New Water-Soluble Spore-Forming Probiotic Strain Expands Delivery Formats, Including Functional Beverages, Gummies

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Deerland Enzymes & Probiotics (Kennesaw, GA) is introducing a new water-soluble form of its Bacillus subtilis spore-forming probiotic strain, DE111. The company says that the new form, DE111-HS (Highly Soluble), is not only heat-tolerant but can also be more easily incorporated into hot beverages, gummies, and functional drinks.

The DE111 probiotic strain from which the new water-soluble version is derived produces protective spores. According to the company, DE111’s spore-forming technology helps the probiotic survive stomach acid, and then activate once it reaches the gut. Deerland also notes that, unlike other spore-forming probiotic strains, DE111’s optimal growth temperature is similar to that of the human body. Other spore-forming strains, says the company, grow better at lower temperatures.

Like other spore-forming probiotic strains, DE111 provides enhanced formulating benefits. Most notably, because it is spore forming, it can be used in hot product applications. The new DE111-HS version of the ingredient provides additional benefits; thanks to its enhanced solubility, the ingredient is well suited for applications like hot beverages and gummies.

“DE111’s high tolerance of heat and pH extremes has made it a great strain for natural products manufacturers. But we needed to improve its suitability for tricky delivery systems requiring solubility,” said John Deaton, vice president of science and technology, Deerland, in a press statement. “With DE111-HS, we’ve cleared this hurdle. It mixes easily with liquid and still maintains a high count of colony forming units (CFUs) in the finished product.”

Tod Burgess, vice president of sales, Deerland, noted that the market for probiotics is continuing to grow, buoyed by increased consumer awareness of the human microbiome. At the same time, consumers are also looking for new and unique delivery formats by which to reap all the gut-health benefits probiotics offer.

The company is especially targeting the gummies market. Gummies are one delivery format that has seen particular success in recent years, said Deerland in the press statement. Per Research and Markets reports, the gummy supplement category brought in $2.68 billion in 2016. And, on the hot-beverage front, the same market data also showed that 58% of consumers are interested in hot drinks with added health benefits.

“Research shows consumers want health benefits in tasty and pleasurable delivery formats. And DE111-HS makes this possible,” added Deaton. “Our clinical trials have shown DE111 supports a healthy gut flora, blood sugar and lipid levels, regularity, and improved sports performance.”

Added Burgess: “There is a booming interest in probiotics, and consumers want easier ways to nurture their health with these microbes-through what they eat and drink. With the help of DE111-HS, our customers have seen tremendous success in meeting this demand. They’re using it in innovative food and beverage products with greater ease in manufacturing.”

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