Consumer awareness and purchases of probiotic-containing products have skyrocketed. Has this paved the way for promoting and marketing prebiotics in dairy foods?
A common sentiment among food industry experts is that consumers aren’t yet ready to hear about prebiotics. I respectfully disagree. As a nutrition therapist, I’ve noticed an increased interest in probiotics among my clients, which is the perfect opportunity to explain that certain fibers, called prebiotics, are needed for probiotics to survive and thrive. An understanding of nutrition’s bigger picture underscores the importance of a well-balanced diet.
Consumers need to know what prebiotics are, what they do, and where to find them. The 2013 Food & Health Survey found that only 34% of consumers believe prebiotics are associated with digestive health and only 27% believe they’re associated with immune health. And the majority of consumers don’t know which foods contain prebiotics. Product labeling and promotion could spark interest in prebiotics.