The Best 5 Probiotic Drinks of 2024

Probiotics have been in the limelight for a while now, and these buzzy bacteria have earned their health-boosting reputation with potential benefits ranging from improving symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) to assisting in protein absorption, reducing cholesterol and even potentially alleviating allergies and certain skin conditions. There’s much to be excited about, but the research is still growing. In particular, we’re seeing that outcomes are very strain-specific, meaning that it matters which ones you eat, how much and that you have a specific goal or symptom in mind when seeking the right probiotic.

Supplementation in pill form is still the gold standard for using probiotics because you can get specific strain and CFU (colony-forming unit) counts that are evidence-based to support particular outcomes, but the food industry has gotten in the game, too. Not only are we now talking up the naturally occurring probiotics in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and some dairy products, but companies are now supplementing drinks with probiotic strains. These bubbly beverages are not only delightful to drink but could help you take in these microbes on a more regular basis, which is an essential component of harnessing their benefits. For the good of our curious readers, I sent my gut microbiome on a whirlwind adventure, testing many of the most popular probiotic drinks to decide which are worth incorporating into your health routine.

PHOTO: Amazon

What we like: Limited added sugars and transparency around probiotic strains and CFU count at bottling set this probiotic drink apart from its competitors.

What to know: As with many kombuchas and fermented drinks, this does contain a small amount of alcohol, which may not make it accessible or appropriate for everyone.

If you’re unfamiliar with ‘booch, this fermented beverage is made from tea and often flavored with juice. The fermentation process does result in a small percentage of alcohol, though most versions, including GT’s, have less than 0.5% ABV. (Still, this may be a consideration for those who prefer not to partake.) GT’s has been around since the 1990s and uses a blend of probiotic strains connected with various benefits like protein absorption and utilization, improvements in LDL and total cholesterol, and a positive overall influence on gut microbiota.

Now, kombucha may not be everyone’s first choice regarding flavor, but if you’re open to a bit of the funk factor, you can’t go wrong. GT’s has a ton of flavors to choose from, and while this author typically reaches for the Guava flavor, I tested Trilogy, Blood Orange and GingerAde, which packed the most punch. You’ll get a pleasant but decidedly fermented flavor and a hit of fruit juice. Just be sure not to shake them, as the fermentation process does produce some effervescence. The glass bottles these come in make them slightly less convenient to toss into your bag, though it also makes them feel a little fancy, and they reseal well in case you don’t want to drink the entire 12 ounces in one sitting.

PHOTO: Chobani

What we like: These packs contain 10 g of protein and have a great mix of six different live and active cultures.

What to know: At 14 g of sugar (including 6 g of added sugars), these have a bit more total sugar than other options.

You may know of Greek-style yogurt as a protein powerhouse that makes an excellent breakfast base, but did you know it also packs a healthy dose of probiotics? Chobani not only makes Greek yogurts that can increase your probiotic intake, but it also makes drinkable versions. These carry the same benefits as the thicker, creamier versions and are easier to tote along for a quick, healthy snack.

From a nutrition perspective, Chobani Greek Yogurt Drinks have a bit more sugar at about 15 g (this may vary by a gram or two based on the flavor), but only 6 g of that is added; much of the remainder is naturally occurring milk sugars. Additionally, they have 10 g of protein, positioning them as a great snack or an add-on to a meal. Flavor-wise, if you enjoy yogurt, I think these will please your palate. They do have a bit of yogurty tartness and aftertaste, but they also have an enjoyable sweetness and creamy texture that’s thin enough to be easy to drink.

Serving Size: 7 fl oz. | Calories per serving (based on Strawberry Banana flavor): 140 | Carbs: 18 g | Sugar: 15 g | Added Sugar: 6 g | Protein: 10 g | Probiotic strains: S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus | Flavors We Tried: Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana

PHOTO: Activia

What we like: These are a more cost-effective option for routine consumption.

What to know: Somewhat higher in added sugar, these may have less balance in nutrients compared with others.

Activia is a well-known brand in the “keep-things-moving” version of gut health, but it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you envision a probiotic drink. Activia not only makes functional yogurts but also several beverages, and I had a chance to try the Probiotic Dailies, which are about the size of a shot. The eight-pack I found was available in-store for about $6.50, making each beverage just under a dollar. By comparison, this is a third of the cost of others on our list, which could be critical, considering probiotics need to be consumed routinely to be impactful.

