The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are starting to attract more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the market for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy items, meats, baked goods, and infant food, is projected to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. Concurrently, the same report anticipates that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of confections, the notion of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel, yet it is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers is overcoming the belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. However, this mindset is evolving, and companies are investigating the possibilities of chocolate enriched with nutrients like calcium citrate malate, fiber, and protein. In the gut health sector, advancements in extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of various probiotic-infused chocolate brands that elevate the concept beyond mere health foods. For example, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has successfully combined Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges. However, a major hurdle remains the general lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former could leverage the acceptance of probiotics across a variety of applications, including chocolate. This synergy could help consumers better understand the benefits of products containing prebiotics, such as those fortified with calcium citrate malate or found in initiatives like Jan Aushadhi, which aims to enhance public health through accessible nutrition.