Mood ingredients: What’s new in market trends, nootropics stacking and wellness snacking

Within the diversified brain health category, mood supplements are rising in tandem with growing mental health awareness globally, driven by a younger generation proactively seeking brain optimization and convenient nutraceutical formats. This year is seeing the rise of nootropic stacking with potent ingredients like S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), alongside natural solutions for chronic stress, such as black seed oil and synbiotics tapping into the gut-brain axis. 

Nutrition Insight speaks to experts at Gnosis by Lesaffre, ADM, and TriNutra on this evolving space.

Silvia Pisoni, global operational marketing director at Gnosis by Lesaffre, tells us: “Specifically, 50% of Gen Z consumers are proactively taking steps to protect and promote mental and physical wellness. Gen Z consumers show a strong preference for nutraceutical/functional beverages over tablet and capsule supplements. They are looking to consume nutraceuticals in an enjoyable and convenient manner.”

On the topic of nootropic stacking as an emerging trend, Pisoni elaborates: “SAMe’s compatibility with nootropic stacking strategies makes it an ideal ingredient for consumers. It works synergistically with other compounds, such as B vitamins (which support its metabolism), magnesium, or adaptogenic herbs, allowing brands to develop well-rounded products that target multiple aspects of mental wellness in one formula.”

ADM’s proprietary insights report suggests that an increasing number of global consumers (over 70%) recognize how mental well-being influences their daily functioning, including their mood and ability to cope with stressors.

“Consumers in South Korea (85%) and Spain (74%) are most likely to hold this belief. Additionally, the majority of global consumers acknowledge that sleep quality directly affects their mental well-being,” highlights Vaughn DuBow, senior director of product portfolio marketing, Health & Wellness at ADM.

According to the report, the top five ingredients consumers across regions look for when choosing products for mood support are B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, pro- and postbiotics, and prebiotics or fiber. 

“The inclusion of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics in this list indicates the rising awareness of the interconnection between the gut microbiome and the brain, or the gut-brain axis,” says DuBow.

He notes that a growing market revenue in brain health ingredients and probiotics echoes this increasing consumer awareness. 

Liki von Oppen-Bezalel, Ph.D., business development director at TriNutra, adds that the growth of the mood and well-being supplement market has been inconsistent, influenced by the pandemic, the rise and uncertainty surrounding CBD, negative attention towards melatonin, the increasing popularity of medicinal mushrooms, and a deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis.

Spotlight on SAMe

Pisoni at Gnosis by Lesaffre believes SAMe is emerging as the “most promising natural compound” for mental and mood wellness. SAMe’s “superpower,” she notes, lies in its role as a methyl donor in over 100 biochemical reactions affecting DNA, proteins, lipids, and hormones.

“SAMe crosses the blood-brain barrier to deliver its benefits directly to neurons where they’re needed most. Research reveals that over 60% of individuals with persistent low mood have significant methylation imbalances,” she elaborates.

“As a potent methyl donor, SAMe helps restore this crucial biochemical equilibrium, making it one of the most extensively studied functional ingredients for mood health, among other health benefits.”

In nootropic stacking, SAMe’s compatibility with other brain health supplements makes it an increasingly popular among consumers.Gnosis by Lesaffre is the first company to introduce and commercialize SAMe globally, as Adonat Premium SAMe. “Its role in methylation pathways — the biochemical processes that regulate gene expression — makes it particularly valuable for synthesizing key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine, that govern mood, memory, and mental clarity,” details Pisoni.

Recent studies have highlighted SAMe’s ability to increase phospholipid methylation, which is critical for healthy neuron production and the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor — a protein associated with learning, memory formation, and neuronal survival.

“By optimizing these pathways, SAMe helps balance genetic predispositions with environmental influences, promoting mood regulation and cognitive resilience across all age groups,” explains Pisoni.

“Adonat Premium SAMe’s market relevance lies in its comprehensive approach to brain health, as it simultaneously supports mental performance, preserves memory function, stabilizes mood, and protects against age-related decline — addressing the full spectrum of cognitive concerns from Gen Z professionals to active seniors.”

