The global probiotics market is expanding at an impressive rate, with dietary supplements leading. In 2024, the probiotics industry was valued at over $71.2 billion, and is expected to grow at an 8.2% CAGR by 2029. Consumers are more informed than ever about the benefits of probiotics, and as research deepens, the connection between probiotics and gut health continues to gain credibility. This trend has created new opportunities for manufacturers to innovate, increasing the importance of robust product testing to ensure quality, safety, and efficacy.
The popularity of probiotic supplements is primarily driven by their association with gastrointestinal (GI) health. A growing body of clinical research supports using probiotics in managing conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain in children, and infant colic. As these health benefits become more widely recognized, consumers and regulatory bodies expect more from probiotic products regarding scientific support, clear labeling, and demonstrable outcomes.
Innovation in Strain Development and Delivery
Scientists and product developers continuously develop probiotic strains to meet market demand. This innovation focuses on the bacteria's health benefits and survivability, stability, and compatibility with various product formats. During formulation, several critical factors must be considered, such as the impact of processing, storage conditions, and gastrointestinal survivability, when selecting the appropriate probiotic strain.
Encapsulation technologies are increasingly being used to ensure probiotics survive harsh processing environments and the acidic conditions of the stomach. These techniques protect the viability of probiotic cells during manufacturing and allow for successful integration into a wide range of food matrices, including powders, nutrition bars, gummies, infant formulas, and even pet food.
Most probiotic products rely on strains from two primary genera: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These microbes are naturally abundant in the human gut and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, other species—including Bacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus—are becoming more common in supplements as researchers explore the unique benefits each genus may offer.
The Importance of Accurate Labeling and Microbial Testing
Whether a product contains a single probiotic strain or a multi-strain blend and is delivered in capsule form or through a fortified food product, verifying the level of live microorganisms claimed on the label is essential. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing labels, and regulatory authorities are paying closer attention to microbial counts and health benefits claims.
At Mérieux NutriSciences, we specialize in probiotic testing that supports label accuracy and product quality. Our laboratories offer quantifying colony-forming units (CFUs) or active fluorescent units (AFUs), strain identification, stability testing, and contaminant detection. These services help verify that your product delivers the expected dose of viable probiotics and remains safe for human consumption throughout its shelf life.
Furthermore, strain identification and enumeration are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of the probiotic. Different strains have different properties and health benefits, and misidentification can undermine a product's efficacy and regulatory compliance. That’s why our expert teams use advanced methodologies to ensure accuracy and consistency across all testing phases.
Chemistry Testing: An Essential Part of Probiotic Product Development
While microbial testing is often the most discussed element of probiotic analysis, chemistry testing is equally vital. Probiotic products are often complex formulations that include additional active ingredients, nutrients, excipients, or food matrices that can influence the overall stability and effectiveness of the final product. Understanding these interactions through chemistry testing is key to optimizing formulation and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Mérieux NutriSciences provides a comprehensive suite of chemistry testing services tailored for probiotic products. These include nutritional labeling, which verifies macronutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and moisture content, and pH and water activity testing, which can affect probiotic strains' stability. We also test for preservatives, sweeteners, and other additives that may be present in functional food products or supplements.
For products designed for long shelf lives, we conduct accelerated and real-time stability testing to assess how environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light impact the integrity of the product. These studies help predict a product's performance over time, allowing brands to confidently set expiration dates and guarantee efficacy through the end of shelf life.
Ingredient compatibility is another area where chemistry testing proves invaluable. Certain ingredients can inhibit the growth or survival of probiotic strains, even if they are beneficial on their own. Our chemistry and formulation specialists work closely with clients to identify potential issues early in the product development, reducing the risk of costly reformulations or recalls later on.
Clinical Research to Validate Probiotic Health Claims
For a product to qualify as a probiotic, the strains must be viable and capable of conferring a health benefit to the host. Determining the minimum effective dose and demonstrating measurable outcomes is often required to make any structure-function claim on product labels.
This is where our sister company, Biofortis, plays a critical role. Biofortis provides clinical research services tailored to functional foods, dietary supplements, and probiotic formulations. Through controlled trials and real-world usage studies, these studies evaluate gastrointestinal survivability, health benefit claims, and consumer efficacy. Whether developing a new product or supporting an existing brand, clinical validation adds credibility and ensures compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
Mérieux NutriSciences and Biofortis offer end-to-end support for your probiotic products—from microbial and chemistry testing to clinical substantiation. Our integrated approach ensures your formulation is backed by data, compliant with global regulations, and trusted by consumers.
Your Partner in Probiotic Quality and Compliance
As the probiotics market expands, so does the need for reliable testing and scientific validation. Product developers face increasing pressure to deliver innovative, effective, and safe products that meet both consumer expectations and regulatory demands.
At Mérieux NutriSciences, we combine decades of expertise in food safety, analytical chemistry, microbiology, and clinical research to help you navigate this complex landscape. Our dedicated probiotic testing services are designed to support you through every product development phase, from concept to commercialization and beyond.
Whether you're launching a new dietary supplement or reformulating a functional food, we provide the technical expertise and scientific rigor needed to bring high-quality probiotic products to market confidently.
Contact us today to learn how Mérieux NutriSciences and Biofortis can support your next probiotic innovation.
