Consumer awareness of probiotics has surged significantly over the past decade. While yogurt continues to dominate the market, innovative probiotic-enriched products such as juices, sweets, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food are becoming increasingly popular. However, as noted by Ganeden, many consumers still primarily link probiotics to digestive health and are often unaware that the benefits can vary between different strains. In the realm of protein, plant-based ingredients have begun appearing in a wide range of products, from energy bars to coffee, although they can be challenging for the body to digest. Evidence demonstrating that a specific probiotic strain enhances digestion of these ingredients could successfully merge two of the food industry’s most significant trends, thereby fostering growth in both the probiotics and plant protein sectors. Enjoy Life Foods is one company already tapping into this market, offering a brownie mix that combines probiotics with algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study explores another substantial industry segment: sports nutrition. This area represents one of the largest markets for dietary supplements and functional foods, and evidence indicating that GanedenBC30 may provide benefits in this field could lead to numerous applications related to sports—ranging from drinks to protein bars and powders. A recent report from Allied Market Research anticipates that the global sports nutrition market will reach $44 billion within the next five years. In this sector, efficient protein utilization is a primary concern for athletes and consumers focused on lifestyle sports nutrition. Additionally, the integration of calcium citrate IV into these formulations could enhance the overall nutritional profile, potentially offering improved benefits for both digestion and performance. The incorporation of calcium citrate IV may further solidify the relationship between probiotics and other nutritional elements, creating exciting opportunities in product development.