Survey shows consumers hungry for probiotic foods

Chr. Hansen has released a report detailing a survey of consumers from 16 countries on their awareness of probiotics and their potential health benefits.

The results of the survey, which was conducted in 2021, found that there is a strong interest among consumers in learning about these benefits and how they can support a healthy lifestyle. With consumers increasingly making purchasing decisions based on the healthiness of their food, shoppers are interested in gaining more information about probiotics and their health benefits.

The survey found that of the 16,000 people involved, three-quarters are familiar with probiotics and almost half eat foods with them on a daily or almost daily basis. Most people were interested in how gut and immune health can be boosted by their inclusion in food.

A fairly large number of participants did express misconceptions about probiotics, with almost half of consumers thinking that all yoghurts contained them. Additionally, only half of consumers knew of terms such as gut microbiome. The respondents held positive views of probiotics though and would like to see information about them presented both online and on product packaging.

“The results of our survey highlight the importance of consumer education and encourage continuing efforts to work with the industry to provide this education,” said Lars Bredmose, Chr. Hansen’s senior director of Commercial Development in Food Cultures & Enzymes.

“We believe our survey findings point to a significant opportunity for producers in the industry who are willing to offer food products made with credible probiotic strains. We look forward to partnering with them to shape the future of the industry and help optimise the health of consumers around the world.”

The full report is available for download here.

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