The functional foods category is seeing some exciting growth and changes. Health and wellness is spotlighting this category and helping to drive its continued growth. According to a 2014 report from Leatherhead Food Research, the functional foods market experienced a global increase in value terms of 26.7 percent from 2009 to 2013. That’s quite a jump.

So what’s new on the horizon for functional foods? According to Elizabeth Sloan, contributing editor to Food Technology magazine, “Specialty nutritional ingredients, the emergence of a health-oriented Hispanic market segment, and consumers’ ongoing interest in protein consumption are driving new opportunities for functional foods and drinks," she noted in her April 2014 article, The Top 10 Functional Food Trends.

Self.com named the top crazy food trends for 2015 based on research from the Sterling-Rice Group, a global food consulting firm out of Boulder, Colorado. Moving from 2014’s crush on Middle Eastern flavors, 2015 will take delight in Japan’s traditional green tea—matcha. Not only will consumers’ tea cups be full of this antioxidant-dense tea, but tasty nibbles such as matcha-sama truffles and matcha green tea cookies will excite their palettes (and health).

I’ll keep you updated on the broader food industry throughout 2015. But if you’re looking for updates on the functional foods market, check out Rachel Adams’, associate editor, Perspectives Blog on Natural Products INSIDER. From trends to news and product launches, she’s your go-to editor and guide for functional foods.