Best Probiotic Yogurt – 2024 Buying Guide
Probiotics are all the rage nowadays—there are tons of probiotic supplements you can take on a daily basis if you wish. However, an easier way to get some probiotic supplements is through the probiotic yogurt.
Although we won’t get into all of the different types of strains of probiotics out there, we will go over the best yogurt with probiotics you have to choose from. These yogurts feature active probiotics in your yogurt without sacrificing taste or texture.
Take a look at our top picks for the best yogurt for gut health!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Traditional yogurts and Greek yogurts can be made from either whole, low-fat, or fat-free milk. Yogurt can be made from whole, low-fat or fat-free milk. They also can be made from non-dairy sources like almond milk, hemp milk, or coconut milk which makes those with lactose intolerance or those with strict diets like vegans who don't include dairy, more palatable.
While you may often be geared to more low-fat or non-fat varieties, and these are the most common on the market in response, the downside is that these varieties typically contain the most sugar. The reason is that when the fat content is reduced or taken out, sugar is substituted to help elevate the flavor that is lost from that loss of fat.
Therefore always ensure that if you choose these lower fat options make sure the label documents that there are not any additional added sugars. There are a couple of options on the market for those naturalists who prefer full-fat varieties. Brown cow is one of the brands listed in our guide that is a full-fat option.
Full-fat options are not necessarily bad for you, these contain CLAs that are much different in their formation in these dairy options than when found in highly processed foods and in this sense, are not seen as harmful. In fact, they may even have some health benefits included inflammation reduction, decreasing heart disease, improving blood pressure, or helping to combat cancerous cells.
Both plain unsweetened low-fat and full-fat yogurts can be healthy. Decide which type to eat based on your dietary habits, food preferences, and calorie goals. The other thing to look for in the ingredients is live cultures. These live bacterias are what turn the lactose in the yogurt into lactic acid which causes that tangy taste that is commonly associated with yogurt, especially Greek varieties.t to taste sour.
Although much research is still needed to confirm healthful benefits because much is unknown about these strains, it is thought that they may:
- Improve symptoms of lactose intolerance
- Stimulate the immune system
- Significantly reduce symptoms of depression
- Reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children and adults
- Improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
- Potentially help lower cholesterol
- Manage healthy body weight
- Combat harmful inflammation
While some brands contain more strains than others, these probiotics are essential to turn milk into the yogurt so all brands will have some live cultures. The amount, intensity, and integrity of the strains contained in any one brand vary depending on packaging, manufacturing practices, and storage circumstances.
Those products that are heat treated or pasteurized before the helpful bacterias are added will actually kill them and then they will not be a benefit for you. Only live bacterias can be of healthful benefit to your system. To ensure you have live cultures, look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal while staying away from those that are labeled "heat-treated after culturing.
Product Purity
As with anything you consume, it's always prudent to read the nutrition label and familiarize yourself with the ingredients. This also applies to the best probiotic yogurts. This label will give you the exact and specific information on what is in the foods you eat. They'll provide the information on serving size so if you're eating out of a package that has multiple servings you can better regulate the amount you consume to stick within your daily dietary requirements.
While it may be difficult to tell how much-added sugar may be in your product, you can always look at the ingredients list. If sugar or any term relating to sugar is listed in the very beginning, or in the first 5 ingredients in the list, it is best to be assured there may be significantly added sugars.
You also want to check the ratios, for instance, some products have a very nice protein amount versus sugar amount and can be a valid option that won't overdo the sugar. Labeling guidelines in the future are looking as though they will change to reflect information regarding the exact amount of added sugar per serving so that it will be much clearer to read.
Flavors
When it comes to anything we are going to eat, flavor plays a key role! Just because you are trying to be healthier and eat better food doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste--which is a common misconception. Regardless of your preferences, there is a probiotic yogurt out there for you to enjoy, so make sure to take a close look at our list of product reviews.
Whether you are a vegan or someone who likes to eat anything, there is a great-tasting yogurt on our list for you. Most of the selections on our list are available in lots of flavors--we even chose a yogurt brand geared towards children. The best part about probiotic yogurts is that you can have your pick when it comes to flavor.
When we rated our selections we took a look at how many different flavors were available by the brand, what users had to say about how good they actually taste, and whether or not any artificial flavors were used to achieve those flavors. For the most part, most of our picks are all-natural, but there are some with ingredients that are not natural or that you might want to stay away from, so make sure to read the label yourself.
Texture
The texture is an important factor we had to consider when we were reviewing each of the brands we selected. My own husband and son both have serious texture issues and are super picky with the yogurt they eat, so I wanted to make sure that all of our readers had options to choose from--especially if they also have sensory issues related to food texture.
