As awareness around holistic health evolves, emotional wellbeing is becoming a critical aspect of overall health.
Consumers not only recognize the link between mental and physical health, they are actively seeking solutions to help manage the pressures of modern life. As careers and family responsibilities accentuate modern pressures, with 73% of consumers reporting feelings of stress and 45% reporting disrupted sleep, demand for effective support is crucial.¹ However, many consumers are currently dissatisfied with current treatment approaches and are actively looking for new solutions to support stress, and other emotional health conditions.²
To meet demand for new, effective solutions, the supplements market is rapidly evolving and expanding, with supplements positioned around mood support, stress, or relaxation accelerating in growth since the onset of COVID-19.²
Awareness of the gut microbiome – a critical regulator of digestion, immunity, and mood – is also reshaping the market and is increasingly researched for its potential to positively affect aspects of stress, sleep, and overall wellness.
Although consumers have more knowledge of the gut microbiome, and are making a conscious effort to live healthily, there is still a disconnect. Although 83% of people believe they are leading a healthy lifestyle, 86% are regularly taking drugs which disrupt the gut microbiome, undermining efforts to improve wellbeing.³
And with excessive use of drugs such as antibiotics and GLP-1s continuing to rise, a healthy diet is no longer enough to support health.
Postbiotics enter the spotlight
Postbiotics are emerging as one of the most exciting developments in the supplements space. As consumers are proactively measuring stress, mood, and sleep, they are increasingly open to gut-friendly solutions, gaining momentum for postbiotic solutions.
“Postbiotics are still relatively new on the market,” says Ewa Hudson, Director of Insights at Lumina Intelligence in Spotlight On ‘Postbiotics: ‘The future of stress, mood, sleep & women’s health’, broadcast on NutraIngredients on October 9, 2025. “Consumers are more familiar with prebiotics and probiotics, as we know, but 17% of consumers say they are already familiar with [postbiotics].
“That’s a very strong starting point for a category that is by some considered to be just beginning to gain traction.”
Furthermore, data compiled by Lumina Intelligence shows there is already a meaningful engagement with biotics among consumers managing stress, mood, and sleep.
Consumers are not only aware of postbiotic benefits for mood, sleep, and stress support, but are already acting upon this. This signals a readiness for consumers to support the latest biotics, such as postbiotics, as a microbiome-supporting solution that aligns with their emotional wellbeing and helps to manage wellness goals.
“Postbiotics, in particular, offer a next-gen solution as we have no viability concerns, no manufacturing challenges, and also strong safety profiles. They are well positioned to meet consumer needs with simplicity and efficacy,” adds Hudson.
Next-gen biotics: Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305
Backed by eight clinical trials, Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 ispositioned as a breakthrough postbiotic formula which provides both mood, stress, and sleep support – the first strain that can affect three mood states in a single ingredient.
“ADM recently launched its newest postbiotic offering Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 with documented results in supporting stress, mood, sleep, women’s health, as well as exercise recovery. It’s the ideal solution for better-for-you snacks, sports nutrition, dairy and plant-based dairy, as well as dietary supplements,” says Vaughn Dubow, Global Director of Marketing, Microbiome at ADM.
“Shown to be effective at only 20mg per day, equivalent to 10 billion cells, this blockbuster ingredient has already become a finalist for The Wholefood Innovations Awards, as well as Vitafoods Europe,” adds Dubow.
The solution works by leveraging the potential of the gut-brain axis by modulating the gut microbiome, maintaining levels of beneficial Bifidobacteria in individuals under stressful conditions.
Missed the Spotlight On broadcast? Catch up on Demand
Showcasing how the microbiome is reshaping the future of mental wellbeing and the potential of L. gasseri CP2305, the Spotlight On Postbiotics: The future of stress, mood, sleep & women’s health took place on October 9,, 2025.
The exclusive broadcast featured insights expert Ewa Hudson who presented the latest consumer insights into the growing interest in postbiotics as powerful tools for managing stress, improving mood, and enhancing sleep quality.
Scientific expert, Dr. Ralf Jäer, Ph.D., FISSN, CISSN, MBA, Co-Founder & Managing Member at Increnovo, also broke down the cutting-edge research behind L. gasseri CP2305, exploring how it is well positioned to reduce stress and support women’s health, emotional wellbeing, and better sleep.
Whether you’re looking for the latest insights into consumer preferences, purchase drivers and the unmet needs shaping the postbiotics space, or innovating functional food and beverage or dietary supplements, this broadcast will provide the insights and tools needed to lead the future of holistic mental wellbeing.
Watch On Demand: Spotlight On Postbiotics: The future of stress, mood, sleep, & women’s health.
References
- FMCG Gurus & Mintel.
- Euromonitor International. Exploring the Booming Market for Mental Health Supplements.
- Lumina Intelligence.
