Rising consumer health consciousness in recent years has boosted the demand for functional beverages because of their potential to reduce the risk of health issues and boost overall wellness. In the midst of this growing awareness, dietary fiber has become a large part of this category for its potential to support digestion, immunity, coronary artery health, glucose metabolism, cholesterol reduction and blood lipid regulation, experts note. However, fiber is just one of digestive health solutions in which consumers can utilize. Ingredients such as prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are becoming better-known and therefore experiencing a proliferation in functional food and beverage formulations.

Holly McHugh, marketing associate at Niles, Ill.-based Imbibe, says demand for beverages with gut-friendly ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics and other types of dietary fiber is growing.

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