Massive rise in spending on feel-good foods

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[Thought y'all might be interested in this - Fidyl]

 

Massive rise in spending on feel-good foods

by ELIZABETH HOPKIRK

Evening Standard

 

http://www.femail.co.uk/pages/standard/article.html?

in_article_idfidyl=203380 & in_page_id=172

 

The sale of " feel-good foods " that consumers believe offer a myriad

of health benefits, from lowering cholesterol to stopping

osteoporosis, is booming in Britain.

 

A study today reveals that we are among the biggest spenders in

Europe, forking out £110 a year each on " nutraceuticals " . Total sales

rose by almost 50 per cent between 1997 and 2002. The number of

people buying the products has doubled in the past five years and is

set to reach five million by 2007.

 

But nutritionists warn that some well-being products - most of which

target three health conditions: gut health; heart health; and bone

health - are overpriced and filled with extra sugar.

 

They point out consumers can get most of the same benefits simply by

eating a normal healthy diet.

 

Andrew Russell, who wrote the report for market analysts Datamonitor,

said: " This is a real growth market but, if functional food and

drinks are going to become true lifestyle products, they must offer

more to consumers.

 

As well as definite health benefits they must meet consumers' two

other main criteria - they must taste good and be convenient to

include in the daily routine. "

 

He said claims made by the manufacturers of feelgood foods are

regulated by the EU - with some having to rewrite their marketing

after being caught out exaggerating the health-giving properties of

their products.

 

For example, the manufacturers of foods enriched with calcium are

allowed to claim their product " contains calcium, which is important

for healthy bones " but cannot state that it " contains calcium, which

prevents osteoporosis " .

 

Mr Russell said: " I think it's a pretty good thing for consumers if

they don't have to choose between pie and chips or brown rice and

fish.

 

Diseases of affluence - like obesity, diabetes and high blood

pressure - are on the increase, so it's good if people are at least

being made aware of their need to take care of themselves. "

 

But nutritionist Natalie Savona said many of the feelgood products

contained extra sugar that cancelled out their health benefits,

adding: " If we frankly were not so lazy, and took the time to eat

proper fresh food and do a bit of exercise, we wouldn't need all

these things.

Nature provides all the nutrients we need in fresh and unadulterated

food. "

 

Kath Dalmeny of the Food Commission, an independent watchdog, added

that many of the claims made for " feel-good foodsî were

misleading. " All foods are functional so this is just a marketing

ploy to allow companies to sell heavily branded and expensive

products, " she said.