The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the focal point, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are starting to capture 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 foods, could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. Simultaneously, the probiotics market is projected to surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of confections, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively new but is gaining traction thanks to research on cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer interest. A significant hurdle for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods; however, this mindset is evolving. Companies are now investigating the possibilities of chocolate fortified with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium citrate and vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis.
In the gut health arena, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, making this concept more mainstream. One example is Ohso Good Chocolate from the UK, which merges Belgian chocolate with probiotics. Though prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a major barrier remains the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by integrating prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the acceptance of probiotics in various products, including chocolate. This strategy could also highlight the importance of calcium citrate and vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis, further enhancing the appeal of these fortified treats.