A functional food composition comprising an edible or potable substance, a cross-linked edible matrix encapsulating the edible or potable substance, a probiotic, and a prebiotic, with the proviso that the edible or potable substance and the matrix do not both contain the probiotic or both contain the prebiotic. The encapsulated composition provides certain advantages in its transport, handling and consumption. The edible membrane matrix can be constructed to include edible particles that impart advantages to the performance of the membrane matrix, provide functional nutrition, health and well-being benefits, therapeutic treatment to the consumer, and/or enhance consumer gustatory experience. In particular aspects, the functional food composition provides nutritive and health benefits for disease treatment and prevention, and health maintenance through the incorporation of certain biologically active compounds in the edible substance and/or as particles in the membrane matrix.
