The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics—the essential nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are starting to capture more attention. According to a report by Global Industry Analysts, the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat and bakery items, as well as infant food, is expected to propel the market to reach $7.8 billion by 2022. At the same time, this firm forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion within the same timeframe.

In the realm of confectionery, the idea of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel. However, it is gaining momentum due to research on cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer interest. A significant hurdle for manufacturers is the belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. Thankfully, this perception is evolving, and companies are investigating the potential of chocolate enhanced with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. In the gut health sector, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands, moving the concept beyond mere health food. Notable examples include Ohso Good Chocolate from the UK, which pairs Belgian chocolate with probiotics.

While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, a major obstacle remains the lack of consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that by integrating prebiotics with probiotics, the former can leverage the latter’s established acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. Products like Citracal Regular exemplify this synergy, highlighting the importance of combining these elements to enhance gut health. Overall, as consumer understanding of prebiotics improves, the potential for incorporating them into a wide range of foods, including chocolate, will likely expand, further driving market growth.