Last summer a study out of the University of Georgia, supported by the Peanut Collaborative Research Program, proposed peanut butter as a novel way of protecting probiotics as they pass through the gastrointestinal passage based on their findings.
The concept has now been realized as Naturally More launched a new line of probiotic nut butters which includes Organic Valencia Peanut Butter, Roasted Almong Butter, and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. All varieties come with probiotics and flax, and come in either the traditional jar or a pouch for on-the-go consumers.
“We started with everything our customers expect from Naturally More and then added probiotics to create something truly unique,” Ann Billek, co-owner of Naturally More, said in a press release. “The result is the most complete line of probiotic-boosted nut butters on the market, and the only one to offer both jars and pouches for maximum customer choice.”
A partnership with the pros
To maintain the little critters’ freshness and longevity in the product, Naturally More worked with probiotic ingredient company Ganeden. The butters feature Ganeden’s signature strain, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (marketed simply as GanedenBC30).
According to Billek, the probiotic strain in the butters are “10 times more effective than yogurt cultures.” The strain is also promoted for its ability to support immune health and enhance protein absorption.
IPA World Congress + Probiota Americas
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The new line was planned and launched as a stampede of probiotic products beyond yogurt and beverages are entering the market. For the new butter line, Naturally More said that it can tick off many items on today’s “most wanted list” for consumers on a grocery trip.
“These include not only the growing consumer preference for probiotics and digestive health but also demand for plant- and nut-based proteins, natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and the idea of natural protein function,” Billek said. “And the fact that we’re offering all three flavor varieties in both jars and pouches means we can target the at-home and on-the-go consumer.”
Will 2016 be the year for probiotics?
Research on probiotics as well as product development for the category has been thriving this year, and the bacteria are gaining more attention from food regulators around the globe.
Riding on this momentum, Ohio-based Ganeden launched a jumpstart program to encourage probiotic innovations in the packaged food and beverage space. Applications are open until this Friday, May 6, 2016, for a chance to present ideas in-person to a panel at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) show in Chicago this summer.