Gut instinct
As consumers become more mindful of gut health's impact on overall wellness, the global demand for natural probiotic and digestive products continues to soar, writes Donna Ahern
Print20 February 2025
As health-conscious consumers become increasingly aware of the critical role gut health plays in overall well-being, the demand for effective, natural gut products has skyrocketed.
A Bord Bia report titled ‘Gut Health: A Global Desk Research Review’ written by John Tobin, Bord Bia Data and Intelligence Specialist has highlighted that the global probiotic market is currently valued at $9 billion and is projected to reach $12 billion by 2028 (IPA Europe, 2024).
Digestive wellness is a key driver, with the market for related products estimated at €10.4 billion in 2023 and growing annually by 13% (Euromonitor, 2024).
However, growth rates are expected to vary, with some regions like the UK and Western Europe seeing a slowdown, while Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa continue to expand rapidly.
The research indicates that Dairy, beverages, and supplements present the most growth potential. There’s a trend towards products offering multiple benefits, such as taste, convenience, health, and sustainability.
Products that can help consumers to see or feel the benefit of consumption are likely to have an improved chance of success (New Nutrition Business, 2023).
A healthy start to your day
Enjoy a healthy start to your day with the number 1 Yoghurt brand in Ireland
Activia Strawberry Breakfast four pots
The Activia Breakfast range with calcium, fibre and live cultures reaching your gut alive. From the fruit range with carefully selected ingredients to no added sugar and 0% fat there’s an Activia for everyone. Activia are passionate about happy guts and how they play a significant role in our bodies. With a unique blend of five ferments, there are billions of live cultures strong enough to survive until they reach your gut. We have been doing this for more than 30 years, that’s why Activia keeps on innovating and finding delightful new ways to love your guts. Give your gut a healthy morning.
Activia is a source of calcium & protein. Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes and normal energy-yielding metabolism. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet & lifestyle. #1 brand: Nielsen data 29.12.24
Stock up on wellness wins with Yakult
(L-R) Yakult Balance, Original and Plus Peach
At Yakult, we believe that gut health is a cornerstone of overall health. For retailers, Yakult’s range of fermented milk drinks offers a proven way to meet this growing demand.
Yakult has three variants; all contain 20 billion L. casei Shirota bacteria which increase the bacteria in the gut. * With taste and health continuing to be top priorities for consumers, Yakult ensures both product benefits and delicious flavours are front and centre.
Around the world, more than 40 million Yakult products are consumed every day across 40 countries and regions—a testament to its popularity and trust among consumers. Packaged in fridge-friendly 8 x 65ml bottles with shelf-ready cardboard packaging, Yakult stands out on shelves and offers convenience for both retailers and shoppers.
Yakult Balance
Each bottle of Yakult Balance is rich in vitamin D, to support the immune system and maintain bone and muscle health. ** Like the rest of the Yakult range, it’s fat-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, appealing to a wide variety of dietary needs.
Yakult Plus Peach
Yakult Plus Peach is rich in vitamin C, *** providing 30% of the EU reference intake and is bursting with a juicy peach flavour. Vitamin C supports immunity and helps reduce fatigue. It also contains fibre, which feeds the bacteria in the gut.
Yakult Original
Yakult Original is an iconic choice. With its subtle vanilla and lemon flavours, this fermented milk drink contains 20 billion of Yakult’s unique bacteria in each bottle, which are scientifically proven to increase the bacteria in the gut. *
References
*Yakult’s bacteria, L. casei Shirota, increase the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the gut.
**Vitamin C supports the normal functioning of the immune system and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Each bottle of Yakult Plus Peach accounts for 30% of the EU reference intake for vitamin C. Enjoy as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.
*** Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bone and muscle function. Each bottle of Yakult Balance accounts for 30% of the EU reference intake for vitamin D. Enjoy as part of a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.
Gut-loving goodness, by Bio&Me
Leading gut health food brand, Bio&Me founded by The Gut Health Doctor, Dr Megan Rossi, BSc, PhD RD, is on a mission to make good gut health deliciously easy.
Did you know that 70% of your immune system lies in your gut? Dr Megan’s scientific research shows that people and microbes thrive on variety and deliciously good food. Increasing the amount and diversity of plant-based fibre in your diet is one of the best ways to deliver maximum gut health benefits.
And what better way to tick all the boxes than by choosing one of Bio&Me’s award-winning ‘Good for Your Gut’ granolas? Offering consumers tangible gut health benefits at an accessible price point, it’ll ensure you can offer your customers the very best from the world of gut health:
Bio&Me’s ‘Good for Your Gut’ Granolas: High in fibre, with no added sugar or nasties, and vegan-friendly too, these flavoursome granolas contain up to 14 plant-based foods to give your biome the diversity it loves to help it thrive. Choose from three great-tasting flavours, each priced at €5.30/360g pack:
Super seedy & nutty: Ideal for crunchy granola lovers, welcome to Bio&Me’s bestseller, brimming with 12 diverse plant-based ingredients.
Low sugar, naturally: With a softer biscuity-crunch, this granola is packed with 14 plant-based foods including wholegrain oats, cashew nuts, walnuts and almonds. The ultimate low sugar granola.
Cocoa & hazelnut: An indulgent chocolatey granola, but with no added sugar. Paired with 10 different wholegrains, nuts and seeds, there are 9g of protein per 60g serving too, perfect for staving off hunger pangs.
Find Bio&Me’s ‘Good for Your Gut’ Granolas in Tesco Ireland, Nourish and SuperValu.
Contact hello@bioandme.co.uk for further info.
A science-driven range of Biomel
Biomel is the UK’s No.1 plant-based gut health brand, its science-driven range of delicious drinks, powders, and prebiotic bars support immune and digestive health, mental performance, and overall well-being.
Biomel Complete Gut
The most advanced product in its range, Biomel Complete Gut Powder is designed for those seeking an all-in-one gut health support. Combining 25 billion live cultures with 13 unique strains, diverse fibres, an enzyme blend to aid nutrient absorption, and essential vitamins and minerals, this powder is the ultimate solution for improving digestion and supporting overall gut health.
Biomel Gut Health Shots
Biomel’s Gut Health Shots are deliciously dairy-free and packed with billions of live cultures, prebiotic fibre, vitamins B6, D and calcium. We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on taste when supporting your health, which is why its shots are available in a variety of delicious flavours, like Belgian Chocolate, Pure Vanilla, Natural Coconut, and more!
Prebiotic Cereal Bars
Finally, the Prebiotic Cereal Bars contain an impressive 13 grams of fibre, meeting 40% of your recommended daily intake in one serving. Not only do these bars support your gut health, but they’re also vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for enjoying on the go. Packed with 100% natural ingredients and plant-based goodness, these bars are a smart snack choice for anyone serious about improving their digestion or for those that just want a healthy snack.
Read more: Gut instinct
Fans 0
Followers