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Care Food: The Next Big Thing for America’s Aging Population

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The care food market is projected to be worth over 3 trillion won ($2.24 billion) by 2025. As South Korea enters a “super-aged society” where the population aged 65 and older will account for 20% of the total population in 2025, the care food market is expected to grow further, accelerated by plummeting birth rates and the recent retirement of the second baby boomer generation. Coupled with advancements in medical technology that increase life expectancy, the care food market is emerging as a blue ocean opportunity.

The Original Meaning of Care Food

“Care food” refers to food products customized for individuals with specific dietary needs due to health conditions. These products are designed for easy preparation, offer adjustable textures for those with weakened teeth, and are easy to digest. Although primarily aimed at seniors and patients, care food also targets people with temporary physical impairments, dieters, new mothers, and young children.

The Diverse Types of Care Food

Care food can be divided into two main categories: “soft foods” and “swallowing foods.”

Soft foods are designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing, offering textures that are easier to manage.

Swallowing foods cater to those with weakened throat or esophageal muscles. These products usually have adjusted viscosities to aid seniors and patients in swallowing and often include supplements to ensure proper hydration. Such products are especially popular in hospitals and nursing facilities.

More Than Just Patient Food: A Shift to Nutritional Meals

When people think of “care food,” they often envision liquid meals like porridge. However, modern care foods focus on taste and flavor, offering products that dissolve easily on the tongue. Today, consumers can find these items in meal kits, ready-to-eat meals, and subscription services. With prices becoming more affordable, access to these products has improved, making them more widely available.

Age-Friendly, Low-Sodium, Low-Sugar Diets Are Gaining Popularity

Care food includes “special dietary foods” for individuals with specific nutritional needs, such as those who are obese or pregnant, and “medical foods” designed for people who have trouble getting enough nutrition due to illness or surgery. As more people become health-conscious, the definition of care food has expanded to encompass customized nutritional meals for the general public. These meals often feature age-friendly options, low-sodium and low-sugar choices, and high-protein diets.

Rising Popularity of Care Food Boosts Consumption

As the elderly population grows, more general consumers are beginning to appreciate the benefits of care food, which was once seen primarily as food for patients. This shift is driving the ongoing expansion of the care food market. Companies in this sector are now focusing on increasing sales opportunities to make care food more accessible to everyday customers and improving communication.

The Growing Elderly Population Plays a Role

The rapid growth of the elderly population drives the industry’s focus on care food. South Korea officially became an aging society in 2020, and projections suggest that by 2025, 20.3% of the population will be 65 or older. This figure is expected to surge to an astonishing 37% by 2045.

The Potential for Growth is Boundless

While seniors and patients continue to be the primary consumers of care food, health-conscious individuals in their 20s and 30s are growing interested in it. Additionally, active seniors aged 50 and older with disposable income are emerging as a significant consumer group. This shift drives increased customized care food products tailored to their needs and preferences.

The Price is Crucial

However, price remains a significant hurdle. Despite recent decreases, care food still costs more than regular meal kits. This is mainly due to the advanced technology needed for production. Creating care food involves maintaining chewing functionality, preserving texture, and minimizing nutrient loss, which requires a complex and costly process.

The Care Food Market Has Also Established Itself in Japan

Japan, having entered a super-aged society before South Korea, introduced a labeling system called “Smile Care Food” in the 2010s. This system standardized specifications for aging-related foods and helped boost industry growth. South Korea anticipates implementing similar standards soon, likely leading to a broader range of care food products.

Personalization is Key in Food Preferences

As the care food market grows, it increasingly targets younger demographics, including children and dieters. This expansion highlights the need for subscription meal plans tailored to individual tastes and requirements. The key challenge moving forward is to achieve effective personalization in the food sector, enabling individuals to select their meals based on their health status and lifestyle rather than relying on uniform menus or diets.

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