The food and beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation as postbiotics emerge as the next big thing in health-focused products. Moving beyond traditional supplements, these ingredients offer specific health benefits that resonate with today’s wellness-conscious consumers. A growing number of people—66%, according to recent studies—are paying closer attention to their diets, and digestive health is a priority for nearly one in four.
With the gut microbiome—home to around 100 trillion microbes—gaining recognition as central to wellness, consumers are seeking products that support digestive health, immunity, and metabolism. Between 2020 and 2023, online searches for “microbiome” increased 12-fold, underscoring this shift.
Postbiotics: A New Category with Major Potential
As awareness of gut health grows, the need for convenient solutions has driven the rise of postbiotics. These inanimate microorganisms offer a range of benefits, including enhanced stability and shelf life, making them easy to incorporate into a variety of food products. Unlike probiotics, which contain live microorganisms, postbiotics are heat-resistant and can be seamlessly integrated into existing production processes.
This presents an attractive opportunity for food and beverage manufacturers to diversify their offerings without the challenges associated with live probiotics. With consumers increasingly seeking gut health solutions in their daily diets, postbiotics are positioned to meet this demand across multiple product categories.
Health Benefits Beyond the Basics
While probiotics have long been praised for their digestive health benefits, postbiotics are gaining ground due to their ability to provide similar health advantages with added convenience. These ingredients are not only stable but also provide specific health benefits by directly interacting with the body’s systems, rather than simply feeding existing gut bacteria as prebiotics do.
At Tetra Pak, research and development efforts are focused on creating postbiotic blends that target various health needs. For example:
- Gastro Premix/Saccharomyces Blend: Promotes gastrointestinal health by protecting against toxins and pathogens.
- Immune Premix/Selenium Blend: Supports immune function and offers antioxidant protection.
- Metabolic Premix/Zinc Blend: Aids in macronutrient and carbohydrate metabolism, helping the body efficiently process nutrients.
- Immunomodulatory Premix/L-137 Blend: Enhances both digestive and immune health with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Expanding Applications Across Categories
The versatility of postbiotics allows them to be incorporated into a wide array of products, from beverages to dairy items. This opens the door for food and beverage manufacturers to innovate and create health-conscious options that resonate with today’s consumers.
Tetra Pak’s recent collaboration with Italian cheesemaker Inalpi resulted in a “Protein+” cheese, enriched with postbiotics, zinc, and selenium. These cheese slices not only deliver immune-boosting benefits but also offer 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, catering to the growing demand for functional foods that promote overall wellness.
The potential doesn’t stop at cheese. Postbiotics can be added to a variety of products, including UHT beverages, ice cream, and plant-based alternatives, allowing companies to offer innovative options in response to evolving consumer preferences.
Easy Integration, Minimal Investment
For food and beverage manufacturers, incorporating postbiotics into existing processes is straightforward and cost-effective. Unlike probiotics, which are sensitive to heat and require special handling, postbiotics are stable and can be added during the mixing phase without additional machinery or equipment.
This ease of use, combined with their ability to withstand heat treatment, means postbiotics can be integrated into products without compromising quality or flavor. Additionally, because the cells are inactive, they pose no risk of contamination or overgrowth.
Capturing a Growing Market
The health and wellness market is on track to grow significantly, from $124.26 billion to an estimated $232.46 billion by 2030. This creates a massive opportunity for food and beverage companies to enter a burgeoning product category with strong consumer appeal.
Postbiotics not only offer a way for manufacturers to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, but they also provide consumers with a tangible benefit—improved health and wellness with every bite. As the trend continues to gain momentum, companies that embrace this innovation will be well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for functional foods.
