People have been chasing the healthy and clean eating movements for decades, always chasing the next ingredient. Advancements in the nutritional sciences have helped us truly understand what ingredients and food products can actually do for us. The overall umbrella term of “health food” is now being replaced with “functional foods”, ingredients that resemble traditional foods but possess demonstrated physiological gains. 

The latest trend, however, is nutraceuticals - products derived from foods but presented in medicinal forms such as pills, capsules, potions, and liquids. These products offer proven health benefits or aid in the prevention of illnesses. Coined in 1986, the term itself is a blend of 'nutrient' and 'pharmaceutical'. Today, the industry is translating healthy eating into a science and packaging it in accessible pills. Some of the most familiar examples include turmeric, ginger, and garlic pills, known for bolstering immunity nd expediting recovery from illnesses.

The industry is growing exponentially to match the growth in the market. The Egypt Nutraceutical Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 11.11% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023-28, while the Africa Nutraceutical Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.28% for the same period. 

The pandemic, coupled with increased consumer health awareness and education, constitutes two major driving forces behind the surge in market demand. Additionally, the robust pharmaceutical and health industries are further propelling the popularity of nutraceutical products as complementary medicine and supportive supplements for a healthier lifestyle.

The African continent is already rich in indigenous ingredients that have been proven to provide benefits, such as baobab trees and the naturally gluten-free grain fonio. Nutraceutical manufacturers in Egypt are making use of the already booming agriculture of herbs, spices, and the beekeeping industry as a source of ingredients for the manufacturing of new products. The region is in the perfect position to benefit locally from investing in the nutraceutical industry, as well as exporting to other regions.

As more people become aware of the health advantages offered by nutraceuticals and as scientists refine and enhance their research, nutraceutical manufacturers will be able to offer