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 attract more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meat and bakery goods, as well as infant food, could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. At the same time, the same report estimates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion that year.
In the realm of sweets, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel, yet it is gaining momentum due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. One major challenge for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not stem from indulgent foods, but this viewpoint is evolving. Companies are experimenting with chocolate enriched with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. Within the gut health sector, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, effectively broadening the concept beyond mere health foods. For instance, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has blended Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges; however, a significant hurdle remains—the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics can enhance gut health. Research indicates that by merging prebiotics with probiotics, the former could leverage the latter’s acceptance in various products, including chocolate. Additionally, it is essential to consider the side effects of calcium citrate, as these can impact consumer choices regarding dietary supplements and functional foods. Educating consumers about the benefits of prebiotics, alongside an understanding of the potential side effects of calcium citrate, could facilitate their acceptance and integration into everyday diets.