The conversation around healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the focal point, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are receiving more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery items, and infant foods, is expected to propel the market to an impressive $7.8 billion by 2022. Simultaneously, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of sweets, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively new but is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest in healthy options. A significant challenge for manufacturers is the perception that health benefits should not come from indulgent foods. However, this viewpoint is evolving, and companies are beginning to explore the potential of chocolate fortified with nutrients such as fiber, protein, and calcium. In fact, products like Solgar liquid calcium magnesium citrate with vitamin D3 are paving the way for this trend.
In the gut health sector, efforts to enhance the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of several probiotic-rich chocolate brands, moving the concept beyond traditional health foods. One notable example is Ohso Good Chocolate, a UK-based brand that merges Belgian chocolate with probiotics. While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a major hurdle remains the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics can enhance gut health. Research indicates that by combining prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the acceptance of probiotics across various applications, including chocolate. This synergy could potentially lead to innovative products that not only taste good but also offer health benefits, such as those found in Solgar liquid calcium magnesium citrate with vitamin D3.