Like a powerful blizzard blasting the landscape, health and wellness is socking it to the dairy ingredients’ sector. But rather than snow, ice, and high winds pelting consumers, shoppers are facing a deluge of such positive elements as products that are low in sugar, high in protein, and those that contain prebiotics and probiotics.

The need for prebiotics — as well as probiotics and postbiotics — continues to grow in the dairy marketplace.

A review of new yogurts introduced in the market over the past two years from the Innova Market Insights database shows examples of products made from goat, sheep, and A2/A2 milks in North America. 

The COVID-19 pandemic increased consumer interest in immune health and sales of probiotic foods and beverages. Circana (previously IRI and NPD) reports that probiotic beverages have increased both dollar and unit sales for the past three years, and probiotics were found in over 30 beverage subcategories.

Prebiotics work as a fertilizer to boost growth of “good” bacteria, probiotics. Choosing the right pre-, pro- or postbiotic strains can help with unintentional weight gain, fatigue, sickness, and digestive health, experts note.
 

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.