September 29, 2025 – Innova Market Insights looks at ingredients that use the power of microbes. These microbes play a crucial role in food and beverage fermentation. Originally tied to traditional preservation methods, these ingredients are now being transformed through modern science. They provide better nutrition, improved digestibility, and useful benefits. We look at both traditional and natural methods, along with technology-driven approaches like precision fermentation to create protein and other nutritional ingredients.
What is Microbial Fermentation?
Microbial fermentation encompasses both classic fermentation of substrates such as dairy, soy, vegetables and grains, and precision fermentation to generate functional nutrition ingredients and a nutrient-rich biomass. Consumers prefer whole food and beverage products for functional health. This aligns with the types of products generated through both classic and precision fermentation. Innovation promises to expand the availability of precision-fermented ingredients to improve the quality and nutrition profile of food and beverage products with fermented ingredients.
Natural Benefits of Fermentation and Microbial Ingredients
Fermentation helps remove sugar. Liquid Remedy’s traditional 30-day fermentation process gets rid of all sugar and results in a low-calorie, organic kombucha. Activia fermented milk drink includes a unique mix of live probiotics and fibers that support gut health and wellbeing. As consumers look for benefits in their daily diet, fermented ingredients offer a good option for improving digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
Balancing Benefits and Costs of Microbial and Fermented Ingredients
Fermented and microbial ingredients improve taste and texture. They also provide preservation and health benefits. These factors influence consumer choices, but costs are important, too. The unique processing required for fermentation can increase production costs. Brands must find a balance between these costs and what consumers are willing to pay.
Fermented Ingredients for Consumer Wellbeing
Ingredient trends show that 1 in 3 consumers prioritize health and wellbeing. In the past year, 39% have worked on living healthier. Manufacturers can attract these consumers by connecting microbes and fermentation to health benefits. Millennials are a key audience for health messaging. They are at a crucial point in their health journey and may be more receptive to personalized solutions like fermented foods and drinks.
Fermented Ingredients and Gut Health
Consumers want food and beverages that support gut and immune health. Ingredient trends reveal that weight management, heart health, and aging matter to consumers, but immunity and gut health remain key concerns. Products that emphasize these health benefits attract health-conscious consumers. Products focusing on digestive and gut health are especially popular among Millennials and Generation X.
Fermentation and Traditional Regional Foods
Fermentation is appearing more often on product packaging. This includes traditional fermented foods and plant-based products. Probiotics have increased by 8% and still rank as the most popular ingredient for gut health. Meanwhile, postbiotics are becoming more popular, with a 24% annual growth rate. Both are associated with gut health benefits. Traditional foods such as South Asian lassi, Korean kimchi, and Middle Eastern labneh are also gaining attention.
Consumers Exploring Other Traditional Dairy
Dairy products lead the way in fermented foods that boost gut health and support the immune system through lactic acid fermentation. The main types are drinking and spoonable yogurt. Since the rise of Greek yogurt, consumers have started to try other traditional dairy options, who have increased consumption for health and variety.
Lassi, a yogurt drink from South Asia, has become popular. The German supermarket Edeka recently launched Bio Mango Lassi. The sweetness of mango goes well with the tanginess of yogurt. Kefir, from the Caucasus, is a probiotic-rich fermented drink made with kefir grains.
Sourdough Goes Beyond Bread
While sourdough is mostly associated with bread, its rising popularity is driving change in other categories. Its tie to quality and craftsmanship is creating new products in categories like meat, sweet biscuits, and pizza. For example, Tesco in Ireland recently launched Tesco Finest La Ananas Italian Roasted Ham with Pineapple and Mango Relish Pizza made with sourdough. This growing use of sourdough in various products shows that consumers prefer items that combine comfort with improved taste and health benefits.
Fermented and Microbial Ingredients in Meat and Dairy Alternatives
Fermentation is increasingly found in meat substitutes. About 20% of these products have fermented or microbial ingredients. Cultured and microbial ingredients, especially mycoprotein, have seen significant growth and now show up in many products. Quorn was the first brand to use mycoprotein, but more companies are incorporating it into meat and fish alternatives. For instance, Revo’s The Filet Inspired Salmon contains one-third mycoprotein. Dairy alternatives also include fermented ingredients. Non-dairy cheese and animal-free whey feature fermented elements like koji and yeast proteins.
What’s Next in Fermented and Microbial Ingredients for Gut Health?
Consumers around the world are embracing healthier lifestyles. Microbial products, such as yogurt, support this trend with their health benefits. Gut health is important, and consumers look for specific products. Brands can provide solutions that focus on mindset, focus, fitness, brain health, and the connection between the gut and brain. Simple and reliable wellness options, like fermented products, can help reduce stress. Brands should educate consumers on the importance of gut health and how to balance the microbiome with products containing fermented and microbial ingredients.
This article is based on Innova’s Ingredients Harnessing the Power of Microbes – Global report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more