Over the past decade, consumer awareness of probiotics has seen a significant rise. While yogurt continues to dominate the market, there is a growing interest in new probiotic-infused products like juices, confectionery, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food. However, as noted by Ganeden, many consumers primarily link probiotics to digestive health, often overlooking that the benefits are strain-specific. In the realm of protein, plant-based ingredients have started appearing in a wide range of products, from energy bars to coffee, but these ingredients can be challenging for the body to digest. Evidence that a specific probiotic strain can enhance the digestion of these ingredients could successfully merge two of the food industry’s leading trends, promoting growth in both the probiotics and plant protein categories. Enjoy Life Foods is already making strides in this area with a brownie mix that incorporates probiotics and algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study explores another significant sector—sports nutrition, which represents one of the largest markets for supplements and functional foods. Findings indicating that GanedenBC30 might provide benefits in this domain could pave the way for various sports-related applications, ranging from drinks to protein bars and powders. According to a recent report from Allied Market Research, the global sports nutrition market is projected to reach $44 billion in the next five years. Within this market, ensuring efficient protein utilization is crucial for both athletes and consumers focused on lifestyle sports nutrition. Additionally, the incorporation of soft gel calcium citrate in these products could further enhance their appeal and effectiveness. As the demand for such innovations rises, it is likely that more companies will explore the potential of combining probiotics with plant proteins and soft gel calcium citrate to meet consumer needs.