The 6 Best Probiotic Drinks for Gut Health in 2024

A certified sports nutrition coach reviews the best probiotic drinks for gut health that are designed to enhance and support your digestive system.

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In recent years, clinical research has continued to demonstrate the benefits of a healthy gut microbiome and explain how it relates to our overall well-being. These observations have subsequently led to a surge in the popularity of probiotic drinks and other types of probiotic supplements.

Simply put, probiotic drinks and similar products contain beneficial gut bacteria and transport them into your digestive tract, where they can grow and flourish. These gut bacteria have a number of potential benefits including improved digestive health, enhanced nutrient absorption, boosted immunity and improved mental health.

While probiotics are available from fermented food sources such as yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, drinkable probiotics offer a convenient way to work these beneficial bacteria into your daily routine. Some of the best probiotic drinks are the kind you make yourself by mixing a powder supplement with water or your beverage of choice.

In this article, we'll profile our top picks for best probiotic drinks and offer an in-depth evaluation of each product: formulas, flavors, benefits, drawbacks and more. Keep reading to find out which drinkable probiotic best fits your health and fitness goals.

Our Picks for the Best Probiotic Drink

• Best Probiotic Drink For Gut Health: Transparent Labs Essentials Gut Stack
• Best Probiotic Drink For Weight Loss: Athletic Greens
• Best Probiotic Plus Greens Drink: Naked Nutrition Green Superfood Powder
• Best Plant-Based Probiotic Drink: Orgain Superfoods Powder
• Best Probiotic and Prebiotic Drink: Naked Nutrition Gut Health Supplement
• Best Vegan Probiotic Drink: Hum Raw Beauty Superfoods Green Powder

Best Probiotic Drink for Gut Health: Transparent Labs Gut Essentials Stack

Transparent Labs

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: 100 billion CFUs
• Nutrition facts: Collagen Hydrolysate - 50 calories, 10 grams of protein, two grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar, Prebiotic Greens - 60 calories, three grams of protein, 11 grams of carbohydrates, less than one gram of sugar, Gut Health Probiotic - calorie free
• Flavors: Collagen Hydrolysate - Chocolate, Prebiotic Greens - Peach Mango, Unflavored, Gut Health Probiotic - Unflavored
• Certifications: Non-GMO
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, ten percent savings
• Key ingredients: Collagen - Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen, Prebiotic Greens - Spirulina, Organic Chlorella, Organic Acacia Fiber, Organic Green Banana Flour, Organic Jerusalem Artichoke Fiber, Chicory Root, Gut Health Probiotic - 10 different strains of bacteria
• Sweeteners: Stevia
• Best for: Consumers looking for a well rounded health and wellness supplement stack that contains both a prebiotic, probiotic and some protein
• Price per serving: Average of $1.38 per serving of each of the three products
• Probiotic source: 10 different strains of bacteria

The Gut Essentials Stack includes three Transparent Labs products that each have a unique set of ingredients and potential benefits. The first supplement in the stack is the Prebiotic Greens, which is a combination of prebiotic fiber and green superfoods powder intended to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body. This supplement comes in two different flavor options, peach mango or unflavored, and is sweetened with stevia since Transparent Labs products are always artificial ingredient-free.

The next supplement in the stack is the Gut Health Probiotic, which is a combination of 100 billion CFUs of ten different strains of probiotic bacteria. This is a potent source of beneficial gut bacteria that can potentially lead to a number of different health benefits including enhanced nutrient digestion and absorption, improved cognitive function, healthy immune function and increased bowel regularity. It is important to note that these benefits are more likely to occur when you support your probiotic use with a nutritious diet to help foster the growth of these health promoting microorganisms.

The last supplement in the stack is the Collagen Hydrolysate, which is available in a chocolate flavor and provides consumers with ten grams of protein per serving. In addition to the potential muscle building and joint health benefits that collagen protein provides, it has also been shown to help the gut through the repair of the intestinal walls which in turn reduces inflammation. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with digestive issues such as irritable bowel disease or diarrhea.

Overall, this is a high-quality and high-value supplement stack that aims to support gut health in a myriad of different ways. Note that while you can purchase the complete stack, each of these supplements is also available for individual purchase on the Transparent Labs website.

Pros:

• Combination prebiotic, probiotic and collagen protein supplement stack
• The Gut Health Probiotic contains 100 billion CFUs of ten different strains of bacteria
• All Transparent Labs products are artificial ingredients free
• Zero grams of added sugar

Cons:

• There is no discount for purchasing the supplement stack versus purchasing each individual supplement separately

Best Probiotic Drink for Weight Loss: Athletic Greens

AG1

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: 38 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 50 calories, six grams of carbohydrates, less than one gram of sugar, two grams of protein
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Certifications: Non-GMO
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, $20 dollar discount
• Key ingredients: Raw superfood complex, herbs and antioxidants, digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex, dairy-free probiotics, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin D and calcium
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Individuals looking for an all-in-one health and wellness supplement that includes live probiotics; individuals who have a higher budget to spend on premium supplements
• Price per serving: $3.30 ($2.63 with subscribe and save discount)
• Probiotic source: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum

Athletic Greens was founded in 2010 by Chris Ashenden, a New Zealand based health and wellness expert whose desire was to simplify the often complicated process of maintaining optimal health. The result was Athletic Greens, a high-quality, all-in-one nutrition supplement that contains everything you need to optimize your overall health and wellness. This supplement is likely the most robust greens powder on the market and contains 21 different vitamins and minerals, a nutrient-dense raw superfood complex, various herbs and antioxidants, digestive enzymes, a super mushroom complex and dairy free probiotics. This supplement truly has everything you could want to support your diet and ensure you’re filling any potential dietary gaps.

