AI assists, but active ingredients still lead in wellness innovation

AI assists, but active ingredients still lead in wellness innovation

https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2026/03/27/artificial-intelligence-is-boosting-rd-and-storytelling-for-functional-foods-but-researchers-say-active-ingredients-and-proven-science-remain-the-priority/

Publish Date: 2026-03-27 09:22:00

Source Domain: www.foodnavigator-usa.com

• Industry leaders emphasize that active ingredients (a different kind of AI) are more crucial than artificial intelligence (AI) for driving wellness innovations in the food and beverage industry.
• Despite using AI to develop new products, Olipop focuses on the science behind active ingredients as the key to its innovation.
• Artificial intelligence is utilized to make scientific information accessible to consumers but ultimately serves to highlight active ingredients in effective and engaging products.
• Companies like Kioga use AI and data to scientifically prove the benefits of their ingredients and bridge the gap between them and food manufacturers.
• Traditional products, such as cereal and eggs, are still important wellness vehicles and companies are using modern methods including humor and analogue marketing to educate consumers about their key nutritional benefits.