The excitement surrounding healthy gut bacteria is growing increasingly prominent. While the spotlight remains primarily on probiotics, prebiotics — the nourishment for beneficial bacteria — are also starting to gain significant recognition. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meat and baked goods, as well as infant food, could propel the market to an impressive $7.8 billion by 2022. At the same time, the same firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion that year.
In the realm of confections, the notion of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel but has been supported by research into cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. A notable challenge for manufacturers lies in the prevailing belief that health benefits shouldn’t come from indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, prompting companies to explore the potential of chocolate enriched with nutrients like chewy calcium citrate, fiber, and protein. Within the gut health sector, advancements aimed at enhancing the shelf life of probiotics have led to the emergence of various probiotic-infused chocolate brands that push the boundaries of what health food can be. A prime example is the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which has successfully combined Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, but a significant hurdle remains: many consumers lack a clear understanding of how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former could leverage the latter’s acceptance in various applications, including chocolate. This synergy could also pave the way for innovative products featuring chewy calcium citrate, helping to educate consumers on the benefits of prebiotics while simultaneously enhancing the appeal of gut-friendly treats.