Prebiotic-Enriched Foods: A promising functional food category

The global rise in demand for functional foods reflects growing consumer interest in health-enhancing dietary options. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that enhance host health by selectively stimulating beneficial gut bacteria. Often termed soluble fiber, prebiotics offer biological effects, reduce caloric content, diminish cariogenic properties, and enhance food texture. The incorporation of prebiotics into different food matrices leads to beneficial modifications in their physicochemical, rheological, sensory, and functional properties. The extent of these changes varies based on the type of the foods and the specific prebiotic used.