Prebiotics

Insights from Vitafoods

Prebiotic power: five-year research journey concludes “distinct effect” of cranberry polyphenols

16-May-2023 By Olivia Brown

In a Vitafoods presentation, Yves Desjardins, PhD, professor at Laval University in Quebec, discussed soon-to-be published findings on the observed prebiotic effects of cranberry polyphenols.

Danone North America on gut health and the microbiome: 'They have a bigger role than we thought'

06-Apr-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

The gut microbiome is one of the most important factors in shaping human health. But how is our knowledge around the microbiome developing and changing in today’s landscape? Danone North America’s Miguel Freitas talks the challenges and opportunities...

Probiota Americas 2023: Deadline for Pioneers and Scientific Frontiers this week

05-Apr-2023 By Stephen Daniells

The deadline for submitting entries for the 2023 Probiota Pioneers (microbiome focused start-ups) and our Scientific Frontiers posters is this week: April 7, 2023

Low dose resistant potato starch shows prebiotic effects in new study

30-Mar-2023 By Olivia Haslam

A new clinical trial has concluded that Solnul, a resistant potato starch (RPS), has prebiotic effects at low dosages, stimulating increases in beneficial health-associated bacteria and reducing diarrhoea and constipation when compared to a placebo group.

What is next for probiotics? Consumers seek transparency, science-backed validation

29-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Increasing interest in health benefits from probiotics, prebiotics and their synergies is opening new markets for functional foods and beverages, but for products to take full advantage of these opportunities, they must meet consumers’ rising bar for...

Study supports Seed's DS-01 Synbiotic protective effects against alcohol, antibiotics

13-Mar-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Seed’s DS-01 synbiotic may protect the gut microbiome from dysbiotic stressors such as alcohol and antibiotics, according to a new SHIME study.

Flavor & function: Prebiotic sodas shake up category with lemon-lime flavors

15-Feb-2023 By Ryan Daily

As consumers look for both refreshing tastes and gut health claims, more are turning to prebiotic sodas in a range of classic flavors — including lemon-lime — Howard Telford, head of soft drinks at Euromonitor International, told FoodNavigator-USA.

NutraCast: Seed on synbiotics for kids and predictions for gut microbiome research

03-Feb-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Infancy is commonly recognized as a critical time period for microbiota to colonize the gut. And when it comes to adults, it seems there is a new probiotic launched everyday. But what about those in the middle? What do we know about the gut microbiomes...

NutraCast: The power of resistant starch—beyond gut health

27-Jan-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Resistant starch has received a lot of attention for its potential to exert a healthy impact on the gut and Supergut is adding to that by offering insights through its research.

AB-Biotics targets food and beverage market with microbiome solutions: ‘Every moment of consumption will be an opportunity’

27-Jan-2023 By Katy Askew

Spanish biotech company AB-Biotics suggests that spiking interest in fermented foods and microbiome health represents a significant opportunity for the food and beverage industry. We caught up with Executive Director Sergi Audivert to learn more about...

NAMUH teams up with Ginkgo Bioworks on HMOs via precision fermentation as race to improve the nutrition of infant formula gathers pace

19-Jan-2023 By Elaine Watson

As the race to create infant formula ever closer in composition to human breast milk gathers pace, Berkeley-based infant nutrition startup NAMUH and synthetic biology specialist Ginkgo Bioworks have teamed up to develop human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)...

Prebiotic potential of high tannin sorghum strains quantified in study

03-Oct-2022 By Hank Schultz

The prebiotic potential of polyphenols found in certain strains of sorghum has been identified and quantified in a new study out of the University of Nebraska.

Specific HMOs linked to infant brain development: Study

19-Sep-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Individual human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) may play critical roles in the maturation of gray matter in an infant brain, showing that inclusion of specific HMOs in infant formula could be beneficial, says a new study.

‘Total microbiome company’ is bringing microbiome innovation to the masses

08-Sep-2022 By Danielle Masterson

BIOHM has unveiled a number of services for gut health companies and developers looking to advance their offerings.

Solnul potato prebiotic gains ‘upcycling’ certification

11-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

MSP Starch Products Inc., makers of the branded ingredient Solnul Resistant Potato Starch, said the offering has been certified by the Upcycled Foods Association (UFA).

IFIC: More Americans seek pro- and prebiotics, but confusion about sources abounds

20-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

More Americans are trying to consume probiotics and prebiotics than a year ago, but many are confused about the best sources for each and the relationship between them, fermentation and strain-specificity – hindering their goals, according to new data...

Feeding the gut microbiome webinar: ‘I look at products that say ‘contains probiotics’ and I'd say the vast majority of the time, they're incorrectly named'

06-Apr-2022 By Elaine Watson

The terms ‘prebiotic’ and ‘probiotic’ are appearing on a growing number of food & beverage brands, while another term – ‘postbiotic’ – is also starting to emerge. But food marketers should do their homework before slapping these terms on their wares,...

