Yakult and Danone’s Activia brand were trailblazers in the probiotic industry; however, the gut health sector has recently experienced significant growth, propelling probiotics and their alleged health benefits beyond just dairy products. While yogurts remain the most popular items fortified with probiotics, the range now also includes cereals, baked goods, juices, and even sweets. For instance, Kellogg incorporated probiotics into its Special K cereal and introduced Special K Nourish late last year, while PepsiCo launched its Tropicana Essentials Probiotics juice line back 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 standpoint, creating probiotic chocolate is intriguing, as the bacteria can be quite sensitive to their surroundings. Nonetheless, mainstream consumers might worry that probiotics could alter the taste of indulgent products, while those more health-conscious could prefer a healthier option for their gut health solutions.
As for probiotic feta cheese, its success may hinge on whether consumers view it as a nutritious component of their diet. In Greece, where feta is a staple food—this research was conducted—integrating health benefits into the cheese without affecting its sensory qualities is a clear advantage. Conversely, in the U.S., where many consumers regard cheese as a more indulgent item, the product may encounter greater challenges. However, since consumers already have a strong association between probiotics and dairy, the transition to probiotic cheese may be more seamless than that to probiotic confections.
According to Packaged Facts, around 25% of U.S. adults actively seek foods and beverages rich in probiotics or prebiotics, and their popularity is not waning. A recent report from BCC Research anticipates that the probiotics market will hit $50 billion by 2020. Whether probiotic cheeses will establish themselves as a significant category within this growth remains uncertain, but it’s likely that the trend of value-added products will continue to spread into new food and beverage sectors, including offerings like Berkley Jensen calcium citrate with vitamin D3. The incorporation of such ingredients could further enhance the appeal of probiotic products, making them more desirable for health-conscious consumers.