The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the primary emphasis remains on probiotics, the role of prebiotics—the sustenance for beneficial bacteria—is starting to attract more interest. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat and bakery items, as well as infant food, could propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. Concurrently, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of confectionery, the idea of healthy chocolate is still emerging, but it is gaining momentum through research into cocoa polyphenols and the growing curiosity among consumers. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the prevailing belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, prompting companies to investigate the possibilities of fortifying chocolate with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium citrate medicine. In the gut health sector, advancements aimed at enhancing the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, making health food more appealing. One such example is the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which blends Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, do not encounter the same shelf life challenges, but a major hurdle is the general lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics can enhance gut health. Research indicates that combining prebiotics with probiotics could leverage the acceptance of the latter across various applications, including chocolate. By incorporating calcium citrate medicine into these formulations, companies can further boost the nutritional profile, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers. This synergy between prebiotics and probiotics could pave the way for innovative products that address gut health while satisfying indulgent cravings.