WATCH ON DEMAND: Feeding the gut microbiome: from pre-, pro-, and postbiotics to resistant starch

06-Mar-2022 By Elaine Watson

While scientists are still unlocking the secrets of the gut microbiome, consumers increasingly understand that what we feed the armies of microbes that line our digestive tracts may be intimately connected to our physical – and mental - wellbeing. So...

Introducing the FoodNavigator-USA Positive Nutrition virtual summit: From feeding the gut microbiome to plotting the next 10 years in plant-based protein

17-Feb-2022 By Elaine Watson

What up-and-coming plant proteins are the most exciting? Chickpeas? Hemp? Canola? Barley? Pongamia? What do we really know about the best overall dietary pattern to support a healthy gut microbiome? And how do we educate consumers about the benefits...

Olipop closes star-studded $30m Series B funding round to mainstream the functional soda brand

01-Feb-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Functional soda brand Olipop's $30m Series B funding round led by a long roster of celebrities, beverage industry veterans, and entrepreneurs, will help make the brand mainstream, according to co-founder David Lester.

Anheuser-Busch InBev explores upcycling spent brewers’ grain for prebiotic

29-Nov-2021 By Stephen Daniells

Brewers’ spent grain may offer a novel source of prebiotics, according to a new study from Anheuser-Busch InBev that found arabinoxylan from the waste may boost bifidobacterial levels in the human gut.

Prebiotics in focus, from GOS to resistant starch: ‘After we get through this protein craze, there will be a push to get more fiber’

18-Nov-2021 By Elaine Watson

Prebiotics, defined by ISAPP* as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit,” are finally starting to gain traction in food & beverage as more brands from Chobani and Luna to Olipop and Rebbl explicitly...

Study: Diet rich in fermented foods can increase gut microbiome diversity and immune response

15-Nov-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

A diet rich in fermented foods such as kimchi, cottage cheese, and kefir can enhance the diversity of gut microbes and reduce molecur signs of inflammation, say researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine.

Researchers say individualized fiber recommendations may soon be possible

02-Sep-2021 By Hank Schultz

As more evidence accumulates on the specific health effects of whole and isolated dietary fibers it may become possible to recommend a personalized suite of ingredients for IBS patients, a new review argues.

Soda 2.0: Nostalgic flavors, low sugar, and functional health benefits… the meteoric rise of Olipop

08-Jul-2021 By Elaine Watson

Olipop – a functional beverage brand forging new territory in the soda category with 9g fiber per can – is on course to more than triple revenues this year vs 2020, says co-founder Ben Goodwin, who launched the brand with David Lester in late 2018.

NEW PRODUCTS GALLERY: Keto, plant-based, immunity trends inspire new launches

21-Feb-2021 By Elaine Watson

Plant-based launches dominate our latest products gallery, while keto, immunity, and prebiotic claims also abound.

Scientists create international definition for fermented food

07-Jan-2021 By Nikki Hancocks

A team of scientists organised by ISAPP has created the first international consensus definition for fermented foods.

‘Any company that is not doing personalization is going to die’: Viome founder

16-Dec-2020 By Stephen Daniells

“Every person in the next five years is going to ask for foods that are personalized for them, and every ingredient is personalized for them,” said Naveen Jain during a recent webinar hosted by NutraIngredients-USA.

What does a ‘healthy gut microbiome’ look like? In conversation with Danone VP scientific affairs, Dr Miguel Freitas

13-Dec-2020 By Elaine Watson

What does a ‘healthy gut microbiome’ look like? And is an ‘unhealthy’ microbiome a corollary of poor health, or directly responsible for certain health conditions? If the latter is true, to what extent can we address these health problems by modulating...

Postbiotics… an emerging trend in functional foods and beverages? In conversation with ADM

11-Dec-2020 By Elaine Watson

Postbiotics is a term we’ll likely be hearing a lot more of in 2021, predicts ADM, which says the fermentation byproducts - which don’t require refrigeration or special processing conditions to maintain their viability - make an attractive addition to...

Poppi 'prebiotic soda' sales skyrocket following brand revamp: ‘It’s almost like a fashion statement, people want to be seen drinking it’

08-Dec-2020 By Elaine Watson

“When we went on Shark Tank [in late 2018], Rohan Oza [managing partner at CAVU Venture Partners, who agreed to invest in the business] said to us, ‘I absolutely love your liquid, but I hate the packaging,” recalls Poppi co-founder Allison Ellsworth....

Uplift Food navigates how to communicate prebiotics and gut health to consumers

18-Nov-2020 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While consumer understanding of prebiotics may still be in its infancy, basic knowledge around the topic is growing as more food and beverage brands enter the category, finds Kara Landau, founder of prebiotic functional food brand Uplift Food.