Another benefit aside from the cost is, of course, the probiotic component. Some of the usual suspects in the yogurt world (such as L. lactis and S. thermophilus) are present, as well as a particular strain, B. lactis CNCM I-2494, that has been implicated in reducing gas-related symptoms in those with disorders of gut-brain interactions like IBS who want to consume a higher plant fiber diet. More fiber and less gas? Yes, please. While this product has a bit more sugar than I’d generally like to see, it’s still a viable option for those who want more routine consumption or just not to break the bank on beverages. We tried the vanilla, strawberry and blueberry flavors and found them all to be sweet but not cloying and definitely drinkable. There is a bit of a thin, yogurt-like texture and aftertaste that adds creaminess and makes the shot feel slightly more substantial, rather than just a swig of juice like other brands.

PHOTO: Goodbelly

What we like: We love that this shot packs a mix of microbes without a lot of sugar.

What to know: The flavor profile can lean a little medicinal, depending on which blend you choose.

The digestion shots from Goodbelly are one of the lowest-sugar probiotic drink options we came across in our search. These are only 2.7 fl oz., so while 3 g of sugar may seem like a lot, other options I found in the same volume range had nearly triple the sugar content. Goodbelly’s shots contain Lactobacillus plantarum 299 V, which some research suggests can increase anti-cancer agents, improve IBS symptoms and remedy certain types of infections.

I tested the Yumberry and the Mango flavors and preferred the Mango. Both flavors had a taste reminiscent of a multivitamin. While it was much more pronounced in the Yumberry, I did not find it off-putting. I could easily see taking these shots on their own or with a meal; they’d also be great mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing and functional drink.

PHOTO: EatingWell / Tori Martinet
PHOTO: EatingWell / Tori Martinet

PHOTO: Suja

What we like: The delicious blend of Suja juices in this drink had me dreaming of all the combinations I could mix it with.

What to know: While Suja does make a probiotic shot in multiple flavors, it only offers one flavor of probiotic juice drink.

Suja’s chosen blend of cold-pressed juices is so completely delicious I would buy it even if it didn’t have probiotics. The main flavor profiles are Strawberry, Raspberry, Tart Cherry and Lemon. I was actually shocked to see stevia listed on the nutrition label, as it isn’t present in the flavor at all. The total sugar count is only 5 g, and the addition of inulin adds 5 g of fiber. Fiber is sometimes called a “prebiotic,” as it’s an important food source for our probiotic friends. The texture is definitely a touch pulpy, but that’s to be expected for something that’s mostly fruit juice.

Unfortunately, there is only one Suja flavor that includes probiotics. While I’m crossing my fingers that they make others, I hope the blend of probiotics Suja uses stays the same. The main bacteria in Suja’s juice (B. coagulans SNZ 1969, B. clausii SNZ 1971 and B. subtilis SNZ 1972) have been associated with improving constipation and intestinal motility, reducing GI symptoms of dyspepsia and bloating, and more. While the brand does not provide a CFU count, I still think this is a worthy option if you want a great, fruity flavor that you could easily mix into mocktails for a tasty (and healthy!) treat.

PHOTO: EatingWell / Tori Martinet
PHOTO: EatingWell / Tori Martinet

The Bottom Line: The Best Probiotic Drinks

There’s still no doubt that if you’re looking for a therapeutic outcome with probiotics, supplements are the way to go. However, if you want to incorporate a probiotic into your day in the form of an enjoyable, easy-to-consume drink, you’ve got a multitude of options. My favorite may not be for probiotic beginners, but GT’s Synergy Kombucha (view at Amazon) is packed with great strains of beneficial microbes and comes in tons of fun flavors. If you’re a fan of yogurt, Chobani’s Greek Yogurt Drinks (view at Walmart) are tasty and come with an added boost of protein.

EatingWell / Tori Martinet

Choosing a Probiotic Drink

I discussed all things probiotic drinks with Alyssa Lavy, M.S., RD, CDN, dietitian and owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a practice focused on repairing gut health and food relationships. Lavy gave me her expert take on some of the most asked questions and pressing concerns when choosing a probiotic drink.

Probiotic strains and CFU count

The term “strain” refers to an organism’s genetic variant or subtype, and CFU count refers to the amount of colony-forming units present. Lavy says, “Probiotics [and their impact] are strain-specific, meaning it is important to choose the correct strain and CFU count for the specific condition to experience health benefits. The exact strain and CFU count you choose will depend on the desired outcome or the condition you’d like addressed.”

