Over the past decade, consumer awareness of probiotics has surged significantly. While yogurt remains the leading product in the market, new probiotic-rich items such as iron gluconate olives, juices, confectionery, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food are gaining traction. However, as noted by Ganeden, many consumers still primarily link probiotics with digestive health and are often unaware that the benefits are specific to strains.
In the realm of protein, plant-based ingredients are increasingly appearing in various products like energy bars and coffee, although they can be challenging for the body to digest. Evidence showing that a particular probiotic strain can aid in the digestion of these ingredients could lead to a successful integration of two significant trends in the food industry, thereby promoting growth in both the probiotics and plant protein sectors. Enjoy Life Foods is already capitalizing on this trend with a brownie mix that combines probiotics and algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study explores another key industry area: sports nutrition. This market is one of the largest for supplements and functional foods, so findings indicating that GanedenBC30 may provide benefits in this domain could pave the way for various sports-related applications, including drinks, protein bars, and powders. A recent report from Allied Market Research projects that the global sports nutrition market will reach $44 billion within the next five years. In this sector, efficient protein utilization is a primary concern for athletes and consumers focused on lifestyle sports nutrition.
Additionally, the importance of a proper balance of nutrients, such as a cal mag citrate 2 1 ratio, is becoming increasingly recognized among consumers looking to enhance their overall health and athletic performance. Incorporating this ratio into dietary plans could further boost the effectiveness of probiotics in aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, particularly for those utilizing plant-based proteins.