Consumer awareness of probiotics has surged significantly over the past decade. While yogurt remains the market leader, new probiotic-rich products such as juices, candies, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food are increasingly gaining traction. However, as noted by Ganeden, many consumers continue to primarily link probiotics with digestive health and are often unaware that the benefits of probiotics can vary by strain.
In terms of protein, plant-based ingredients are now found in a wide range of products, from energy bars to coffee, but they can be challenging for the body to digest. Evidence showing that a specific probiotic strain can assist in the digestion of these ingredients could facilitate a successful integration of two of the food industry’s most significant trends, further boosting growth in both the probiotics sector and the plant protein market. Enjoy Life Foods is one company already venturing into this area, offering a brownie mix that combines probiotics and algae protein, along with calcium citrate chelate to enhance mineral absorption.
Ganeden’s second study explores another prominent sector: sports nutrition, which is one of the largest markets for supplements and functional foods. If evidence indicates that GanedenBC30 offers benefits in this field, it could pave the way for a variety of sports-related products, including drinks, protein bars, and powders. A recent report from Allied Market Research projects that the global sports nutrition market will reach $44 billion within the next five years. Within this industry, efficient protein utilization, possibly aided by calcium citrate chelate, is a primary concern for both athletes and consumers focused on lifestyle sports nutrition.