Probiotics have appeared in a broad variety of food groups, from energy drinks to ice cream. Mostly known for their digestive health and immunity-boosting benefits, probiotics are live, active bacteria cultures typically found in refrigerated products. However, some manufacturers have experimented with the incorporation of live probiotic cultures in their shelf-stable foods and beverages.

Total Granola’s Gb Gran-Biotics is an all-natural line of loose granola fortified with four live, active probiotic cultures: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis. Gran-Biotics’ probiotic-centric design and specification of four separate beneficial bacteria strands makes this offering stand out from competing probiotic products--both in a shelf-stable and refrigerated format.

Information in this column is from the Global New Products Database, the premier source of global product intelligence, published by Mintel International Group; 351 W. Hubbard, 8th Floor; Chicago, IL 60610; call: 312-932-0600; fax: 312-932-0474; or e-mail mhollihan@mintel.com.