The development of fruit-based functional foods targeting the health and wellness market: a review

P>Functional foods and their health benefits beyond individual nutrients present challenges to the traditional 'nutrition' approach to foods. Epidemiological studies suggest that regular or increased consumption of fruits may promote general health and well-being as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, a broad range of research amongst academic, industry and government institutes has been stimulated in attempts to add the goodness of fruits into popular consumer foods. This article provides a brief overview of the research opportunities in the emerging functional foods area, with an emphasis on fruit-derived products. Based on recent research in the fruit-based functional food area, a structured approach for designing and developing functional finished products is presented. Included are the technical challenges and their associated solutions during food design, formulation, processing and storage. A consumer-oriented food product development process is highlighted. Controlling the interactions among the targeted bioactives and other food components during food processing, handling and storage is the key to ensure that a stable and appealing functional food is produced. Manipulating the beneficial synergies among food ingredients, and among food formulation and processing methods, has the potential to lead to substantial food innovations.