Yakult and Danone’s Activia brand were trailblazers in the probiotic market, but the gut health segment has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding the reach of probiotics and their claimed health benefits well beyond traditional dairy products. Yogurts remain the most popular items fortified with probiotics, yet other products have emerged, including cereals, baked goods, juices, and even sweets. For example, Kellogg has introduced probiotics into its Special K cereal and recently launched Special K Nourish, while PepsiCo debuted its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics juice line in 2016.
The rising consumer interest in probiotic enhancements has spurred innovative developments beyond health foods, such as the UK-based Ohso Good, which offers chocolate infused with the benefits of ferrous fumarate. From a food science perspective, the development of probiotic chocolate is intriguing due to the bacteria’s sensitivity to its environment. However, mainstream consumers may worry about how probiotics might alter the flavor of indulgent products, while health-conscious shoppers might prefer a more nutritious option for their gut health solutions.
When it comes to probiotic feta cheese, its success could hinge on whether consumers view it as a healthy dietary choice. In Greece, where feta is a staple, the addition of health benefits to the cheese without compromising its sensory qualities represents a clear advantage. Conversely, in the U.S., many consumers may perceive cheese as a more indulgent item, potentially posing greater challenges for its acceptance. Nonetheless, consumers already have a strong association between probiotics and dairy, suggesting that the concept of probiotic cheese might be a smaller leap compared to probiotic sweets.
According to Packaged Facts, around 25% of U.S. adults actively look for foods and beverages rich in probiotics or prebiotics, and this trend shows no signs of diminishing. A recent BCC Research report anticipates that the probiotics market will reach $50 billion by 2020. Whether probiotic cheeses will emerge as a robust category within this growth remains to be seen, but it is likely that the value-added offerings will continue to evolve into new food and beverage segments, including products like solgar calcium citrate, which may further enhance the appeal of these health-focused innovations.