Believe it or not - supplements can be a treat to eat! Innovative delivery formats are popular with Generation Y and open-minded seniors who are tired of taking supplements in the traditional delivery formats. Who doesn’t want a change? Kids like taking their vitamins in the form of yummy gummy bears in bright and attractive colors. So do older adults who find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
In May 2013, Insider surveyed its readers to find how many would be interested in trying new delivery systems for their supplements. 86 percent said they would explore new delivery systems for their product line. The same were most interested in chewables, effervescent, shots and sprays (in that order).
Chewables – the most in-demand delivery format
Chewables are the most preferred delivery format according to the Insider survey. Here’s why:
• Chewables taste a lot better than conventional tablets.
• Chewables are on an on-the-go delivery system because they are easily portable.
• Chewables don’t need water. (Water-free supplementation is seeing greater growth in sales and product launches.)
• Chewables can accommodate a higher dosage of ingredients since they are bigger than tablets.
• Chewables do not require refrigeration.
Chewable Probiotics – a win-win combo
When probiotics were first introduced to the U.S. market, they were a hard sell. The idea that these bacteria could have a beneficial impact on health was hard for most Americans to digest. However, in the last decade or so, the sale of probiotic supplements has seen tremendous growth, prompted by scientific studies reporting the benefits of probiotics on health. Consumers are now aware of the health benefits and are open to a variety of delivery systems for probiotic supplementation.
Share of consumers who were aware of the link between probiotics and a healthy digestive system in the United States in 2011
(http://www.statista.com/statistics/253010/us-consumers-awareness-of-the-link-between-probiotics-and-healthy-digestion/)
Probiotics have already gained a reputation for balancing gut microflora and creating an optimal environment that would promote better absorption of nutrients and alleviate digestive stress. It has also been known to build immunity, reduce lactose intolerance, reduce the side effects of antibiotics, increase the body’s ability to synthesize B vitamins, and the absorption of calcium.
Initially, capsules and powder forms were the only delivery systems for probiotics. The challenge in probiotic manufacturing is to develop systems that will deliver live bacteria to the consumer. As technology develops, new delivery systems were introduced. Probiotics supplements are now available in tablets, powders, liquids, and chewables.
Capsules, tablets and softgels are still top sellers but more and more consumers are looking for supplements that offer convenience, portability, flavor, texture, absorbability which is what chewables provide. Chewable vitamins were first introduced in 1960 when they were developed by a company called Miles Laboratory. The candy-like vitamins became an instant hit with children.
With probiotic chewables, supplement business owners can target children, adults and seniors to promote immune health, digestive support and enhanced nutrient absorption. Probiotics is also emerging as a new player in sports nutrition, helping to restore immune health in professional athletes and avid fitness enthusiasts. An Israel-based supplement manufacturer has partnered with a Finnish marketer to produce a lactose-free chewable probiotic supplement marketed primary for children.
Probiotics Forecast
According to BCC Research, the global market of probiotic ingredients, supplements, and foods reached nearly $23.1 billion in 2012 and this market is expected to reach $36.7 billion in 2018.
When it comes to probiotics manufacturing, strains are important as each strain provides a specific benefit to consumers. Popular strains of probiotics include GanedenBC30, Bacillus coagulans, L. acidophilus DDS-1, Bifidobacteriumlactis HN019, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, L. casei 431, L. acidophilus LA-5, L. plantarum 299V and Streptococcus salivarius K12.
Adding a probiotic supplement to your product line is easy, convenient and cost effective with the right probiotics supplement manufacturers like NutraScience Labs offer turnkey solutions that you can take advantage of.
Resources:
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2013/11/four-tips-to-improve-palatability-in-chewable-tab.aspx
http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2013-09/view_features/special-delivery-form-function/
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101140537#.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Markets/Sachets-dissolvable-strips-and-vitamin-gum-Which-new-delivery-formats-have-legs-Part-II
http://newhope360.com/blog/which-supplement-delivery-format-best
http://www.bccresearch.com/market-research/food-and-beverage/probiotics-market-fod035d.html
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2013/07/the-best-of-both-worlds.aspx?pg=3#content
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/Israeli-firm-launches-lactose-free-probiotic-chewables-in-Finland/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily&c=ygETatz811E%2FFVMq72xZN%2FT8qyr4FJOf
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2013/11/four-tips-to-improve-palatability-in-chewable-tab.aspx