Functional traits of craft beers

The chapter addresses the synergies of nutrition, health, and consumer preferences in the context of evolving craft beer trends. Malted-based beverages have emerged as functional and probiotic systems due to their rich nutritional profile, including soluble fibers and phytoestrogens. Breweries have adopted minimal-processing and low-energy methods to respond to sustainability concerns and consumer demands for natural and healthy products. Craft beer, known for its traditional production methods and emphasis on quality, has become popular among consumers seeking unique and health-focused beverages. Speciality beers, including low-calorie, low-alcohol, gluten-free, and functional varieties, offer diverse options to meet consumer preferences. Probiotic-enriched beer presents a novel approach to delivering health benefits while maintaining sensory appeal. Various studies have explored the incorporation of probiotics, such as functional yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), into craft beer production, highlighting the potential for enhanced nutritional and functional characteristics. Despite challenges in optimizing probiotic viability and flavor profiles, probiotic-enriched craft beer offers a promising avenue for promoting gut health and well-being, provided consumption remains within moderate limits. Further research is needed to fully understand probiotic-enriched beer's health implications and consumer perceptions. The research findings on beer's nutrient and bioactive compound content have also been synthesized, with a focus on polyphenolic compounds and their potential health benefits. The chapter explores the influence of various ingredients and microorganisms on beer composition, highlighting beer polyphenols' prebiotic and antioxidant properties and their interaction with gut microbiota. In addition, it discusses the technological challenges and opportunities in developing functional beers fortified with fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics to enhance gut health and mitigate alcohol-related health risks. Emerging trends such as isotonic beers are also addressed, along with the need for further human intervention studies better to understand the health effects of craft beer consumption.