Check for added sugars

Lavy offers some excellent guidance on avoiding the “health halo” effect when it comes to some probiotic drinks that may have more sugar than is desirable. “It’s important to consider all aspects of the drink to choose an appropriate drink for your needs and preferences,” Lavy says. “This includes looking at things like sugar content to avoid a health halo effect.” The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends limiting added sugar intake to less than 10% of total calories, which translates to 50 g of added sugar per day, using an example of 2,000 calories per day. The American Heart Association recommends even less, calling to limit added sugar to no more than 6% of total calories (25 g for those eating 2,000 calories per day). “This doesn’t mean any one product is necessarily off limits, but it is worth considering how it fits into your needs and preferences,” Lavy says.

Dietary preferences play a role

Not all probiotic drinks fall under one umbrella category of ingredients, meaning that you will need to consider any avoidances and limitations like with other foods. Lavy says, “As with choosing any food or beverage, it’s important to consider how it fits with your food preferences. For example, it is important to choose a gluten-free option if following a gluten-free diet for celiac disease or other reasons.”

EatingWell / Tori Martinet

Our Probiotic Drink Tests

My testing included rounding up over 10 of the most popular and widely available probiotic drinks on the market. I evaluated each based on the evidence supporting its probiotic strains, as well as elements like added sugar. When tasting each, I looked at factors such as the overall scent, taste, texture, mouthfeel and aftertaste. I looked for tangy, tart and sour flavors and funkier flavor profiles from fermentation. I established if there was any sediment left in the bottle or glass and if any odd or off-putting textures were present. Ultimately, I decided how drinkable these beverages were, in addition to any health benefits they touted.

We Also Considered

Yakult Live & Active Probiotic Drink ($3 for five at Walmart): It’s easy to understand why this is a health-food favorite with its light, refreshing flavor, but with nearly 10 g of added sugar in such a small shot, these contained the highest added sugar content of any of the products I tested.

Humm Probiotic Kombucha ($36 for 12 at Amazon): These were a mixed bag flavor-wise, and some tasted a bit medicinal, likely due to the addition of a hefty B12 supplement. These could easily be a fit for someone who needs or wants that level of supplementation, but I recommend exploring a few flavors to find your fit.

Culture Pop Soda ($33 for 12 at Amazon): These very nearly made the list because I loved the flavors, but I ultimately just felt others on our list were a better pick in terms of CFU count and the variety of strains.

Common Questions

What are the benefits of probiotic drinks?

“Probiotics are receiving a significant amount of recent interest—and for good reason,” Lavy says. “It is becoming more clear that the gut microbiome plays a role in various diseases and influences our health. While the benefits of some probiotics can range from improved management of IBS and oral health to blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes, it is difficult to speak on the benefits of probiotic drinks as a whole because the benefits will depend on the strain, amount consumed and the desired outcome.”

How often should I drink probiotic drinks?

There is currently no recommendation on how often these drinks should be consumed, either based on general dietary guidelines or in reference to receiving the benefits. “Probiotics tend to have a transient effect, meaning that they need to be consumed regularly in order to continue to experience their benefits,” Lavy says. That being said, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, so it is best to speak with your healthcare provider and learn about the recommended strain and amount for your specific needs—then, you can choose an appropriate product and amount from there.

Are probiotic drinks effective for gut health?

Achieving a “healthy gut” is a complex and intricate web of many factors, only one of which is what we eat and drink. “Probiotic drinks can potentially offer some gut health benefits, although it will depend on the specific probiotic strain, amount and the desired effect. Additionally, it’s important to note that gut health is a nuanced topic, and there are many factors that can influence [it],” Lavy says. Exercise, fiber, foods, stress, sleep and many other factors can play a role in the health of one’s gut. So, while probiotic drinks may offer some benefit in certain situations, you shouldn’t expect that drinking a probiotic beverage will work magic if you’re ignoring those other elements.

EatingWell / Tori Martinet

Our Trusted Expertise

Tori Martinet, M.S., RD is a culinary and intuitive eating dietitian with a background in recipe development and a focus on reducing stress around food and the pursuit of health. She has been testing, reviewing and writing about food products, meal delivery services and kitchen equipment since 2021. She has been published in media outlets like Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Verywell Health, Verywell Fit, US News 360 Reviews, Shape, and more. As a food tester and lover of fermented and probiotic-rich foods, she knows that flavor needs to match up with function when recommending a probiotic drink. She often reaches for kombuchas, probiotic-rich yogurts, and fermented foods like kimchi and miso to boost her own bacteria.

In addition to her own expertise, Tori interviewed Alyssa Lavy, M.S., RD, CDN, dietitian and owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, for her knowledge on probiotics and their role in gut health.

This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. This article was reviewed by Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, senior commerce editor, who is an avid kombucha drinker—and has 15 years of experience reporting, writing and editing nutrition and health content.

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