Driven by growing consumer interest in holistic health and wellness, the concept of ‘beauty-from-within’ has gained significant momentum in recent years. Our Ingredient of the Year category for Beauty-from-within celebrates the best the industry has to offer in targeted nutritional solutions designed to support skin, hair and nail health across all life stages.

Today’s leading ingredients go beyond appearance to support skin barrier function, hydration, elasticity, cellular vitality, and stress resilience. Eligible entries may include ingredients such as collagen peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, adaptogens, probiotics, postbiotics, and botanical extracts supported by robust scientific substantiation and demonstrated consumer relevance.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

Botanical ingredients are experiencing renewed interest from both industry and consumers, driven by advances in scientific research and growing demand for plant-based health solutions. This award celebrates the most innovative branded and own-label botanical ingredients, recognising excellence in scientific substantiation, efficacy, quality and commercial success.

Eligible entries may include botanical extracts, concentrates, standardised ingredients and plant-derived bioactives developed to support a wide range of health and wellness needs.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

Companion animal health is a fast-growing area of innovation, driven by increasing consumer willingness to invest in the health, wellbeing and longevity of their pets. This award celebrates the most innovative ingredients developed for companion animal applications, recognising solutions that support areas such as digestive health, mobility, cognitive function, immune health, skin and coat condition, healthy ageing and overall vitality.

Eligible entries may include functional ingredients, probiotics, postbiotics, botanicals, proteins, bioactives and other nutritional solutions backed by scientific substantiation and commercial relevance.

This award recognises ingredients that help pets live healthier, happier and more active lives while addressing the evolving needs of pet owners and veterinary professionals.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

With the global population ageing and the number of over-50s consumers continuing to grow, demand for nutritional solutions that support healthy ageing is accelerating. This award celebrates the most innovative ingredients designed to extend healthspan, the years lived in good health, by addressing the biological and functional challenges associated with ageing.

From cutting-edge ingredients targeting cellular health, including mitochondrial function, cellular senescence and oxidative stress, to solutions supporting inflammaging, metabolic resilience, muscle preservation, cognitive function and gut microbiome balance, this category recognises science-backed ingredients with demonstrated safety, a clear mechanism of action and relevance to growing consumer demand for proactive, personalised and preventive approaches to ageing.

This award honours ingredients that help consumers maintain physical and mental vitality and live longer, healthier and more active lives. 

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

Microbiome science is rapidly evolving, expanding beyond traditional probiotics and prebiotics to include synbiotics, postbiotics, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), bacteriophages and next-generation probiotics. This award celebrates the most innovative ingredients designed to modulate the microbiome in ways that support health, resilience and overall wellbeing.

Today's leading ingredients go beyond isolated strains to influence the broader microbial ecosystem, leveraging novel fibres, metabolite-rich compounds and synergistic approaches to promote diversity, stability and functionality across the gut, skin and other microbiome niches. This award recognises ingredients that are pushing the boundaries of microbiome modulation, combining robust science, demonstrated efficacy and real-world impact.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

Our Ingredient of the Year: Mind and Mood award celebrates the most innovative ingredients designed to support cognitive performance, emotional wellbeing and brain health. Eligible entries may include ingredients targeting cognition, memory, focus, alertness, mood, stress, relaxation, sleep, brain recovery and the gut-brain axis, including nootropics, adaptogens and other emerging nutritional solutions.

From helping students and gamers enhance concentration to supporting busy professionals in managing stress, sleep and mental clarity, this award recognises ingredients that address the evolving needs of today's consumers.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

Sports and active nutrition is no longer reserved for elite athletes. Today, it is a mainstream category serving everyone from high-performance competitors to active consumers seeking to support their health, fitness and recovery goals. This award celebrates the most innovative ingredients designed to enhance energy, endurance, recovery, hydration, muscle health, strength and joint support.

Eligible entries include ingredients developed for sports and active nutrition applications, ranging from advanced performance-focused solutions to convenient, everyday wellness products. Today's leading ingredients combine robust scientific substantiation with consumer demand for clean label, multifunctional and personalised nutrition solutions.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Ingredient of the Year categories were required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.

