Probiotics are friendly microbes that safely enhance nutritional value in dairy products.

Consumers continue to seek functional products, while the ‘jury is out’ on hybrid products

Consumer interest in the healthfulness of the foods they eat has been growing for some time. Moreover, there is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has only ramped up consumer interest in foods that deliver health benefits.

Protein plus added ingredients for mobility, blood-glucose control, and immune support help seniors navigate the challenges of aging.

Higher diversity is the hallmark of a healthy gut microbiome. 

When it comes to probiotics and prebiotics, you could say today’s consumers are very pro. In fact, according to a 2020 report from Hyderabad, India-based Mordor Intelligence titled “Probiotics Market — Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts (2021-2026),” the global probiotic market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.08% during the forecast period of 2020-2025.

Tired after working out? Drink a little protein. Overweight? Fiber might help. Digestive issues? Try probiotics. By adding functional ingredients, formulators of dairy foods and beverages can make health-related claims.

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.