Yakult and Danone’s Activia brand were trailblazers in the probiotic industry, but the gut health segment has seen significant growth in recent years, extending the reach of probiotics and their claimed health benefits far beyond traditional dairy products. While yogurt remains the most popular type of probiotic-fortified item, other products have emerged, including cereals, baked goods, juices, and even sweets. For instance, Kellogg introduced probiotics into its Special K cereal and launched Special K Nourish at the end of last year, while PepsiCo debuted its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics juice line in 2016. The rising consumer interest in probiotic enhancements has sparked innovations outside the realm of health foods, such as the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate. From a food science perspective, the development of probiotic chocolate is intriguing due to the sensitive nature of the bacteria regarding its environment. However, mainstream consumers may worry about how probiotics could alter the taste of indulgent products, while health-conscious shoppers might prefer a healthier option for their gut health solutions.
In the case of probiotic feta cheese, success hinges on whether consumers consider it a nutritious addition to their diet. In Greece, where feta is a staple food and this recent research was conducted, enhancing the cheese with health benefits without compromising its sensory attributes is a clear win-win. Conversely, in the U.S., where many consumers perceive cheese as a more indulgent item, this product could encounter greater challenges. However, U.S. consumers already have a strong association between probiotics and dairy, suggesting that probiotic cheese might be an easier concept to grasp compared to probiotic sweets. According to Packaged Facts, around one-quarter of U.S. adults actively seek foods and beverages rich in probiotics or prebiotics, and their popularity continues to grow. A recent report from BCC Research estimates that the probiotics market will reach $50 billion by 2020. Whether probiotic cheeses will evolve into a significant category as this market expands remains uncertain, but it is likely that the value-added trend will continue to explore new food and beverage avenues, including those enriched with calcium citrate malate, which has been recognized for its potential health benefits. Consequently, what is calcium citrate malate? It is a compound that can enhance the nutritional profile of various products, and its incorporation into probiotic offerings could appeal to health-focused consumers. As the demand for innovative probiotic options rises, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate malate may become increasingly prevalent, further broadening the landscape of gut health products.