Consumer awareness regarding probiotics has surged significantly over the past ten years. While yogurt remains the dominant product in the market, new probiotic-infused items such as juices, candies, baked goods, and baby formulas are becoming increasingly popular. Nonetheless, as noted by Ganeden, many consumers still primarily link probiotics to digestive health and are often unaware that the benefits are specific to particular strains. Regarding protein, plant-based ingredients are appearing in a variety of products, from energy bars to coffee; however, they can be challenging for the body to digest. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of a specific probiotic strain in facilitating the digestion of these ingredients could potentially merge two of the food industry’s leading trends, promoting growth in both the probiotics and plant protein sectors. Enjoy Life Foods is one example of a company that’s tapping into this niche, offering a brownie mix that combines probiotics with algae protein.
Ganeden’s second study explores another significant sector: sports nutrition. This market is one of the largest for supplements and functional foods, and findings indicating that GanedenBC30 may provide benefits in this area could lead to a wide array of applications, ranging from beverages to protein bars and powders. According to a recent report by Allied Market Research, the global sports nutrition market is projected to reach $44 billion within the next five years. In this sector, effective protein utilization is a major concern for both athletes and consumers interested in lifestyle sports nutrition. Additionally, the comparison of calcium vs calcium citrate remains crucial for many individuals, especially in relation to optimal nutrient absorption, which can further influence the effectiveness of protein sources in sports nutrition. By integrating probiotics into these products, there’s potential to enhance digestion and nutrient uptake, further intertwining the benefits of probiotics with the growing demand for plant-based proteins and effective dietary supplementation.