EpiCor immunity ingredient pushes into food and beverage arena as ‘postbiotic’ trend gains traction

04-Nov-2020 By Elaine Watson

Cargill is in advanced conversations with CPG brands about using EpiCor – a ‘postbiotic’ ingredient claimed to have immune, digestive, and respiratory health benefits – in a range of applications from yogurts to tea as it seeks to take it beyond dietary...

‘For those saying there are no clinical trials to support probiotics, have a seat’ – IPA Chief

27-Jul-2020 By Stephen Daniells

There are over 1,600 human clinical trials on probiotics listed in ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO’s trial database, according to a new analysis that seeks to address the misconception that there is no human data around probiotics.

WEBINAR TODAY: Self-care and preventive health in the age of coronavirus, from probiotics to vitamin C

23-Jul-2020 By Elaine Watson

Staying well has never been more important as Americans deal with unprecedented levels of anxiety and economic uncertainty. At the same time, budgets are tightening and consumers are looking for affordable foods and beverages that deliver the nutrition...

Untapped market potential found in ‘big gap’ between consumers seeking, using functional foods

23-Jun-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even before the coronavirus outbreak hit the US, consumer interest in immunity was on the rise, but data from The Hartman Group revealing a substantial gap between consumers who intentionally use foods and supplements to manage their health and boost...

NAD rules some Benefiber prebiotic supplements can’t be called ‘natural’

28-May-2020 By Hank Schultz

The National Advertising Division has ruled that GSK must stop calling some of its Benefiber prebiotic supplements ‘100% natural.’ It’s a ruling that could be viewed as troublesome for other prebiotic ingredients.

Gut Reaction: Digestive health in focus… Webinar now available on demand

17-Jun-2019 By Elaine Watson

Digestive health used to revolve around roughage, but as understanding of the relationship between our guts and our overall health has grown, has the conversation shifted?

Gut reaction: How do you build a brand around digestive health?

16-May-2019 By Elaine Watson

Do all fermented foods contain probiotics? Do consumers understand what prebiotics are? Are shoppers looking for products that deliver a rapid and discernible effect (to tackle bloating/gas/constipation, or improve regularity) or are they focused on long-term...

Opportunities for digestive health products are moving beyond probiotics, embracing prebiotics

25-Mar-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

As consumers learn more about digestive health and all the implications that it has for the wellbeing of their bodies and minds, they are looking for products that go beyond probiotics – creating a booming digestive health category that is ripe for innovation....

Prebiotic chocolate? Gutsii enters US market on a mission to make gut health simple

11-Feb-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

When thinking of gut healthy foods, chocolate may not come to mind right away. However, Australian brand Gutsii is forging a spot within the functional foods market with its prebiotic chocolate line.

Fiber-packed Olipop meets demand for fun, sparkling, low sugar beverages with functional benefits, claim founders

11-Jan-2019 By Elaine Watson

Olipop – a sparkling soda featuring 9g fiber per 12oz can – is targeting consumers seeking low sugar beverages with functional benefits and a more accessible flavor profile (and price tag) than kombucha, say the founders, who recently raised $2.5m to...

Gutzy taps into refrigerated snacking trend with 'superfood gut nutrition'

12-Nov-2018 By Elaine Watson

Refrigerated fruit & veggie pouch maker Keep Moving Inc – which adds 6g prebiotic fiber (from acacia) to each serving - has seen a significant increase in sales after rebranding to ‘gutzy’ to emphasize its gut health credentials.

Prebiotic fibers show gut and immune health benefits for children: RCT

10-Jul-2018 By Stephen Daniells

Supplementing the diet of three- to six-year-olds with chicory root fiber may improve their gut microbiota composition and strengthen their immune defenses, says a new study.

Beneo: 'Prebiotics open a whole new door to the world of gut health that hasn’t been well explored in the US'

20-Apr-2018 By Elaine Watson

Brands and consumers are getting more comfortable talking about digestive health, with the conversation shifting beyond getting enough fiber for regular bowel movements, to the gut microbiome, says Beneo, which says growing interest in probiotics is helping...

ISAPP experts update definition and scope of ‘Prebiotics’

29-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

An expert panel convened by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) has updated the definition of “prebiotics” to take into account advances in sequencing technology and the expansion in the use of the ingredients...

Gut health & sleep: Is there potential for pre- and probiotics for sleep improvement?

14-Jun-2017 By Stephen Daniells

The potential link between the gut microbiota and sleep is emerging, so could prebiotics and probiotics find a lucrative place in the booming natural sleep aid category?

Prebiotics and synbiotics show potential to reduce obesity-related issues: Meta-analysis

22-Oct-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

Supplementing the diets of overweight and obese people with prebiotics and synbiotics may improve some metabolic measures, including cholesterol and triglyceride levels, says a new systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials.