Food ingredients trends - Biotech Spain

With Vitafoods currently taking place in Barcelona, the industry is once again highlighting the ingredients and technologies driving the evolution of food and nutraceutical products. The direction is clear: natural solutions, real functionality, sustainability and clean‑label performance.

Based on the trends we’re observing across the sector, here is a concise look at the forces shaping product development today and in the years ahead.

Trend 1 — Alternative Proteins Continue to Rise

Consumers are moving toward plant-based, nutrient-rich proteins that deliver both nutritional and functional value.

Spirulina powder

A concentrated source of natural protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Applications: smoothies, bars, snacks, bakery, plant-based formulations.

Chlorella powder

Rich in chlorophyll, protein and essential micronutrients.
Applications: green beverages, pasta, bread, functional blends.

Both ingredients provide clean-label solutions that meet the increasing demand for natural protein sources.

Trend 2 — Natural Coloration as a Market Standard

Artificial colorants are being replaced by clean-label pigments that offer stability, traceability and visual impact.

Phycocyanin (natural blue)

A vibrant, stable pigment-protein extracted from microalgae.
Applications: beverages, ice creams, confectionery, desserts.

Green Booster (natural green pigment)

A Chlorella-derived pigment with strong coloring power and excellent stability.
Applications: sauces, drinks, bakery, plant-based products.

Trend 3 — Cognitive Health Expands Beyond Supplements

Consumers increasingly expect everyday foods to support mental clarity, focus and long-term brain health.

neoDHA (Schizochytrium oil)

A vegan DHA source that is clean, stable and suitable for a wide range of formulations.
Applications: functional drinks, dairy alternatives, nutrition for all ages, supplements.

Trend 4 — Demand for Functional Nutrition Is Accelerating

Foods with real nutritional benefits — vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and bioactives — continue to grow in popularity.

Tetraselmis powder

A marine microalga with a unique profile of amino acids, minerals, pigments and bioactive compounds.
Applications: functional beverages, health-oriented foods, plant-based seafood alternatives.

Trend 5 — Sustainability Is Now a Strategic Priority

Brands and consumers increasingly evaluate ingredients based on:

environmental impact
cultivation efficiency
traceability
natural origin

Microalgae respond to these expectations naturally, offering low-impact production and high-value output across multiple formats (powders, oils, pigments).

Conclusion

Vitafoods Barcelona reinforces a clear message: the future of food and nutraceuticals will be shaped by natural ingredients, functional performance, sustainable sourcing and clean-label expectations.

Microalgae-based ingredients — such as Spirulina, Chlorella, Tetraselmis, Phycocyanin, Green Booster and neoDHA — provide versatile tools for brands aiming to innovate in this direction.

By David Alonso