One main thing we differentiated with was chunkiness. Some of the brands on our list are thick and chunky, so we made sure to point that out. However, a lot of them are smooth and creamy--and some are even watery. Regardless of your texture preferences, you can rest assured in knowing that we purposely made sure to pick a diverse list of probiotic yogurts to ensure there is something for everyone.
Before you pick the yogurt you want to try out make sure you put your texture issues at the forefront of your decision-making process. It doesn't matter how good the yogurt taste or how effective and well-recommended it is if you are unable to stomach a bite due to the texture. This is specifically important to those of you who want something you know you will enjoy.
Features
There are greek and traditional yogurt options to choose from, Greek being a hot trend in the current climate. Greek styles are a bit different in traditional styles mostly in terms of texture. Greek styles are strained many more times thus removing some of the whey and lactose and the result is a much thicker end result.
Additionally, this process increases the protein content in Greek varieties by as much as two times that of their traditional counterparts with half the carbs to boot. Because of this straining process, Greek varieties can be very popular with those who are lactose intolerant, as they can offer much less irritation. So why even bother with traditional?
Traditional yogurts still have a place at the table, some people prefer their textures, and they tend to be less tangy. In addition, Greek varieties will tend to be more caloric and higher in fat per serving. They also offer less calcium than traditional varieties. There are organic varieties and non-organic to choose from. In order to know that you have a solidly organic product, you can see the USDA organic seal.
This means the milk must be from cows fed with organic, non-GMO feed and not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. There is some debate on the nutritional profile of organic versus non-organic foods. While organic may not have the chemicals, they tend to be lower in selenium and iodine.
Conversely, organic options may have a superior fatty acid profile with higher beta-carotene, vitamin E, and Iron than that of dairy. This being said, the main factor that produces these nutritional variances isn't necessarily dependant on simple farming practices, but more so on what the cows are eating and what their diet consists as to what nutrition content the milk they produce contains.
10 Best Probiotic Yogurt Brands
1. Nancy's
If you want an all-organic probiotic yogurt, Nancy’s is the best yogurt for probiotics out there. It is creamy and delicious and can be eaten or thrown in your smoothies—whatever you’d like to do! Check it out!
Read moreUse
When it comes to use, this yogurt with probiotics is really versatile. You can mix it up with fruit and granola or eat it plain. If you want to throw it in your smoothies to give them a thicker consistency you can do that as well.
Product Purity
The best part about this probiotic yogurt is that it is completely organic! Its ingredients are all natural and it features live probiotic cultures, which makes it one of the best yogurts with probiotics out there. Once you open it you will want to eat it quickly since the probiotic cultures will diminish as the days go by.
Flavor
This yogurt is available in several different flavors, although plain and vanilla are the most popular. The sweeter flavors are not artificially sweetened and are loved by real-world users.
Texture
If you like creamy yogurt, you will love this one. It isn’t really chunky or water—it’s somewhere in between. This makes it a great option for most users.
Features
Unlike other yogurt brands with probiotics, one of the best features of this yogurt is that you can also get dairy-free options. It’s hard to find dairy-free probiotic yogurt, so if you are vegan or lactose-intolerant this may be the yogurt brand for you.
2. Fage Total
FAGE total is a creamy Greek-style dairy product that is manufactured by use of a family recipe that dates all the way back to 1926. This is a versatile yogurt with probiotics that can be used as a stand-alone snack or in baking and cooking. It can be mixed with fruits, granola, or honey, and as a topping, there are so many ways to enjoy this delicious healthy product.
Read moreUse
This is a moderately priced product that you can get in large tubs or in individual servings. It has a multitude of uses you can enjoy and a good bunch of health benefits.
Product Purity
Only milk and live active cultures are used in this time-honored recipe. The result is a creamy, protein-rich product that can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. There are never anything artificial or added sugars and this is a Non-GMO Project Verified product.
Flavor
This yogurt is available in lots of different flavors. You can get the plain yogurt or one of the many delicious flavors that it is available in.
Texture
If you have any texture issues you might not love this yogurt. It is thick and chunky and, while some people love that, some users might not.
Features
When comparing with other yogurt brands with probiotics, this is a fairly low-calorie option that is high in protein and can be mixed with so many additions to play with texture and taste. It is a healthy alternative in cooking and baking and can be used as a topping on ice-cream, sorbet, on burritos, or any type of creative way you'd like to cut your fat and add in more protein, good flora, and calcium.
3. Activia
The Activia brand is one of the best yogurt brands around. You can find it in almost any store and have a wide variety of flavors and options to choose. Whether you want it in yogurt or smoothie form, you can get a probiotic yogurt in either form with Activia.
