The conversation surrounding healthy gut bacteria is becoming increasingly prominent. While probiotics are still the primary focus, prebiotics — the essential nourishment for beneficial bacteria — are now receiving 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 an impressive $7.8 billion by 2022. Meanwhile, the same report forecasts that the probiotics market will surpass $63 billion in the same year.
In the realm of candy, the concept of healthy chocolate remains relatively novel but is gaining traction thanks to research into cocoa polyphenols and a growing consumer interest. One significant challenge for manufacturers is the prevailing belief that health benefits should not be associated with indulgent foods. However, this perception is evolving, and companies are beginning to explore the possibilities of chocolate enriched 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 chocolate brands containing probiotics, moving the concept beyond mere health food. Notably, UK-based Ohso Good Chocolate has successfully blended Belgian chocolate with probiotics.
On the other hand, prebiotics do not encounter the same shelf-life challenges; however, a major obstacle remains the limited consumer awareness regarding how prebiotics contribute to gut health. Research indicates that combining prebiotics with probiotics could leverage the latter’s acceptance across various products, including chocolate. Additionally, innovations like the healing CCM tablet are emerging, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of gut health. As consumer understanding grows, the potential for prebiotic-rich products, including those fortified with healing CCM tablets, could reshape the market landscape.