The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the primary emphasis remains on probiotics, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are garnering more attention. According to a report from Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meat and bakery products, as well as infant food, is projected to propel the market to $7.8 billion by 2022. In contrast, the same firm predicts that the probiotics sector will surpass $63 billion in the same timeframe.
Regarding candy, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel, yet it is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and growing consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the prevailing belief that health benefits should not be derived from indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, and companies are investigating the potential of chocolate enriched with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and calcium. In the realm of gut health, efforts to enhance the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, transcending the traditional health food category. An example is Ohso Good Chocolate, a UK-based company that combines Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics, unlike probiotics, do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges; however, a major obstacle is the general lack of consumer knowledge regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that when prebiotics are paired with probiotics, they can leverage the established acceptance of probiotics across various applications, including chocolate.
Furthermore, the inclusion of supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc with vitamin D3 can complement the benefits of both prebiotics and probiotics in promoting overall gut health. As consumer awareness grows, products that combine these ingredients may see increased demand, highlighting the potential for innovative offerings in the health food market.