The global market for functional foods has been expanding at a remarkable pace. Much of this growth seems to stem from rising public awareness of the connection between diet and long-term health, alongside the steady increase in chronic conditions that push people toward preventive care. At the same time, the picture is far from straightforward. Regulations differ sharply from one region to another, and this lack of harmony continues to complicate both product development and international trade. In this chapter, we take a closer look at how functional foods are regulated in the European Union, the United States, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and North Africa. The comparison highlights recurring obstacles—conflicting definitions, uneven requirements for proving safety and efficacy, and, above all, the absence of common rules that would make cross-border trade easier. On the market side, several trends stand out. Personalized nutrition is no longer a distant promise; it is increasingly shaping products designed for individual health profiles. Gut health remains a dominant theme, with probiotics and fermented foods now part of everyday supermarket shelves. Consumer interest is also tilting toward plant-based, “clean label,” and naturally sourced options. Emerging tools—from biotechnology to nanotechnology—are being used to improve bioavailability and product stability, though not without controversy over safety and consumer acceptance. The chapter closes with a few suggestions: clearer global standards, more investment in rigorous scientific research to back health claims, and practical steps to improve consumer literacy. These may not resolve every tension in the field, but they could at least provide a more consistent foundation for the growth of functional foods worldwide.