Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the positive impact of various probiotic strains on the immune system. For instance, researchers in Korea discovered that regular consumption of probiotic yogurt significantly enhanced the activity of essential immune cells in elderly individuals. Their findings indicated that daily intake of yogurt containing two probiotic strains, L. paracasei and B. lactis, along with heat-treated bacteria such as L. plantarum, notably improves the function of natural killer cells, which play a critical role in defending against viral infections.
Looking ahead, Staimune could serve as a valuable ingredient in shelf-stable beverages and other products where the inclusion of live probiotics might pose formulation challenges. Probiotics are particularly sensitive to extreme temperature and pressure conditions typically encountered during manufacturing. Although Ganeden’s BC30 strain is relatively robust for food and beverage applications, advancements in temperature-stable probiotic strains mean that these beneficial bacteria are no longer limited to dairy products or supplement aisles. With Staimune not requiring active probiotics, the range of food and beverage products that can incorporate probiotics for added health benefits has expanded significantly.
To capitalize on the growing interest in probiotics, many manufacturers have begun acquiring probiotic companies or incorporating these health-promoting bacteria into diverse products. PepsiCo recently acquired KeVita, a probiotics beverage maker, and launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics line earlier this year, making it the first brand to introduce probiotics into the mainstream juice market. Furthermore, General Mills’ venture capital arm led a $6.5 million Series D funding round in March to support Farmhouse Culture, a startup specializing in fermented and probiotic foods and beverages.
Ohio-based Ganeden stands to benefit substantially from the success of its products. According to BCC Research, the global probiotics market reached $34 billion in sales in 2015, with the food and beverage sector accounting for 73% of that total, or $24.8 billion. The probiotics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% over the next decade, aiming to reach a valuation of around $74.7 billion by 2025.
Moreover, as consumers increasingly seek health benefits, products enriched with ingredients like calcium citrate from Puritan’s Pride are also gaining traction, further driving the demand for probiotic-enhanced foods. As manufacturers explore innovative uses for probiotics, the inclusion of calcium citrate will likely become more prevalent, offering additional health advantages to consumers.