The topic of gut health is making the change from a wellness trend to a daily consideration for millions – driven by a much stronger understanding of the gut microbiome’s role in long-term health and wellbeing. Whether it’s digestion, energy, immunity or sleep, consumers are waking up to the idea that the gut influences far more than they previously thought.
This shift is happening fast. Data from research firm FMCG Gurus confirms that 68% of global consumers now recognise the link between gut health and overall wellbeing. And when it comes to prebiotics, awareness is catching up just as quickly. In 2022, global familiarity with prebiotics stood at 47%. By 2024, that figure leapt to 76% – a clear sign that consumers are not only aware of prebiotics, but increasingly ready to act on that knowledge.
The global market for prebiotics reflects this growing trend, with Grand View Research data projecting a compound annual growth rate of almost 15% to 2030.
North America, in particular, is proving fertile market ground. One in five consumers in the region used a prebiotic in the past year specifically to support digestion, showing a significant shift in health behaviour. For formulators and brand owners, this presents a growing and engaged market segment looking for gut health solutions that slot easily into everyday routines.
Gut-first thinking: how prebiotics work, and why it matters
On a fundamental level, prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that selectively feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Bifidobacteria is one of these and is closely associated with digestive comfort and resilience. But the effects of prebiotics go far beyond microbial growth. By supporting these beneficial bacteria, prebiotics have been shown to help relieve bloating, improve regularity, and reduce mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort, issues that impact millions of people on their quality of life on a day-to-day basis.
Bimuno® GOS, our proprietary galactooligosaccharide ingredient, is specifically designed to deliver these benefits whilst being well tolerated by a wide range of cohorts . Supported by more than 125 scientific publications, including over 20 clinical trials, it’s one of the most researched prebiotics available to formulators today.
One area where this impact is especially visible is in individuals following a low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet. A nutritional strategy that a qualified healthcare professional might recommend for people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) where these diets usually limit the intake of simple sugars by excluding certain food groups. This can potentially restrict also prebiotic intake. But clinical research has shown that combining Bimuno GOS with a low-FODMAP diet improves outcomes, such as significantly lower incidence of overall gut symptoms, including reduced and less severe abdominal pain and fewer episodes of loose stools. In addition, further research has found that adding Bimuno GOS to dietary restrictions for the management of functional gut symptoms, such as FODMAP, increased the likelihood of clinical response compared to the restriction diet alone.
That makes a compelling case for brands targeting the digestive health market. In Bimuno GOS, they have access to a prebiotic ingredient that works with the realities of modern dietary approaches – not against them.
Bimuno GOS: what sets it apart
As demand grows, so too does the need for differentiation. Prebiotics may be more widely recognised, but they’re not all equal. The key to standing out lies in formulation performance, daily usability and convenience, and scientific substance.
The structure of Bimuno GOS is highly selective characteristic for nourishing key beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. It’s also well tolerated, even among sensitive user groups, and effective at very low daily doses – a prebiotic effect is shown from just 380mg, with clinically supported health benefits demonstrated from 1.37g. That low threshold unlocks opportunities across formats, from traditional supplements to emerging spaces like ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, gummies, capsules and bars.
From a commercial standpoint, Bimuno GOS gives formulators access to over 90 health claims across global markets. For businesses working across borders, that flexibility can make the difference between a nutritional concept that stays on the drawing board and one that reaches the shelf.
→ Contact us to access the full health claims list and discuss how Bimuno GOS can support your product development.
Real-world results: Bimuno GOS in practice
Strong science is essential, but equally important is what consumers actually experience. And here, too, the evidence is clear.
In real-world evidence studies using a supplement powered by Bimuno GOS, nearly two in three people with IBS reported noticeable relief from bloating. More than half (53%) said their sleep quality had improved. And perhaps most telling of all, 74% rated the supplement 4 or 5 out of 5 for improved Quality of Life.
These outcomes reinforce what we hear time and again from brand partners: prebiotics aren’t just a scientific concept, they’re a tool to help real people feel better, every single day.
→ Full results and additional clinical study data are available on request. Contact our team to learn more.
Where next? Formulating for modern routines
The future of prebiotics lies in integration. Today’s consumers want proactive health solutions that work with their routines – not against them. For formulators, that means building products that offer real digestive support in convenient, enjoyable formats.
Bimuno GOS is already being used in an expanding range of applications – from powders and capsules to bars, gummies, and functional drinks. Its low efficacious dose, good sensory profile and proven stability across heat and pH conditions make it a versatile option in fast-moving categories.
But more than that, it brings credibility. With validated science backing it up, Bimuno GOS is helping brands cut through the noise with clinically supported, consumer-trusted products.
Connect with our team and learn how our proprietary GOS functional ingredient can support your next generation of health and nutrition supplements.
References available on request.
