Probiotic use rises as digestive and immune health take center stage, Kerry survey shows

13 Aug 2021 --- Demand for probiotics is being driven by increasing interest in digestive health, a Kerry survey shows. Additionally, the survey suggests that the health benefits of its BC30 probiotic is recognized by consumers, with 80 percent of respondents finding the probiotic’s benefits believable.

Nearly four in ten of the 13,000 international respondents had used some form of digestive health product over the past six months, almost as high as the number who had used an immune health product (39 percent).

Globally, nearly half (47 percent) of those surveyed were aware of probiotics or cultures, up from 42 percent in 2019. Latin America (63 percent) and North America (61 percent) reported the highest awareness.

“A range of factors has driven the continuing growth in demand for gut health solutions generally, and for probiotics in particular,” says John Quilter, global proactive health technology vice president at Kerry.

“Demographic changes such as population aging and lifestyle choices have increased the prevalence of digestive disorders, while the pandemic has accelerated the shift toward more proactive approaches to health.”

Global findings
China had the most usage, with almost half (49 percent) of respondents stating they had used a product containing probiotics over the past six months. This was followed by Mexico, which reported 42 percent of consumers had used a product containing a probiotic.

The survey results found that one in four (25 percent) consumers had used a product containing probiotics over the past six months, up from 21 percent in 2019, when the survey was last conducted. A further 44 percent would consider doing so, up from 40 percent in 2019.BC30 is a spore-forming probiotic ingredient, which makes it highly stable.

An interest in digestive health was ranked third on consumers’ list of reasons to purchase healthy lifestyle products, up from the fourth reason in 2019.

“Consumers want to see functional ingredients in their food and beverage products, and they’re increasingly well educated about the role of probiotics and their ability to support both digestive health and overall wellness,” adds Quilter.

BC30 in focus
BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is a spore-forming probiotic ingredient that can be used in a range of functional food and beverage products. It can help to support digestive health, immune health and protein absorption.

Survey respondents were shown the BC30 logo and an image of products in which it can be found. When asked which benefits they perceived BC30 to deliver, 45 percent chose digestive health, and 45 percent chose immune support.

Recently, Kerry introduced Big Train, a line of dairy-free beverage mixes with BC30 probiotics.

A probiotic-filled breakfast
According to the survey, foods and beverages commonly consumed at breakfast are the most closely associated with digestive health. For example, four in ten (40 percent) respondents globally said they would be interested in purchasing yogurts containing ingredients with digestive health benefits.

Other categories were also associated with digestive health, including fruit and vegetable juices at 31 percent, dairy-based drinks (31 percent) and breakfast cereal or granola (28 percent).

Previously, a Kerry survey revealed that the distinction between supplements and functional foods is becoming increasingly blurred as consumers seek products to strengthen their immune system.

By Nicole Kerr