There is substantial momentum across the digestive health supplement category, with many forms of probiotic and prebiotic products. As these well-established offerings cross over into the beverage and snack segments, prebiotic fibers present a new growth opportunity for brands seeking an alternative way to meet consumer demand.
Find out how this naturally occurring dietary fiber offers significant health benefits in everyday foods and supplements.
What Is Prebiotic Fiber?
Prebiotic fiber is a type of fiber that serves as a food source for gut bacteria. These fibers are found in several foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Humans cannot digest prebiotic fiber, though research indicates that it promotes healthy bacteria growth and activity.
Some examples of foods rich in prebiotic fiber include:
- Asparagus
- Bananas
- Garlic
- Onions
Specific types of prebiotic fibers include inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), and some types of starch.
Currently, there is no recommended daily intake for prebiotic fiber; however, some studies suggest that consuming 3 to 5 grams of prebiotics is beneficial for healthy adults. A medium-sized banana has 3 grams of fiber, and less than 1 gram of this is prebiotic fiber.
It’s safe to say most adults aren’t getting enough fiber, prebiotic or otherwise. Only about 5% of Americans include enough fiber in their diets, and this is one of many factors contributing to the nation’s high rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and digestive health problems.
What Does Prebiotic Fiber Do?
Prebiotic fiber serves as a food source for gut bacteria. These bacteria produce beneficial compounds that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption, among other benefits. As previously noted, humans cannot digest prebiotic fiber, so it does not provide any nutritional or caloric benefits.
Other important prebiotic fiber benefits include:
- May improve digestion
- May increase the production of metabolites
- May increase calcium absorption
- Contributes to lower pathogenic bacteria populations
- May improve gut barrier permeability
- Supports healthy immune function
Prebiotic Fiber vs. Fiber
One of the primary educational and messaging challenges for brands has been differentiating prebiotic fiber from the broader fiber category. All prebiotic fibers are a type of fiber, but not all fibers are prebiotics. This distinction is crucial for understanding the compound’s unique health benefits compared to other types of fiber and, consequently, other fiber supplement products.
For a fiber to be classified as a prebiotic, it must meet three criteria:
- It must pass through the stomach and small intestine without being digested
- It must be selectively fermented by healthy gut bacteria
- It must offer a tangible benefit to humans
The Growing Prebiotic Fiber Market
The rise in digestive health awareness and broader acceptance of functional foods has generally boosted the fiber market and driven prebiotic product trends. Prebiotic fiber gummies and other supplements have been experiencing rapid growth. After reaching a $6.79 billion valuation in 2023, they still have an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.39% through 2030.
To keep up with the fiber market’s maturation, brands are introducing new products and line extensions that incorporate prebiotic fibers into a range of functional foods, including cereals, yogurt, granola bars, and beverages. This has pushed manufacturers to find prebiotic fiber distributors that can source, store, and deliver ingredients competitively.
Many of these line extensions require considerable reformulation and technical support to retain prebiotic fiber viability while protecting product stability from production to store shelf.
Know What’s Next in Functional Foods
Tilley Distribution is committed to supporting forward-thinking manufacturers with ready access to prebiotic fiber ingredients like inulin, FOS, and GOS. Enjoy unrivaled technical support and service from one of the industry’s most trusted distribution leaders. For insights into the future of functional foods or to learn more about our services, contact our team today.
