The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics—essentially the food for beneficial bacteria—are garnering more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health beverages, dairy, meat and bakery items, as well as infant food, could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. Simultaneously, this firm forecasts that the probiotics market is expected to surpass $63 billion in the same year.
The concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively new, yet it has gained momentum due to research into cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers lies in the prevailing notion that health benefits should not stem from indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, and companies are exploring the potential of chocolate fortified with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. In the realm of gut health, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands that challenge the traditional view of health foods. For instance, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has successfully combined Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, one of the major obstacles is the limited understanding among consumers regarding how prebiotics enhance gut health. Research indicates that combining prebiotics with probiotics may leverage the latter’s acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. Additionally, as consumers become more aware of the benefits of nutrients like calcium citrate, we can expect an increase in interest regarding products that equate health benefits with traditionally indulgent foods. This growing awareness may eventually lead to a broader acceptance of prebiotics, particularly when they are paired with probiotics in innovative products.