The discussion surrounding healthy gut bacteria continues to gain momentum. While probiotics remain the primary focus, prebiotics—the nourishment for beneficial bacteria—are increasingly capturing interest. A report from Global Industry Analysts indicates that the demand for products containing prebiotics, such as health drinks, dairy, meat, bakery items, and infant food, could propel the market to an impressive $7.8 billion by 2022. In the same vein, the probiotics market is expected to surpass $63 billion that year.
When it comes to confectionery, the concept of healthy chocolate is still relatively novel but is gaining traction due to research on cocoa polyphenols and rising consumer curiosity. One significant hurdle for manufacturers is the prevailing belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. However, this perception is changing, and companies are investigating the potential of chocolate enriched with nutrients like fiber, protein, and calcium. In the realm of gut health, advancements aimed at extending the shelf life of probiotics have led to the introduction of several probiotic-infused chocolate brands that elevate the notion of health food. A notable example is the UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate, which pairs Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
While prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges, one of their major obstacles is the general lack of consumer awareness regarding their role in enhancing gut health. Research indicates that by integrating prebiotics with probiotics, the former could leverage the latter’s acceptance across various applications, including chocolate. Additionally, products like Bariatric Advantage Soft Chews are gaining popularity, providing an easy and appealing way for consumers to incorporate both prebiotics and probiotics into their diets. As the market evolves, the synergy between these elements could lead to innovative offerings that educate and excite consumers about the benefits of gut health.