It takes a specific formulation expertise to incorporate live microorganisms like probiotic bacteria in food applications. From the manufacturer’s plant to the consumer’s gut, naturally resilient spore-forming Bacillus bacterial strains can withstand various food processing conditions and have demonstrated safety. With Probiocap microencapsulation technology suitable for both lactobacilli and bifidobacterium strains, optimal probiotic protection and survival are assured, opening new possibilities for food applications. Lallemand Health Solutions, a provider of microbial fermentation, specializes in developing, producing and marketing probiotic supplements for human health, food applications and nutricosmetics.

Meeting consumer demands for foods high in dietary fiber and low in sugar, Icon Foods’ FibRefine P90 Soluble Tapioca Fiber is a prebiotic dietary fiber that can replace many of the functional properties of sugar — lowering sugar, increasing fiber, enhancing mouthfeel and achieving caloric reduction — while supporting a healthy gut microbiome. This digestive-resistant dextrin fiber is derived through the enzymatic breakdown of tapioca starch, making it keto- and diabetic-friendly. Stacking FibRefine with other fibers avoids potential digestive issues to allow for a high inclusion of fiber for the Nutrition Facts Panel. It maintains its stability in a variety of dairy applications and is well-suited for use in shakes and smoothies, the company states.

The demand for probiotic- and prebiotic-rich foods has surged since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers have recently unveiled a symbiotic relationship between these ingredients, offering potential advantages for gut and immune support. A&B Ingredients offers dairy manufacturers two key ingredients: Chicory root fiber (prebiotic) and PA5051 vegan probiotic. Chicory fiber is a non-GMO, all-natural prebiotic with digestive and functional benefits, like enhanced creaminess in applications where mouthfeel is important. PA5051, a plant-based probiotic, can withstand low pH and effectively reintroduce natural and beneficial microorganisms into the gut. PA5051 is oxygen and temperature stable, which allows for various dairy and non-dairy applications, the company notes.