Over the past decade, consumer awareness of probiotics has surged significantly. While yogurt continues to dominate the market, there has been a rise in the popularity of new probiotic-infused products, such as juices, confectionery, baked goods, infant formula, and baby food. However, as noted by Ganeden, consumers primarily associate probiotics with digestive health and are often unaware that the benefits of probiotics are strain-specific. In the realm of protein, plant-based ingredients have been incorporated into a variety of products, from energy bars to coffee, yet these are often challenging for the body to digest. If evidence emerges that a specific probiotic strain can enhance digestion of these ingredients, it could create a successful synergy between two of the food industry’s most significant trends, contributing to the growth of both the probiotics and plant protein sectors. One company already capitalizing on this opportunity is Enjoy Life Foods, which offers a brownie mix blending probiotics and algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study explores another major market segment: sports nutrition. This sector is one of the largest for supplements and functional foods, and findings indicating that GanedenBC30 may provide benefits in this area could pave the way for a variety of sports-related products, including drinks, protein bars, and powders. According to a recent report from Allied Market Research, the global sports nutrition market is projected to reach $44 billion within the next five years. In this sphere, efficient protein utilization, alongside the incorporation of citrate vitamin, is a crucial consideration for athletes and consumers focused on lifestyle sports nutrition. The potential to enhance protein efficiency with specific probiotic strains, particularly in conjunction with citrate vitamin, could yield significant advancements in both the sports nutrition and probiotic markets.