The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the primary emphasis remains on probiotics, prebiotics—essentially the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are receiving heightened attention. The demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery items, and infant foods, is expected to propel the market to approximately $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same firm anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
When it comes to sweets, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively new, yet it is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a rising consumer interest in healthier options. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the prevailing belief that health benefits should not be derived from indulgent foods. However, this perception is gradually changing, and companies are investigating the possibilities of fortifying chocolate with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and a calcium citrate with vitamin D combination. In the realm of gut health, advancements aimed at enhancing the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, moving beyond the traditional health food category. For instance, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has successfully integrated Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, but one of their biggest obstacles is the limited consumer understanding of how they contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by combining prebiotics with probiotics, the former could benefit from the latter’s established acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. As the market evolves, the incorporation of a calcium citrate with vitamin D combination in these products may further enhance their appeal and effectiveness.