What is a characteristic of functional foods?

Functional foods are characterized by their ability to provide health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. One key aspect of functional foods is that they often contain additional nutrients or bioactive compounds that can enhance health and potentially reduce the risk of disease. Examples include foods fortified with vitamins and minerals, probiotics added to yogurt, or omega-3 fatty acids enriched in certain products.

The other attributes mentioned do not accurately describe functional foods. While some functional foods may be organic, this is not a defining characteristic, as functional foods can come from both organic and conventional sources. Additionally, functional foods are often designed for convenience and can have varying shelf lives depending on the product. They are also widely available in regular grocery stores, not just in specialty shops, making them accessible to a broad audience. Therefore, the presence of additional nutrients is a fundamental characteristic that successfully identifies functional foods.