Read moreUse
This is one of the more popular yogurt brands out there. You can eat it alone or with fruit and granola. If you want to throw it in your smoothie or buy their smoothie yogurts with probiotics, then you can do that too! These probiotic yogurts are also a great source of fiber for those of you looking to add more fiber to your diet.
Product Purity
If you want a yogurt brand that uses only the best ingredients, then you will love this brand. It offers all-natural ingredients and doesn’t use artificial colors or ingredients. If you want a brand you can trust, then you will love this brand.
Flavor
The best part about this yogurt brand is all of the different flavors it has to offer. Whether you like sweet or bland yogurt, you will love this brand.
Texture
This is one of the more texture-friendly yogurt brands on our list. It is light and smooth, so it is easy to swallow and goes down easily. If you hate thick and chunky yogurt, then you will love this yogurt brand.
Features
The best part about Activia is how versatile it is and how many different flavors it comes in. You can get it in literally any supermarket, so if you want something you can find anywhere and don’t have to order or go out of your way for, then you will love this one.
4. Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield Farm makes a thick, rich, Greek-style dairy product that comes in 0% fat to full-fat varieties. Four flavor probiotic yogurts including plain provide a nice variety to eat alone or to mix with other ingredients.
Read moreUse
The live active cultures include S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Paracasei and L. Rhamnosus. You get a nice 5-8 grams of protein per serving. This is an organic, pasture-raised a dairy product that comes in the delicious flavors of maple, vanilla, strawberry, and plain.
Product Purity
Made without any toxic pesticides or artificial hormones, this product is one you can feel confident in giving to your children and family. You also don't have to worry about any antibiotics or GMOs and the taste is delicious!
Flavor
This yogurt with probiotics comes in lots of different flavors to choose from. It uses natural flavors and sugars, so you don't have to worry about artificial ingredients.
Texture
When it comes to texture, this yogurt is a little on the thicker side but it is still smooth and creamy, so it goes down smoothly.
Features
This is the highest probiotic yogurt and it is a more affordable option considering the fact that it has a higher amount of active bacteria strains than other varieties. It also uses all-natural ingredients so it is formulated much more purely.
5. Lifeway Kefir
Lifeway Probiotic comes in a case of 6. There are seven billion to ten billion CFUs with 10 strains of bacteria. Additionally, there is ProBoost which is Lifeway Kefirs unique and exclusive probiotics that are clinically proven to support your body's natural functioning.
Read moreUse
Additionally, it can be an aid to weight-loss efforts as well as be an enjoyable drink without irritation for those who are lactose intolerant.
Product Purity
With a nice smooth, pre-made smoothie texture, this is a pre-made beverage that is easy to consume on the go or in the morning for a quick healthy breakfast to get your body started for the day. It works well as a breakfast beverage, a quick snack, or a post-workout recharge.ct, it also helps prevent common side effects from taking antibiotics, helps with lactose intolerance and weight loss.
Flavor
Kefir tends to be more tart than yogurt, although the flavored probiotic yogurts are often sweetened. This is one of the best kefir brands, however, you may just want to buy one to taste and see if you like it before you stock up.
Texture
There are many healthful benefits of this beverage mentioned above but also including it being a terrific source of calcium and protein. It is a bit pricier but the versatility in use and the creamy texture make it an appealing drink as well as a convenient one for you and your family.
Features
Keep your body in balance and support it's functioning, digestive health, and boost immunity with this potent dairy product. Each cup provides you with 12 live, active cultures that will go to work on equalizing the flora in your gut. If you are taking antibiotics, including this beverage in your daily routine can help with the nasty side effects they can cause.
6. Dannon Danimals
Dannon Danimals come in the form of smoothies so they are easy for kids to drink at home or on the go, and they are a perfect, healthy side for lunchboxes. They have intense fruity flavors that kids love. They are made with natural ingredients and leave out the junk so that they can keep your child full of good nutrition and energized to get through their busy days.
Read moreUse
They are designed to reduce mess so your little ones can easily drink them without a ton of spillage or disorder. They can be slurped, squeezed, eaten with a spoon, or sipped and they are always good and fun.
Product Purity
Dannon began way back in 1942. Over 75 years later they are still selecting the most nutritious probiotics and cultures to enrich their dairy products. They have become better and better over the years providing a wide breadth of products that can supplement children and adults in a tasty way.
Flavor
Sweet and tasty strawberry and watermelon flavors are just a couple of the combinations you can get in a pack. They are a great nutritious source of calcium and vitamin D that makes a nice breakfast, side for lunch, or snacks.
