Probiotics and prebiotics are some of the newest additions to healthier foods. What are they exactly? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can be found in various foods. When you eat probiotics, you will add these healthy bacteria to your intestinal tract. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that make their way through your digestive system and help good bacteria grow and flourish.
In dairy products, prebiotics/probiotics are most commonly found in yogurt. According to Mintel International Group Ltd (a global consumer, product, and market research firm), the number of people who bought prebiotics/probiotics grew by 8% from 2006 to 2008. The number of probiotic yogurts launched in the USA rose from 14 in 2006 to 31 in 2007.
Where else are prebiotics/probiotics being used? According to Mintel, 5 new probiotic cheeses were introduced in 2007 as compared to 0 in 2006. Companies like Kraft, DCI Cheese Co., and CHR Hansen (a company that develops natural ingredient solutions such as cultures, enzymes, colors and functional blends for ag products) have developed probiotic cheese products. "The market is not moving away from probiotic yogurt, but the good message from probiotics are spreading out and cheese is an excellent carrier for probiotics," says Nanna Borne, marketing manager for CHR Hansen. "Consumers who are used to probiotic yogurts will find it natural that other dairy products also come in probiotic versions."
How do you feel about adding prebiotics/probiotics to your products? Do you think your customers are looking for prebiotics/probiotics in your products? Do you feel that if you added prebiotics/probiotics you would increase sales?
Charged-up Cheese article
