Abstract
Sustained Product Development and Innovation Translates Opportunities into
Revenues
The U.S. food and healthcare industry is increasingly recognizing the
importance of prebiotics in modifying the colonic microflora and improving gut
health. New food products incorporating prebiotic ingredients are providing
manufacturers with greater opportunities to expand sales. Dairy products,
beverages, health drinks, meat products, bakery products, nutrition bars, and
pet food are some of the products that are already using prebiotic ingredients.
Since they require neither sophisticated temperature settings nor major
adjustments during storage and handling, prebiotics will soon be popular
ingredients in the functional food market.
This research from Frost & Sullivan evaluates the key trends in the U.S.
prebiotics market. It provides a comprehensive insight into the drivers and
restraints affecting the market and outlines the winning strategies adopted by
leading participants. An exhaustive seven-year revenue forecast along with a
detailed analysis will help companies in designing effective business plans. The
research also provides an overview of the current competitive environment and
assesses potential growth opportunities.
Varying End User Demands Propel Market Expansion
There is an increasing demand for "functional" foods that can offer
relief without medication. Manufacturers are trying to provide customers with a
host of health benefits in convenient, tasty forms. "New products are
employing several nutritional approaches to address the needs of varying end
user groups," says the analyst of this research. "In the dairy sector,
synbiotic products which combine prebiotics with probiotics are becoming
increasingly popular. The "low-carb craze" has also impacted the
market positively."
A growing population of obese individuals has further fuelled the need for
prebiotic ingredients, which can replace fat and sugar. Ingredients such as
inulin and fructo oligo saccharides (FOS), with their "bifidogenic"
properties, are much healthier fat substitutes; they are also used as humectants
to increase "texture" and "mouth feel." In the course of
daily diet, prebiotic foods have specific physiological benefits. For instance,
prebiotic fibers can enhance mineral and isoflavone absorption, fiber
contribution, gut integrity, immune function, and cholesterol control.
Generating Awareness on Prebiotic Ingredients Central to Market Expansion
The growing preference for natural alternatives over conventional medicine is
expected to boost the prebiotic market. Increasingly, Americans are recognizing
that their low-fiber diet could be the root cause for the growing incidence of
obesity, diabetes mellitus, and coronary vascular diseases. However, even while
there is a greater awareness that gut health translates to overall health, most
Americans are ignorant of the potential benefits offered by prebiotics.
"Most Americans are unaware of the scientific aspect of prebiotics,"
says the analyst. "Products containing prebiotic ingredients, especially
dietary supplements, are mostly available only in the niche market. Prebiotic
ingredients in mainstream products such as yogurts, nutrition bars, and
breakfast cereals are added mostly for fiber claims rather than for prebiotic
claims." Consumer education coupled with scientific back up could go a long
way in expanding the market. | 
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