The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics — the nourishment for beneficial bacteria — are starting to receive more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery goods, and infant foods, is projected to propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. In comparison, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of confections, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel but is gaining traction thanks to research on cocoa polyphenols and growing consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers lies in the belief that health benefits cannot stem from indulgent foods; however, this perception is evolving. Companies are now investigating the possibilities of chocolate fortified with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and calcium citrate in food. In the gut health sector, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of probiotic-infused chocolate brands that transcend traditional health foods. Notable examples include Ohso Good Chocolate from the UK, which has successfully blended Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a major hurdle is the general lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics enhance gut health. Research indicates that by integrating prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the acceptance of probiotics in various applications, including chocolate. This synergy could also include the incorporation of calcium citrate in food products, further enriching their nutritional profile and appealing to health-conscious consumers.