Bridging Science and Lifestyle: A Feasibility Study for Developing a Novel Functional Food to Support Well-being

This study explored the relationship between functional food consumption and mental health well-being, with a focus on predominantly natural functional foods that are well-known for their positive association with mental health. A total of 362 participants from Greece and Cyprus completed an online questionnaire assessing their consumption of functional foods, mental well-being, sleep quality, body composition, and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) using validated scales. The findings revealed a statistically significant association between the vast majority of functional foods and mental health well-being, as well as significant correlations with HRQoL, sleep quality, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Notably, these functional foods were primarily natural and included key components of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbal infusions, and beekeeping products—particularly honey—which demonstrated consistent positive effects across multiple health parameters. The study also highlighted consumer preferences for functional foods that balance sensory appeal with well-being benefits, with milk-based and plant-based beverages, as well as protein and granola bars, identified as ideal delivery formats. Additionally, ingredients like St. John’s Wort and Greek Mountain Tea, known for their mental health benefits, were recognized as valuable additions to future formulations. The majority (66.9%) of participants expressed a willingness to engage in clinical trials, reinforcing the need for further research to validate the efficacy of these ingredients. The results underscore the growing consumer interest in functional foods that promote not only physical health but also psychological resilience and overall quality of life. These findings lay the groundwork for well-designed clinical trials to assess the impact of novel functional foods on mental and physical health.