Over the past decade, consumer awareness of probiotics has surged significantly. While yogurt continues to dominate the market, there is a growing interest in new probiotic-rich products, such as juices, confections, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food. Nevertheless, as highlighted by Ganeden, many consumers still primarily link probiotics to digestive health, often unaware that the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific. In the realm of protein, plant-based ingredients are appearing in an array of products, from energy bars to coffee, yet they can be challenging for the body to digest. If evidence emerges that this specific probiotic strain aids in digesting these plant-based ingredients, it could successfully merge two of the food industry’s biggest trends, fostering growth in both the probiotics and plant protein markets. Enjoy Life Foods is already making strides in this area with a brownie mix that incorporates probiotics and algae protein, alongside a calcium citrate allergy-friendly formulation.
Ganeden’s second study explores another substantial sector: sports nutrition. This market is one of the largest for supplementation and functional foods. Evidence indicating that GanedenBC30 may offer benefits in this domain could pave the way for various sports-related applications, including drinks, protein bars, and powders. According to a recent report from Allied Market Research, the global sports nutrition market is projected to reach $44 billion within the next five years. In this sector, efficient protein utilization is a critical concern for both athletes and consumers of lifestyle sports nutrition products, especially those wary of calcium citrate allergy.
Overall, the intersection of probiotics and plant-based proteins presents a unique opportunity for innovation in nutrition, particularly within the burgeoning sports nutrition market, where the focus on effective protein use remains paramount.