Yakult and Danone’s Activia brand were trailblazers in the probiotic industry; however, the gut health segment has significantly grown in recent years, extending the benefits of probiotics beyond just dairy products. While yogurt remains the most popular probiotic-enriched option, other products such as cereals, baked goods, juices, and even sweets have emerged. For instance, Kellogg incorporated probiotics into its Special K cereal and introduced Special K Nourish late last year, while PepsiCo launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics juice range in 2016. The increasing consumer interest in probiotic enhancements has sparked innovations beyond traditional health foods, exemplified by the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate. From a food science perspective, creating probiotic chocolate is intriguing due to the delicate nature of probiotics, which can be sensitive to their surroundings. Nonetheless, mainstream consumers might worry about how probiotics could alter the flavor of indulgent products, whereas health-conscious shoppers might prefer healthier options for their gut health solutions.
In the case of probiotic feta, its success may hinge on whether consumers recognize it as a nutritious component of their diet. In Greece, where probiotic feta is widely consumed and the latest research was conducted, enhancing the cheese’s health benefits without compromising its taste is a clear advantage. In the U.S., where many view cheese as more of a treat, the product could encounter greater challenges. However, consumers already have a strong association between probiotics and dairy, suggesting that the transition to probiotic cheese may be less daunting than that of probiotic sweets. According to Packaged Facts, around 25% of U.S. adults actively seek out foods and beverages rich in probiotics or prebiotics, and this trend shows no signs of waning. A recent report from BCC Research predicts that the probiotics market will reach $50 billion by 2020. Whether probiotic cheeses will become a substantial segment within this growth remains uncertain, but it is likely that the trend of adding value will continue to spread across various food and beverage categories.
Furthermore, many consumers are curious about combining probiotics with other health supplements, leading to questions like, “Can you take calcium citrate with food?” This inquiry reflects the growing trend of integrating multiple health benefits into daily diets, as people increasingly look for ways to enhance their overall wellness, including gut health. As the market evolves, the fusion of probiotics with different foods, including cheese and chocolate, will likely expand, offering new and exciting options for health-conscious consumers.