functional food

noun

: nutraceutical

Examples of functional food in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The acquisition is the latest in a string of deals in the wellness and functional foods space. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 18 May 2026 However, whey’s success has led to widespread use across powders, ready-to-drink shakes, bars, snacks, and functional foods. — Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Felder told Newsweek that the brand has seen a significant shift in consumer demand toward convenient, functional foods, and this menu refresh builds on that trend. — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 Kefir has also gained popularity as a functional food for its potential ability to help lower blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional food

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of functional food was in 1988

Rhymes for functional food

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Browse Nearby Words

functional finance
functional food
functional genomics
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Functional food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional%20food. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

functional food

noun
: nutraceutical

More from Merriam-Webster on functional food

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about functional food

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