While the economic recession may keep consumers from some types of new purchases, beauty foods may have unexpected resilience. Speaking at SupplySide West 2009, Lynn Dornblaser, the director, CPG Trend Insight, for Mintel International Group, noted introductions of foods and beverages with beauty ingredients such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are on the rise.

Dornblaser quoted research that U.S. consumers would like to see food or drink that makes their skin look younger (38 percent) and would like to see foods that elevate their mood (35 percent). However, 63 percent of consumers say functional foods are too expensive. That said, she added, consumers may view beauty foods as a discretionary purchase worth making because of the potential benefits. She said, "I think consumers will be more likely to splurge a bit, to try something, because they are hoping for that magic elixir to do wonders."