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Americans drink a lot.
Americans consume too much sugar.
Both of the above statements are true and supported by data. Zachary Abbott, a microbiologist, genetic engineer and CEO of ZBioticswanted to harness “probiotic” microbes to help people live happier and healthier lives.
After years of dedicated research, safety and regulatory work — sometimes sleeping on the lab floor — Abbott found a co-founder, built a team and launched ZBiotics in 2019. A bioengineering company, ZBiotics harnesses the power of engineered probiotics to deliver new functions in the human body or improve existing ones. They make products for consumers who want to live healthier lives and be more proactive about their well-being.
In August 2024, ZBiotics raised $12 million in a Series A round. Since its inception, it has doubled sales every year and sold over 5 million units. In 2023, she achieved benefits across the company, primarily through digital marketing, influencers and podcasts.
With the latest funding, Abbott aims to meet consumer demand, expand into retail (including convenience stores) and fuel a pipeline of new products that use the technology.
Take a 'shot' before you drink
I met Abbott at a conference this year after trying his first and flagship product, the pre-alcoholic probiotic drink, in 2022. I even brought it to share at events I hosted where alcohol was served. The elegantly packaged “Pre-Alcohol” shot is designed to be taken before drinking to help minimize headaches and dehydration caused by alcohol.
Science? It targets and breaks down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol associated with the day-after effects of drinking. These effects are better known as the dreaded hangover!
Instead of selling me on the efficacy of his product, Abbott was more focused on his scientific background and his motivation to raise the conversation about transparent and effective GMOs. He explained that despite misconceptions about labeling and genetic engineering technology, genetic engineering in health products can be safe and very effective.
Finding a customer need – and addressing it
With ZBiotics, he without an option to fill a gap left by traditional probiotics, which he enhanced for specific functional benefits.
Abbott's newly launched product is based on its purpose for it improve people's diet addressing sugar intake. When Abbott sent me a month's supply of its second product, the “Sugar to Fiber” probiotic blend, I was intrigued. Americans typically falls in the absence of fiberoften due to highly processed and low-fiber foods.
Fiber, found mainly in vegetables, grains and legumes, lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar and supports digestion. With this unique probiotic, ZBiotics aims to convert sugar into fiber – a function never seen before on the market.
Abbotts started ZBiotics because he recognized a market need for solutions to support responsible alcohol consumption and improved dietary habits through accessible, science-backed probiotics. While traditional hangover remedies offered limited, often inconsistent results, and existing fiber supplements did not address the root issue of low fiber intake in processed foods, Abbott saw an opportunity to fill in these blanks with scientifically proven functional products.
Drawing on his expertise in microbiology and genetic engineering, he founded ZBiotics to provide innovative solutions that go beyond conventional health supplements. This focus on unmet needs helped the brand carve out a unique niche, appealing to health-conscious yet convenience-driven consumers looking for effective, transparent and easy-to-use products.
Related: My wife's nutritionist has better sales than you
Faced with customer skepticism
“What about dealing with potential skepticism, given the common negative perceptions about GMOs?” I asked. Abbott shared that many Americans are actually ambivalent about GMOs. Its mission is to educate consumers, highlighting how genetic engineering can serve as a tool for health benefits, from supporting responsible drinking to delivering high-quality fiber to the gut microbiome.
Listening to customer feedback has been integral to ZBiotic's success. Abbott and his team work to improve their products and messaging around them user experiences and questions. For example, after hearing from consumers curious about how to best use Pre-Alcohol Probiotic, ZBiotics expanded their FAQs, newsletters, and videos to include clearer usage instructions and timing tips, making the product more accessible. for new users. They also respond directly to reviews and questions, clearing up misconceptions about the definition, skepticism and safety of GMOs. This customer-centric approach has helped ZBiotics foster trust and loyalty by constantly adapting to meet the needs of their growing community.
Before trying the Sugar to Fiber blend, I asked Zach what I could expect to feel. His response was a question in return: “How would you feel if you improved your diet?”
Personally, I already eat clean and pay attention to my body's reactions, having experimented with supplements and working with nutritionists. While it is early, I have noticed an increase in energy and ease of digestion, and I plan to continue using it to feel further effects.
I admire ZBiotics for its innovative approach to both alcohol and diet. Creating innovative, science-backed products encourages healthier choices and moves the conversation around GMOs forward. With their rapid growth and promising trajectory, ZBiotics is paving the way for products that support happier and healthier lives.