The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain at the forefront, prebiotics—the essential nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are starting to capture more attention. The rising demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery items, and infant foods, could propel the market to an estimated $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Meanwhile, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in that year.
Healthy chocolate, a relatively new concept in the candy sector, has gained traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. One of the main challenges for manufacturers is the widespread belief that health benefits shouldn’t come from indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, and companies are exploring the potential of chocolate enriched with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium, including Citracal calcium citrate with vitamin D maximum.
In the realm of gut health, advancements to enhance the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of several chocolate brands that incorporate these beneficial bacteria, thereby redefining health food. Notable examples include UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which blends Belgian chocolate with probiotics. Prebiotics, on the other hand, do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges; however, a significant obstacle remains the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the latter’s established acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. This synergy could also be enhanced by the addition of Citracal calcium citrate with vitamin D maximum, further promoting gut health and nutritional benefits.