Analysis of New Food Raw Material Applications in the Year 2025 in China

1. Overview of Accepted and Approved New Food Raw Materials in 2025

Based on information retrieved from the official websites of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) and the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA), statistics on the acceptance, public consultation, formal approval, and termination of review for new food raw material applications in 2025 are summarized as follows:

Figure 1. Statistical illustration of new food raw materials

2. Details of Accepted New Food Raw Materials in 2025

In 2025, NHC announced the acceptance of 53 new food raw materials, including 43 domestically produced products and ten imported products. Plant-based ingredients and microbial strains remained the major application hotspots this year. In addition, new protein sources represented by Fusarium-derived protein and the functional ingredient Ergothioneine were accepted multiple times. Details are shown in the table below.

3. Details of Approved New Food Raw Materials in 2025

In 2025, NHC issued four announcements under the “Three New” food framework, approving a total of 65 products, including new food raw materials, new food additives, and food-related products. Specifically, for new food raw materials in 2025: 15 products were approved, 13 were listed in the terminated review directory, 23 were released for public consultation (of which seven were formally approved within the same year).

Note: Highlighted items in the table represent substances approved as of December 30, 2025.

4. Trends and Highlights in New Food Raw Materials in 2025

Based on the above statistics, CIRS Group reviews the trends and highlights of new food raw materials in 2025:

(1) Surge in applications and accelerated approval process

In 2025, a total of 53 new food raw materials were accepted, representing a 77% increase compared to 2024, with 43 domestic ingredients as the majority. 23 substances were released for public consultation, also a 77% increase year-on-year. 15 substances were formally approved, including sakura polyphenols, lemon verbena leaves, and Fusarium venenatum protein, which went from acceptance to approval in only nine months. This demonstrates strong corporate interest in new food raw materials, while regulatory authorities accelerated review timelines while maintaining strict evaluation standards.

(2)D-psicose takes the spotlight: first approval of genetically modified microorganism-derived new food raw material

The approval of two D-psicose products produced via synthetic biology is among the most significant developments in new food raw materials this year. This marks a breakthrough for genetically modified microorganism-derived ingredients, while also providing innovative alternatives for the sweetener market. Following the announcement, two more D-psicose products were listed in the terminated review directory. Currently, four D-psicose products have obtained compliant approval. For more details, see: CIRS Successfully Supports China’s First Official Approval of D-psicose.

(3) Expansion of the probiotic family: three new strains approved

The formal approval of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3799 (listed in Strains Permitted for Food Use), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis LMG11588 (both listed in Strains Permitted for Infant Food) further expands the probiotic market, providing diverse raw material support for developing health foods for different population groups.

(4) Plant-based ingredients dominate approved substances

Among the 15 new food raw materials approved in 2025, eight are plant-based ingredients or extracts, including stevia polyphenols, lemon verbena leaves, maqui berry anthocyanins, wheat polar lipids, and sakura polyphenols. This reflects corporate preference for natural substances and aligns with market demand for natural raw materials.

(5) Novel proteins and functional ingredients like ergothioneine repeatedly accepted

Beyond plant-based ingredients and probiotics, novel proteins represented by Fusarium venenatum protein and the functional ingredient ergothioneine were major application hotspots, with ergothioneine applications accepted up to eight times in 2025. This demonstrates high market attention and strong demand for innovative protein sources and bioactive compounds.

CIRS Group has extensive experience in Three New food applications and multiple successful cases. In 2025, as the agent for D-psicose applications, the group leveraged deep expertise in genetically modified microorganism-derived ingredients. The Fusarium venenatum protein project achieved acceptance-to-approval in just nine months. Based on proven success with different categories of “Three New” foods, CIRS Group aims to provide professional, efficient, high-quality technical services for corporate three new food applications. Companies with inquiries are welcome to contact the group.

Note: There may be omissions and errors in the data and statistics. The data in this article is for reference only, please refer to the official information published by government departments.

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