Questions we get a lot

BiotIQ develops 'biotic' technology that partner brands apply in their plant-based food products. Think of it like a chip brand that sits inside laptops.

Bio stands for life and biology, IQ refers to the smart, deliberate selection of bacterial strains. Together they form BiotIQ: living intelligence for your gut.

BiotIQ grew out of a shared conviction: probiotics should be easily and attractively available in everyday food, not only in supplements. Our team brings together years of experience in microbiology, food science and product development.

Fermentation is a natural process in which micro-organisms such as bacteria, yeasts or fungi convert nutrients into other substances. Think of milk turning into yoghurt, or cabbage into sauerkraut. The process can improve taste, texture and shelf life.

Probiotics are living micro-organisms, usually bacteria, that provide a health benefit when consumed in sufficient amounts. They support the gut microbiome and can contribute to digestion, resilience and gut balance.

No. Every bacterial strain has unique properties. One strain copes better with acid, another produces specific metabolites and yet another stimulates the immune system. That is why we choose our strains carefully, depending on the application and the functionality we want.

Fermented food has been transformed by micro-organisms, but it does not necessarily contain living bacteria, and it is not always clear which bacteria are in there. Probiotic food is fermented with defined strains whose health benefit has been studied. After fermentation it is demonstrated that the probiotics are still alive in the final product, in a functional dose.

We work with well-documented strains that have been found safe, often from familiar genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The exact choice differs per application and we share it with our partner brands so they can put the right information on the product label.

We use strains that are described in the scientific literature and are often also studied in clinical or human intervention trials. We then validate our own production integration in practice.

We advise our partners on what is possible and permitted. We work exclusively with probiotics that have been extensively tested and reviewed. Unfortunately it is barely possible to make probiotic claims on consumer products. We are transparent about the micro-organisms we use, so any consumer can find plenty of underlying information online. On request we share the scientific dossier with our partner brands.

Our technology is based on the fermentation of plant-based substrates. The brands that work with us are responsible for the composition of the final product. In most - probably all - cases those will be vegetarian. But always check the packaging carefully.

That depends on the product type and how it is stored. After opening we recommend keeping the product refrigerated and using it within the period stated on the pack. The manufacturer's packaging determines the final shelf life.

During fermentation bacteria produce acids, such as lactic acid. That gives a mildly sour taste, helps the product keep longer and inhibits unwanted micro-organisms. It is a natural and safe preservation mechanism.

No, most fermented products are meant to be eaten raw or unheated. Heating can kill the living bacteria in probiotic products, which reduces the desired effect.

Yes, fermented products can still be healthy after heating. Nutrients, fibres and flavour are largely retained. Only the living probiotics are often lost to the heat. So a product can still be nutritious, even if the probiotic effect is smaller.

No. Our technology sits inside products from partner brands. On the pack you can recognise our involvement by the BiotIQ inside label and/or our website: biotiq.org

Wherever we have a partnership in place. Our ambition is to make probiotics accessible to as many people as possible. Have an idea or a wish? Let us know!

Get in touch through the contact form. We'll discuss your product, your audience and how our probiotic technology can best be integrated. From there we develop a plan together.

They don't taste very good, do they???

We work exclusively with micro-organisms that are approved for human food and have gone through a long safety track record. Production and quality control meet the applicable food safety standards.

Probiotics are generally safe. Some people notice some gut rumbling or a change in bowel movements at first. This is usually temporary. With serious underlying conditions or a weakened immune system it is always wise to consult a doctor.