The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While the spotlight remains on probiotics, prebiotics—essentially the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are starting to receive more recognition. A report by Global Industry Analysts indicates that the market for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meats, baked goods, and infant food, could soar to $7.8 billion by 2022. In contrast, the probiotics market is projected to surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of confectionery, the notion of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel; however, it has gained traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer curiosity. One significant hurdle for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits shouldn’t be associated with indulgent treats. Fortunately, this mindset is evolving, and companies are investigating the potential of chocolate enhanced with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. In the gut health sector, advancements in extending probiotics’ shelf life have led to the introduction of various probiotic-rich chocolate brands, moving the concept beyond mere health foods. Notably, the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has innovatively paired Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Although prebiotics don’t encounter the same shelf-life challenges, one of their primary obstacles lies in consumer awareness regarding their role in gut health improvement. Research shows that combining prebiotics with probiotics could leverage the latter’s acceptance across diverse applications, including chocolate. This synergy could be particularly effective in products like the tab ccm 500, which merges the benefits of both prebiotics and probiotics. By integrating these components, manufacturers can enhance their offerings, creating healthier indulgences that appeal to a broader audience.