The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, there is a growing interest in prebiotics—essentially the food that nourishes beneficial bacteria. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the market for prebiotic-containing products, including health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery items, and infant foods, could soar to $7.8 billion by 2022. Meanwhile, the probiotics market is projected to surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of treats, healthy chocolate remains a relatively novel concept. However, it is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer demand. One of the significant challenges for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. This perception is gradually changing, as companies explore the possibility of chocolate enriched with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. The introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, such as the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which merges Belgian chocolate with probiotics, showcases the evolving landscape of health food.
While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges as probiotics, one of their main obstacles is consumer misunderstanding regarding how they contribute to gut health. Research indicates that combining prebiotics with probiotics could leverage the latter’s popularity across various applications, including chocolate. Incorporating ingredients like USP calcium citrate into these products can further enhance their appeal, reinforcing the health benefits while maintaining indulgence. By educating consumers about the advantages of prebiotics and their role in gut health, the market for these products may expand significantly, paving the way for innovative offerings that could redefine our understanding of healthy indulgence.