A Quick Reference Guide to the Latest 167 New Food Ingredients: From Policy to Practical Applications, All in One Article

In today’s rapidly evolving health‑food industry, “novel food ingredients” are no longer an unfamiliar term—they encompass both “hidden‑gem” components unearthed from traditional foods and scientifically validated, cutting‑edge ingredients, serving as the key to developing functional foods and dietary supplements.

As of now, the number of newly approved food ingredients in China has reached 167  species, covering multiple categories such as plant extracts, microbial preparations, and marine organisms. However, faced with an overwhelming volume of information, many industry professionals and consumers often find themselves陷入 “ Cannot find or cannot locate accurately. ”  The predicament.

Today, we’ll compile a list of “ 167  “A Quick Reference Guide to Novel Food Ingredients,” covering everything from the policy context and classification summaries to practical search tips, helps you swiftly grasp the key information.

First, let’s understand: what is… “ Novel food ingredient ”？

According to the Measures for the Administration of Safety Review of Novel Food Ingredients, novel food ingredients refer to… “ The following items, which are not traditionally consumed in China ”：

1. Animals, plants, and microorganisms;

2. Components isolated from animals, plants, and microorganisms;

3. Food ingredients that have undergone changes to their original structure;

4. Other newly developed food ingredients.

Simply put, it needs to meet “ No traditional consumption habits ”  But “ Scientifically assessed as safe ”  Two core conditions must be met, and lawful use is permitted only upon approval and public announcement by the National Health Commission (formerly the Ministry of Health). From… 2008  Since the first batch was approved that year, 167  Behind every ingredient lies China’s dual commitment to food innovation and safety.

167  Quick Reference Guide to the Classification of Novel Food Ingredients (Summary of Core Categories)

167  The range of raw materials covered is extremely broad; we classify them according to… “ Application Scenarios +  Raw material type ”  We have identified the most frequently used product categories and annotated key information—such as approval date, core efficacy, and scope of application—to facilitate quick identification.

(1) Plants and plant extracts (accounting for over  60% , the hottest category)

This is the largest family among novel food ingredients, including such as “ Cyclocarya paliurus leaves ”  Such rare plants also lend themselves to innovative uses in everyday ingredients; the following are some of the key raw materials:

Features : These raw materials often have a long-standing tradition of medicinal or culinary use; after being extracted using modern processes, their bioactive properties are further concentrated, making them a key focus in the development of food, beverages, and health supplements today. “ Main force ”。

(II) Microorganisms and Metabolites (the fastest-growing category in recent years)

As gut health and the probiotic concept gain widespread recognition, microbial ingredients have become increasingly popular, primarily including probiotic strains and fermentation products.

Attention : Microbial raw materials for “ Strain-specific ”  The requirements are extremely stringent; different strains of the same species may exhibit markedly varying efficacies, so it is essential to use only the strain number approved for each specific application.

(3) Marine Organisms and Extracts (High-Potential Product Category)

Leveraging China’s abundant marine resources, this type of raw material is… “ High protein, high activity ”  With this as its hallmark, the number of approvals has been steadily increasing in recent years:

(4) Other Innovative Categories (Catering to Multi‑Domain Needs)

In addition to the three categories mentioned above, there are also some… “ Cross-border ”  Raw materials that meet the needs of specific populations or niche use cases:

• Functional sugar alcohols : Such as isomaltulose ( 2008  Annual approval), low GI , anti-caries; used in sugar-free beverages and candies;

• Amino acids and their derivatives : such as gamma- Aminobutyric acid ( GABA ，2009  Annual approval), it soothes the nerves and promotes sleep, and is used in sleep‑inducing beverages and health supplements;

• Algal raw material : Such as Haematococcus pluvialis ( 2010  Annual approval), a natural source of astaxanthin, antioxidant, used in capsules and skincare products;

• Insect protein : Such as mealworm larval powder ( 2020  Annual approval), high-protein and low-fat, used in meal-replacement foods and pet food (a rapidly emerging category in recent years).

Practical Tools: 167  Type of raw material “ Precise Query ”  Technique

The summary table covers only a subset of key raw materials; if you need to inquire…  167  A complete list or details on a specific ingredient can be obtained via the following: 3  Obtain information accurately through official channels to avoid inaccuracies:

1.  National Health Commission official website (the most authoritative and essential source to consult)

• Path: National Health Commission Official Website → Government Services → Data Query → New Food Ingredient Inquiry

• Advantages: Can be according to “ Approval date, ingredient name, announcement number ”  Filter to directly download the corresponding approval announcements, including those for raw materials. “ Source, production process, quality requirements, scope of consumption, and recommended intake. ”  The core information is used in compliance by the enterprise. “ Based on ”。

2.  “New Food Ingredient Approval Information Database” (third-party compilation, more convenient)

• Recommended platform: FoodPartner Network, Official Website of the China National Institute for Food and Drug Control

• Advantages: Some platforms will  167  The raw materials are according to “ Category, Efficacy ”  Classified and organized, with accompanying “ Application Cases, Summary of the Safety Assessment Report ” , ideal for quickly gaining an overview of the industrial applications of raw materials, particularly suited for entrepreneurs and R&D professionals.

3.  Industry Report Summary (Identify Trends, Seize Opportunities)

• Reference Report: “China’s New Food Ingredient Industry Development Report” and “Innovation Trends in Functional Food Ingredients”

• Value: Not only can it obtain  167  A comprehensive list of raw materials, along with insights into each material’s market size and competitive landscape—such as which ingredients have already been secured by leading companies and which still present untapped opportunities—can guide product development.

Precautions: When using novel food ingredients… “3 a penalty area ”

1 Use within the permitted scope only. ： Each approval notice for a raw material will clearly specify… “ Scope of consumption ” (such as “ Not suitable for infants and young children. ”“ For use in solid beverages only. ” ), if added beyond the permitted limits, it constitutes an illegal act;

2. The efficacy should not be exaggerated. ： Novel food ingredients may not be advertised. “ Treating diseases ” , can only be annotated “ Health benefits ” (such as “ Helps regulate blood sugar. ” ), promotional activities must comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Law;

3. Follow “ Approval turnaround time ”： Approval of certain raw materials may be subject to conditions. “ Trial production period ” , it is necessary to verify whether it is still within its validity period; if safety issues are subsequently identified, the state may revoke the approval (although 167  There are currently no such cases within the species, but continued monitoring is required.

167  Industrial Opportunities Behind a Raw Material

From  2008  Year to 2025  Year, 167  The growth in novel food ingredients reflects the transformation of China’s food industry from… “ To meet basic needs for food and clothing ”  to “ Pursuing health ”  of the transformation. Today, as… “ Food and medicine share the same origin. ”“ Functionalization ”  As demand evolves, these raw materials are becoming the key to companies’ competitive differentiation. —— For example, using “ Antarctic krill oil ”  Replace traditional fish oil with “γ- Gamma-aminobutyric acid ”  Create a sleep-aid beverage, using “ Insect protein ”  Seize the future food market.

However, it is also important to note that the core of novel food ingredients is… “ Safety +  Innovation ” Both businesses and consumers should rely on official approval information to avoid blindly following trends.

We hope this quick reference guide will help you in… 167  Quickly find the one that suits you among the ingredients. “ Treasured ingredient ” Whether it’s starting a business or developing new products, upgrading existing offerings, or making everyday choices about healthy foods, you can avoid unnecessary detours.