As holistic wellness continues to shape consumer choices, ingestible beauty is evolving into a dynamic category that brings together nutrition, skin science and self-care. Today's consumers are seeking products that not only enhance appearance but also support skin barrier function, hydration, elasticity and resilience from the inside out. Whether delivered as supplements, functional foods or beverages, beauty-from-within solutions continue to push the boundaries of innovation.

Our Product of the Year: Beauty-from-within category celebrates excellence in branded and own-label products designed to support skin, hair and nail health across all life stages. Eligible products may target skin, hair, nails and overall cellular vitality, leveraging ingredients such as collagen peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, adaptogens, probiotics, postbiotics and botanical extracts.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe.
Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

Companion animal nutrition has become one of the fastest-growing areas of innovation, driven by pet owners who are increasingly focused on supporting the health, wellbeing and longevity of their pets through nutrition. This award celebrates excellence in branded and own-label nutrition products developed for companion animals, recognising innovative solutions that address specific health and wellness needs. Eligible entries may target digestive health, mobility, cognitive function, immune support, skin and coat health, healthy ageing, weight management and overall vitality.

Whether delivered in the form of supplements, functional treats, powders, liquids or other nutritional formats, this category celebrates products that combine nutritional science, consumer appeal and commercial success to help pets live healthier, happier and more active lives.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe.
Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

The growing science of cellular ageing is transforming the healthy ageing marketplace. From supporting the 12 hallmarks of ageing; including mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, dysbiosis, and inflammaging; to targeting the microbiome, skin health, and overall cellular resilience, innovation in this space is accelerating.

This award celebrates the most impactful branded or own-label supplements, functional foods, and beverages designed to support healthspan, the period of life spent in good health, rather than simply extending lifespan. Products in this category reflect cutting-edge research and consumer demand for proactive, science-backed approaches to ageing well.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe. Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

The metabolic health category is undergoing rapid transformation, driven in part by the widespread adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs and a growing consumer focus on long-term health outcomes. Where the market once centered on products targeting energy expenditure, appetite control, or body composition, today's landscape is increasingly focused on supporting healthy glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and overall cardiometabolic wellness.

This creates opportunities for products designed to complement the needs of current and former GLP-1 users, as well as natural solutions backed by evidence for blood sugar management and metabolic health support. This award celebrates the most innovative branded or own-label supplements, functional foods, and beverages designed to help consumers achieve and 

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe.
Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

Microbiome innovation is entering a new era, expanding beyond probiotics and prebiotics to include synbiotics, postbiotics, HMOs, and even bacteriophages. This award celebrates the most forward-thinking branded or own-label supplements, functional foods, and beverages designed to support numerous health functions, and overall well-being through targeted microbiome modulation.

Today’s products are increasingly focused on feeding the full microbial ecosystem, not just isolated strains — using upcycled and novel fibres, metabolite-rich formulations, and multi-strain synergies to promote microbiome diversity and resilience. With growing interest in the gut-brain-skin axis, and technologies that enable precision delivery, this category recognises excellence in science-led innovation, format creativity, and consumer relevance in the microbiome space. This award celebrates the best branded or own-label supplements, functional foods and beverages for modulating the microbiome to improve health.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe.
Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

Sports and active nutrition is no longer just for elite athletes; it’s a lifestyle category serving both performance-driven individuals and everyday active consumers. This award celebrates the most innovative branded or own-label supplements, functional foods, and beverages designed to support energy, endurance, recovery, hydration, muscle health, and joint support.

From protein gummies and hydration powders to creatine RTDs and nootropic-enhanced blends, today’s products reflect advances in personalised nutrition, clean-label formulations, and multi-functional formats. Ingredients such as beta-alanine, tart cherry extract, magnesium, L-theanine, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms are helping address a growing range of physical and cognitive health goals. As interest grows in bioactive compounds, gut-brain axis support, and holistic wellness, this category recognises products that combine scientific advancement with creative formulation and evolving consumer needs.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Product of the Year categories are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe. Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) play a critical role in bringing nutrition innovations to market, helping brands transform concepts into commercially successful products through expertise in formulation, manufacturing, regulatory compliance and scale-up.

