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.

Our judging panel will base their decision on the following criteria:

• A genuine consumer demand or requirement based upon a common issue or risk factor
• If your entry relates to a research project specific to women’s health or to a start-up, the goals and how women’s empowerment or health have been addressed in the project
• For ingredients and products - solid scientific evidence that demonstrates a unique nutritional solution – including peer reviewed data to back up any performance or health claims made
• Where relevant, packaging ease of use and design, including appeal, ease of use, novelty
• Where relevant, commercial success and engagement from your core target market(s).
• What gives your entry the ‘X factor’ – something that makes it stand out from the crowd and edge out the competition
  

To view the requirements for this category, click to download

Entries for The NutraIngredients Europe Awards, Innovations in Women's Health Award, if ingredient or product-based, are required to have the ingredients or products commercially available in Europe.

If research project specific to women’s health or female founded start-up-based, are required to have direct activity in Europe.

Finished product entry holders for this category are also required to submit 4 samples of their finished product for judging. More details & instructions will be shared when an entry is submitted.

JUDGING PROCESS: 

• Entries will be received and reviewed by the NutraIngredients Europe Awards Judging Panel made up of independent judges from the industry.
• Our 2026 finalists will be confirmed and notified in end of March 2026.
• Our 2026 winners will be announced during an awards' presentation in Barcelona on Wednesday May 6, 2026.