LOS ANGELES , April 18, 2025 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –
A food designer since 1992, David Guilfoyle has a broad-based food development background, from pizza to beer, and jams/jellies to bread. Using an open box approach to the innovation of food products for foodservice and CPGs, Guilfoyle is one of the foremost authorities on functional ingredients and how they contribute to overall health.
"Functional ingredients are often backed by rigorous research showing their positive impact on health when consumed as part of a balanced diet," said Guilfoyle, who since February 2021 has served as Senior Group Manager for Bakery/Fats & Oils at IFF. "Many functional ingredients—like fiber, probiotics, soy protein and antioxidants—have well-documented benefits for specific health outcomes, such as improving digestion, boosting heart health, and supporting immune function."
While functional ingredients have always been part of everyday food, it's only been in recent years that more consumers are paying attention to their benefits and becoming more mindful of what they eat, Guilfoyle said.
"Ingredients—like fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics—have been used for centuries in various cultures, but now we’re just more aware of their positive impact on our well-being," said Guilfoyle, whose work experience also includes DuPont, Little Caesars Pizza, Burger King, Donatos Pizza, Smuckers, Koch Industries, Pizza Hut and Anheuser Busch.
"There’s also been an increased demand for transparency in labeling. Consumers increasingly prefer products with clean labels, meaning fewer artificial additives and more naturally derived functional ingredients," he said.
Over the years, the use of functional ingredients in food, beverages, and dietary supplements has evolved significantly. Notable changes include the expansion of ingredient types such as prebiotics and probiotics; plant-based compounds; Omega-3 fatty acids; and functional fibers such as inulin, soluble corn fiber, and psyllium husk.
"Overall, functional ingredients have shifted from basic nutritional additives to complex, multi-functional compounds aimed at improving health on a more holistic and personalized level," Guilfoyle said.
* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistribute or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.