The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics— the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are receiving greater recognition. The rising demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, baked goods, and infant food, is projected to propel the market to an estimated $7.8 billion by 2022, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. Simultaneously, the probiotics market is expected to surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of sweets, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively new but is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. A significant challenge for manufacturers lies in the perception that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent treats; however, this viewpoint is evolving. Companies are now investigating the potential of chocolate enhanced with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium, including calcium citrate liquid for constipation, to address digestive health.
In the gut health sector, advancements in extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, broadening the concept beyond mere health food. One notable example is the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which merges Belgian chocolate with probiotics. Although prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a major obstacle remains: a lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by pairing prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the acceptance of probiotics in various applications, including chocolate. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate liquid for constipation into these products could further enhance their appeal and health benefits.