Black seed oil for chronic stress

Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels connected to weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health issues. Targeting this, TriNutra presents its black seed oil (Nigella sativa) solution, branded as ThymoQuin. This ingredient has been clinically shown to significantly decrease levels of this critical stress hormone within a short time. 

“A published human clinical study found that a daily dose of 500 mg of branded black seed oil, ThymoQuin, taken over four weeks, significantly affected cortisol levels,” Von Oppen-Bezalel at TriNutra tells us.

“Study participants experienced a 44% reduction in cortisol levels, an 11% improvement in mood, a 62% decrease in upper respiratory tract complaints, and 66% higher values of Streptococcus thermophilus suggesting improved immune system regulation. Overall, microbiome composite score was 8% higher, indicating improved microbiome diversity. Altogether the results indicate enhanced resilience and well-being compared to the placebo group.”

ThymoQuin is also supported by a human clinical blood pressure control study related to stress and mood, and two additional human clinical studies. These papers demonstrated that ThymoQuin, when combined with astaxanthin or omega-3 fatty acids, yields statistically significant results.

“This suggests that ThymoQuin, either on its own or when paired with other ingredients such as astaxanthin or omega-3s, may help support overall well-being, potentially through the gut-brain-immune axis,” says Von Oppen-Bezalel.

Active folate for healthy menopausal moods

Gnosis by Lesaffre’s active folate (vitamin B9), Quatrefolic, is positioned toward menopausal women experiencing reduced mood as well as hot flashes. “Active folate is an essential cofactor in producing norepinephrine and serotonin, hormones that are involved in hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms such as mood swings,” explains Pisoni.

TriNutra presents its black seed oil ingredient, ThymoQuin, which has been clinically shown to significantly decrease levels of this critical stress hormone within a short time.Quatrefolic, she notes, may offer protection against mood impairment during pregnancy and postpartum by normalizing folate levels in all women, providing a direct, bioavailable form of folate.

“A clinical study of healthy menopausal women found a 65% improvement in hot flashes in participants who consumed folic acid, compared to a 16% improvement in symptoms in the placebo group,” she elaborates.

“The researchers recommended folate as an affordable, safe, and acceptable method to help lower hot flashes for women. An earlier trial of 70 menopausal women also indicated that folic acid was effective in reducing the severity, duration, and frequency of hot flashes during menopause.”

Moreover, a cohort study showed that the prevalence of post-partum depression was significantly higher among pregnant women taking folic acid for a duration of six months or less than those who reported taking folic acid for a duration of more than six months during pregnancy. 

Trending mood foods

In terms of trending product formats, ADM’s recently unveiled consumer research examining sleep, stress, and mood shows vitamins, minerals, and herbal teas as the products consumers are currently most likely to turn to when seeking mood management support.

“At the same time, there is incredible opportunity for new product innovation tailored to consumers’ evolving mental and emotional well-being needs. Consumers are eager to try ready-to-drink tea, baked goods like cookies, gummies, and smoothies or shakes to support their mood,” details DuBow.

“These formats reflect the large movement toward healthy indulgence and desire for convenience, both of which are key trending attributes across the functional food and supplement landscape.” 

He adds that there is an element of “escapism” in formats like teas and baked goods, soothing consumers in a way that may also uplift their moods from the sensory experience alone. “Combined with mood-supporting ingredients with clinically researched benefits, these emerging formats are set to disrupt the mental well-being product sector.”

DuBow notes that as ADM continually grows its health and wellness ingredients library to identify the best solutions for its customers’ goals and consumers’ needs, the company recognizes postbiotics will “bring forth the next wave of functional foods and supplements,” including for those supporting mood through the gut-brain axis.

“Since postbiotics can withstand tough formulation environments and survive throughout shelf life, they are beginning to push the boundaries of the wellness arena with convenient, functional and enjoyable offerings,” he concludes.