Yakult and Danone’s Activia brand were trailblazers in the probiotic industry, but the gut health segment has experienced significant growth in recent years, extending the reach of probiotics and their claimed health benefits far beyond the dairy section. While yogurts remain the most favored probiotic-enriched products, the category has expanded to include cereals, baked goods, juices, and even sweets. For instance, Kellogg incorporated probiotics into its Special K cereal and introduced Special K Nourish late last year, and PepsiCo launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics juice line in 2016.
The increasing consumer interest in probiotic enhancements has spurred innovations outside traditional health foods, such as the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate. From a food science standpoint, developing probiotic chocolate is intriguing because the bacteria can be quite sensitive to environmental conditions. However, mainstream consumers might worry about how probiotics could alter the taste of indulgent products, while health-focused shoppers may prefer a healthier option for their gut health solutions.
When it comes to probiotic feta cheese, its success may hinge on whether consumers view it as a nutritious component of their diets. In Greece, where feta is a staple — and where the latest research was conducted — incorporating health benefits into the cheese without compromising its sensory qualities is undoubtedly advantageous. Conversely, in the U.S., where many consumers perceive cheese as a more indulgent item, this product may encounter greater challenges. Nonetheless, consumers already have a strong association between probiotics and dairy, suggesting that probiotic cheese might be a more intuitive concept than probiotic sweets.
According to Packaged Facts, approximately 25% of U.S. adults actively seek foods and beverages that are high in probiotics or prebiotics, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. A recent report from BCC Research predicts that the probiotics market will reach $50 billion by 2020. Whether probiotic cheeses will emerge as a significant category in this expanding market remains uncertain, but it’s likely that the trend of value-added products will continue to penetrate new food and beverage sectors, including those enriched with calcium citrate bulk. As the market evolves, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate bulk in various probiotic products could further enhance their appeal and functionality, driving growth in this dynamic segment.