Texture
Creamy and smooth without any chunkiness--so kids will eat it.
Features
It is tough to put a price on healthy and nutritious foods that your children will willingly eat and even look forward to eating. This fun option will feel like more of a treat to your children while you feel good about them eating it. The price is not bad for a pack of 12 that will provide quick, limitless, mess-free probiotic yogurts for your little ones.
7. Siggi's
Siggi's makes a nicely balanced dairy product with a plethora of very palatable flavor options. The sugar content is low with a high protein content so those of you who are watching your weight will appreciate the ratio.
Read moreUse
The simple ingredients are highlighted naturally, without any extra chemicals or additives that could take away from the strong nutritional makeup.
Product Purity
The active cultures include S. Thermophilus, L. Delbrueckii Susp. Bulgaricus, B. Lactis, L. Acidophilus, and L. Delbrueckii Susp. Lactis. At 15 grams of protein and low sugar content of only 10-11 grams per serving this is a nicely balanced dairy product. The tasty flavor options including black cherry, coconut, vanilla and cinnamon, blackberry and many more make the variety refreshing and tempting.
Flavor
f you are looking for a nicely balanced taste that isn't too sweet or too bitter, you may find luck with this product. It is an even-handed recipe that really gets the flavor profiles spot on.
Texture
The creamy texture and delightful tastes of the flavor options make it decadent when it is really good for you.
Features
At $0.28 per serving it does come in on the pricier end. If you are watching your weight, however, the high protein to low sugar profile may be worth it.
8. Califia Farms
Califia Farms makes a drinkable creamy probiotic beverage that you would think, based on the texture, must have milk in it. However, it is actually dairy-free.
Read moreUse
If you suffer from dairy-related irritations but want to get all the goodness from the active live probiotics many come with, this is a great option. If you are vegan, here you go. This product is dairy-free and based in either a coconut or almond base.
Product Purity
The ingredients in these yogurts with probiotics include the Califia Farm Culture Blend BB12™ Bifidobacteria with 10 billion CFUs. You get a bit of protein with 3g per serving. Plain, strawberry, mango, and blueberry are the flavors to choose from.
Flavor
This vegan drink is full of good, healthy cultures and comes in 4 very tasty flavor combinations in addition to the plain, unsweetened variety.
Texture
For those of you who can't stomach any yogurt texture or just prefer something you won't need a spoon for, this probiotic yogurt drink by Califa Farms is definitely a great option to consider.
Features
Those that can't tolerate dairy or those with limited diets such as vegans will appreciate this dairy-free product. The cost comes in at about $0.30 per ounce making it one of the much more expensive products on the market.
Read also about vegan friendly running shoes.
9. Brown Cow
Brown Cow Farm uses only the freshest, wholesome ingredients for their delicious dairy product lines. There is nothing artificial used in the recipe, they use the purest ingredients and that reflects itself in the natural deliciousness with a cream top.
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For a very pure and wholesome product, this brand delivers. It is on the higher end of the spectrum price wise, at about $0.30 per ounce, but the true ingredients will give you peace of mind.
Product Purity
This product is cultured with pasteurized whole milk. Sweetened with natural cane sugar, pectin, and natural flavor. You get five live active cultures in each serving that include S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L acidophilus, Bifidus and L paracasei.
Flavor
When it comes to flavor, this yogurt is available in lots of different options to choose from--so it is easy to find one you will love.
Texture
This yogurt is rich and creamy--but it isn't chunky, which can be a dealbreaker for some people.
Features
This product is American made right out of Antioch, California where the cows are happy with sunshine. The brand makes rich and satisfying dairy products with the use of pure whole milk. It is always made with organic ingredients, gluten-free, non-GMO, and non-RBST.
10. Wallaby Organic
Wallaby Organic makes an affordable, nicely cultured dairy product. It has a well-balanced tangy taste with a creamy, quite thick texture. It is a product that adults and children can enjoy. It's the best probiotic greek yogurt on the market.
Read moreUse
This full-fat product will leave you with a pleasant amount of tartness that even kids will enjoy.
Product Purity
The live active cultures include L. Acidophilus, L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, Bifidus, L. Paracasei. A nice amount of protein at 7 grams per serving allows this to pack a punch.
Flavor
Flavors you can choose from include vanilla bean, peach, banana, and lemon.
Texture
The texture is very thick, but oh so creamy. It is quite tasty even, the plain is enjoyable on its own, but the flavors offered are very yummy too.
Features
At $0.19 per ounce, this is an inexpensive option for a great organic product that has 5 potent bacteria strains that can help you improve your gut health.
