The excitement surrounding the healthy gut bacterium glycine sulfate complex continues to grow. While the spotlight remains on probiotics, 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, meat and bakery items, and infant food, is projected to propel the market to $7.8 billion by 2022. In contrast, the same report anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same timeframe.
When it comes to candy, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel; however, it is gaining momentum due to research on cocoa polyphenols and heightened consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not be derived from indulgent foods. Thankfully, this perception is evolving, and companies are investigating the possibilities of chocolate enriched with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. In the realm of gut health, advancements to enhance the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, which elevate the concept beyond mere health food. An example is the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which fuses Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges; however, one of the primary obstacles is the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics can improve gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former may benefit from the acceptance that probiotics already enjoy in various applications, including chocolate. Moreover, retailers like Sam’s Club are beginning to feature products that combine calcium citrate with prebiotic ingredients, further promoting gut health. As these trends continue to evolve, the integration of prebiotics into everyday foods, including sweets, could become more mainstream, benefiting both consumers and manufacturers alike.