This award recognises outstanding CDMOs serving the nutrition industry, celebrating organisations that demonstrate excellence in innovation, technical expertise, customer partnership, quality standards and business growth. Whether supporting emerging brands or global market leaders, entrants should demonstrate how their capabilities, services and achievements have delivered meaningful value to customers and advanced the nutrition industry.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe CDMO of the Year Award are required to demonstrate a direct impact in Europe.

The Editors' Award is decided on by our award-winning editors of NutraIngredients' European. This award celebrates the best initiative and is open to any program, project or platform that is able to demonstrate deep and significant improvements for public health, sustainability, and the wider industry. If your organisation has launched a significant initiative to improve scientific rigor, quality, transparency, environmental sustainability, consumer confidence and trust in the dietary supplements’ industry, then we want to hear from you. Company-centic initiatives do not quality.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download.

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Editor's Award for Initiative of the Year Award are required to have a direct impact in Europe.

This category is free to enter.

Innovation in women’s health is accelerating, with products and ingredients addressing key life-stage challenges — from menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, to pelvic health, hormonal balance, and sexual wellness. Brands are increasingly pioneering full-cycle support supplements for conditions such as PMS, PMDD, PCOS, and endometriosis, reflecting a new wave of targeted, science-backed solutions.

With growing recognition of the need for female-focused research, gender-specific formulations, and inclusive product development, this award celebrates those leading the way. This category honours the most impactful ingredients, supplements, functional foods, and research projects designed to support women’s health and well-being — as well as women-led start-ups driving meaningful change in the industry.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the Innovations in Women’s Health Award:
For ingredient entries - are required to have the ingredient in a finished product that is commercially available in Europe.
For finished product entries - are required to have the finished product commercially available in Europe. Entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging to William Reed's headquarters in the United Kingdom before 18th February 2027. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.
For research project or female founded start-up's - are required to have direct activity in Europe.

Not all heroes wear capes. The NutraChampion Award celebrates individuals who have made a transformational impact on the nutrition industry — whether through policy leadership, scientific innovation, public education, or ingredient advocacy. This award recognises those who have gone above and beyond to shape the future of nutrition.

Entries are by nomination only and should clearly demonstrate a lasting contribution to the nutrition industry, public visibility or influence beyond the sector, and a clear commitment to advancing health, sustainability or equity through nutrition.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for The NutraIngredients Europe Awards, NutraChampion are required to have an impact in Europe .

Research and development are the foundation of progress in the nutrition industry. From ingredient discovery to clinical validation, sound, peer-reviewed research is essential to back product claims, guide innovation, and inform strategic decisions.

This award rewards the most impactful research project — whether academic, commercial, or collaborative — that demonstrates scientific excellence, real-world relevance, and push the boundaries of nutritional science.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT: Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Nutrition Research Project are required to demonstrate a direct impact in Europe.

Today’s start-ups and spin-outs are the future major players of the industry. This award recognises the most promising young companies—those founded in Europe within the past ten years—that are driving innovation, disrupting the status quo, and delivering measurable impact.

Whether it’s a university spin-out pioneering microbiome science, a solo founder leveraging AI for personalised nutrition, or a fast-scaling venture championing sustainable, functional, or precision health solutions—this category celebrates bold ideas, scientific credibility, and commercial potential.

We’re looking for start-ups that address unmet consumer health needs, demonstrate innovation in product development, technology integration or scientific validation, and show early signs of market traction and scalability.

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

REQUIREMENT : Entries for the NutraIngredients Europe Start-Up Award must:

• Be a start-up that is founded in Europe
• Be an active company in Europe
• Have fewer than 20 employees
• Have been founded in past 10 years
• Be ‘independently owned’. This is defined as a business that is substantially owned by its founders and/or a group of independent investors; is not quoted on AIM or any other stock market; and is not a subsidiary or associated company of another business.
• Be at Series B funding stage or earlier

This category is free to enter.