The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the primary focus remains on probiotics, prebiotics — the nourishment for beneficial bacteria — are starting to receive more attention. The demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meats, baked goods, and infant foods, is projected to propel the market to reach $65.8 billion by 2022, as noted in a report by Global Industry Analysts. Simultaneously, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion that year.
In the confectionery sector, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively new but is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not be derived from indulgent foods. However, this perception is gradually changing, prompting companies to explore the possibilities of chocolate fortified with nutrients such as natural calcium citrate, fiber, protein, and calcium. In the realm of gut health, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, moving the concept beyond mere health foods. Notably, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has combined Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Unlike probiotics, prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges. However, one of the major obstacles is the general lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics, including natural calcium citrate, contribute to improved gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former could benefit from the latter’s established acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. This synergy could further enhance the appeal of products containing natural calcium citrate, making them more attractive to health-conscious consumers.