The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics — the essential nutrients for beneficial bacteria — are now capturing more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat and bakery items, as well as infant foods, is projected to propel the market to $7.8 billion by 2022. At the same time, the probiotics market is anticipated to surpass $63 billion that year.
In the realm of confections, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel, but it is gaining traction thanks to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing interest among consumers. One notable challenge for manufacturers is the prevailing notion that health benefits shouldn’t be associated with indulgent foods. However, this viewpoint is changing, and companies are beginning to explore the potential of chocolate enhanced with nutrients like calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and protein. In the gut health sector, advancements in extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several chocolate brands infused with probiotics, transforming the idea of health food. For example, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate combines Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a significant obstacle remains: many consumers lack a clear understanding of how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the established acceptance of probiotics across various products, including chocolate. This synergy could pave the way for innovative offerings, especially those fortified with ingredients such as calcium citrate and vitamin D3, as seen in some formulations by brands like Solgar, further enhancing their appeal and benefits in the market.