Functional food availability and classification in Lahore, Pakistan: a cross-sectional market survey

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Nutrition and Health Promotion, University of Home Economics, Lahore 54700, Pakistan

2 School of Food Science and Technology, Minhaj University, Lahore 54700, Pakistan

Abstract

A cross-sectional market survey was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, to identify and classify functional food products available across various retail formats. The study aimed to provide insights into the current state of the functional food market and highlight its potential role in improving public health. A total of 64 unique functional food items were identified and categorized based on food group and functional category. The 'bread, cereal, rice, and pasta' group was the largest (26.6%), followed by the 'fruit' (15.6%) and 'milk, yogurt, and cheese' (15.6%) groups. Naturally Occurring Functional Foods (NOFF) were the most frequent (40.6%), followed by Fortified Foods (FF) (32.8%). The availability and variety of functional foods differed significantly between store types, with specialized health stores offering a wider range of products compared to general supermarkets (χ² (4, N = 64) = 45.2, p < .001). Nestlé and Tayyib Foods emerged as leading brands, focusing on fortified/enriched products and natural/herbal products, respectively. This study provides a foundational market profile of functional foods in Lahore, highlighting the diversity and segmentation of the market, the influence of retail format on product availability, and the coexistence of global and local brands. The findings serve as a diagnostic baseline for future research, market growth, and public health initiatives aimed at harnessing functional foods to improve nutrition in Pakistan.
 

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