medicine trend, is leading consumers to choose functional ingredients that will help treat illness without the need for pharmaceuticals.

“A well-balanced diet rich in immune-boosting foods is one of the most effective ways to keep the immune system strong,” says Dr Bhavini Shah of LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.

Top 7 immune boosters

1. Citrus fruits

Packed with vitamin C, citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are mighty immune boosters, making them highly popular with consumers.

“Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient that helps the body produce white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and protecting from illnesses like colds or the flu,” says Dr Shah.

And as well as boosting the immune system, vitamin C also helps the body make collagen, a protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

Citrus fruits on wooden background — Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are powerful immune boosters. (Image: Getty/amberto4ka)

2. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most popular and widely-used root vegetables available, amassing a global market value of $21.59bn (Fact.MR).

And while it’s already used to flavour a wide range of dishes, its immune-boosting compound, allicin, is increasingly gaining consumer attention.

Allicin has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties to help fight infections.

Garlic bulb and cloves on a white background. — The active compound, allicin, in garlic is a great immune booster. (Image: Getty/Matthew Leete)

3. Fermented foods

Fermented foods such as natural yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and sourdough are packed with probiotics, which support gut health.

Research has found that 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, highlighting the importance of good gut health in supporting the immune system and sending sales of fermented foods skyrocketing.

The gut health trend continues to dominate food and beverage, pushing the global digestive health products market to a staggering global value of $51.62bn (Grand View Research).

Fresh natural yoghurt in a preserving jar on a wooden table. — Probiotic foods like natural yogurt support the immune system. (Image: Getty/ji_images)

4. Honey

Honey is one of the most popular condiments globally. Used as a sweetener in everything from breads to salad dressings, it has an estimated global market value of $9.01bn (Grand View Research).

What’s more, it’s long been celebrated for its antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

It contains hydrogen peroxide and other natural compounds that can kill harmful bacteria and soothe sore throats. Its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce coughs and ease cold symptoms, making it a great natural remedy.

It’s also great for gut health, promoting the growth of good bacteria, which supports a strong immune system.

Natural organic honey in glass jar, honey dipper and honeycombs are near. Natural food background. — Honey is a natural immunity booster packed with antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. (Image: Getty/ValentynVolkov)

5. Leafy greens

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which help to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses, and boost white blood cells. They also provide iron, which supports energy levels and overall wellness.

And it’s for these many reasons that manufacturers are increasingly including them in functional foods and beverages.

“Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with leafy greens,” says a spokesperson for Fortune Business Insights. “They are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fibre, making them a popular choice for those following healthy diets.”

Market fresh green leaf vegetables in an old wooden crate on an old wooden table. Vegetables include, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spring greens, bok choy, spinach and choy sum. — Leafy greens are a favourite for functional foods and beverages. (Image: Getty/enviromantic)

6. Nuts & Seed

The high protein content and ‘good’ fats contained in nuts mean they’re already bestsellers in the supermarkets, with a global market value of around $69.49bn (Precedence Research). But understanding of their immune-boosting effects is still relatively new, meaning industry sales are set for a bump, as that understanding grows.

“Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E and zinc, both of which play a crucial role in immune function,” says Dr Shah.

They’re also associated with reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Top view of a rustic wood table filled with a large assortment of nuts like pistachios, hazelnut, pine nut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, cashew and walnuts. Some nuts are in brown bowls and others are placed directly on the table. — Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are great sources of vitamin E and zinc, both of which support immune function. (Image: Getty/fcafotodigital)

7. Ginger

With its multiple health benefits, including aiding weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and reducing inflammation, ginger is a popular functional ingredient with consumers, garnering a global market value of $6.31bn (Expert Market Research).

But it’s the immune-boosting properties of this fragrant spice, which have kept sales high.

“Ginger has a natural compound called gingerol that helps protect the body from infections,” says Dr Shah. “Plus, ginger can clear a stuffy nose, calm a sore throat, and ease nausea, which is really helpful for a cold or the flu.”