Related Post: The Best Probiotics for Weight Loss

This product is also phenomenal for individuals with weight loss goals because it helps to guarantee that you are meeting your daily micronutrient needs, even when eating in a caloric deficit. This is important because when the body is getting the nutrients it needs, it may be less likely to crave unhealthy foods and overeat. Last but not least, Athletic Greens is free from any artificial ingredients, gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose free, soy-free, non-GMO and vegan and vegetarian friendly, making it a great option for individuals with different dietary needs. That being said, this is a premium supplement that comes with a premium price point and may not fall within everyone's budget. While there are cheaper greens powders on the market, few can match the number of ingredients and potency of Athletic Green’s formulation.

Check out our Athletic Greens Review for more information on this popular greens powder. 

Pros:

• Combination of vitamins, minerals, superfoods and probiotics
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly
• Artificial ingredient free
• Non-GMO, no herbicides or pesticides

Cons:

• Expensive supplement

Best Probiotic Plus Greens Drink: Naked Nutrition Green Superfood Powder

Naked Nutrition

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: Amount not specified
• Nutrition facts: 25 calories, five grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar, one gram of protein
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Certifications: Certified gluten-free
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 20 percent savings
• Key ingredients: Naked Greens blend, organic inulin, organic ashwagandha, organic panax ginseng, probiotics
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Individuals looking for a greens powder that also contains adaptogenic herbs to help reduce stress; individuals who want a greens powder that is certified gluten-free; individuals who want a product that may help with stress relief
• Price per serving: $0.91 ($0.73 with subscribe and save discount)
• Probiotic source: Bacillus subtilis

Naked Nutrition is a supplement brand that believes in manufacturing high-quality supplements with nothing to hide. Its Green Superfoods Powder is an all natural greens supplement that contains six different organic vegetables and grasses along with organic prebiotics, adaptogens and a probiotic in the form of Bacillus subtilis. This product is intended to support overall health and wellness, support gut health and immune function and help to reduce stress. What sets Naked Nutrition’s Green Superfood Powder apart from the competition is the inclusion of two adaptogenic herbs, organic panax ginseng and organic ashwagandha, that may help reduce stress by supporting optimal cortisol levels and proper adrenal function. Overall, this supplement is a great way to ensure you are getting your daily serving of vegetables and may even help improve your mood. However, we would prefer that they disclosed the amount of the probiotic included in the formulation.

Pros:

• Combination prebiotic, probiotic and greens powder
• Each scoop contains two servings of organic vegetables and grasses
• GMO-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian friendly

Cons:

• Only one probiotic in the formulation
• Amount of Bacillus subtilis in the greens powder is undisclosed

Best Plant-Based Probiotic Drink: Orgain Superfoods Powder

Orgain

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: One billion CFUs
• Nutrition facts: 40 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, one gram of sugar, one gram of protein
• Flavors: Unflavored, Berry
• Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, certified plant based
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 35 percent off your first order and then 10 percent off each additional order
• Key ingredients: Orgain organic 50 superfoods blend, Orgain organic super veggies, super berries, super grasses and superfoods blend
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Individuals looking for a robust combination of organic veggies, berries, grasses and superfoods, individuals who want a superfoods blend that also contains probiotics
• Price per serving: $1.65, ($1.07 with initial subscribe and save discount)
• Probiotic source: Bacillus coagulans

Orgain has become a well-known and popular supplement company due to its commitment to using plant-based USDA organic ingredients in its products. This lets consumers know that all of Orgain’s ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Orgain’s Superfoods Powder is a greens powder supplement that contains 50 organic superfoods and one billion CFUs of probiotics in every serving. This makes this product an extremely convenient and efficient way to ensure that you are meeting your daily micronutrient goals while supporting gut health and immunity. One of the major benefits to Orgain’s Superfoods Powder is that it comes in a berry flavor option which tastes great according to consumer reviews. Individuals love the fact that this is a great addition to a protein shake, a smoothie, or is tasty enough to drink by itself.

Pros:

• Berry flavored option available
• Combination of 50 different organic superfoods
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly, certified plant-based
• 35 percent off initial subscribe and save discount

Cons:

• Only one probiotic in the formulation

Best Probiotic and Prebiotic Drink: Naked Nutrition Gut Health Supplement

Naked Nutrition

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: Five billion CFUs
• Nutrition facts: 15 calories, four grams of carbohydrates, zero grams of sugar, zero grams of protein
• Flavors: Unflavored
• Certifications: Certified gluten-free
• Subscription: Monthly subscription, 20 percent savings
• Key ingredients: Acacia, citrus pectin, IXOS (xylooligosaccharides), glutamine, inulin (Jerusalem artichoke), licorice powder, Bacillus subtilis
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Individuals looking for a supplement to promote gut health, individuals looking for a supplement that contains both prebiotic fiber and a probiotic
• Price per serving: $0.62, ($0.50 with subscribe and save discount)
• Probiotic source: Bacillus subtilis

Naked Nutrition’s Gut Health Supplement contains only seven different natural ingredients including prebiotics, probiotics and glutamine. This supplement was specifically formulated to improve nutrient absorption, minimize digestive discomfort and support a healthy gut microbiome for improved immunity and overall health. In essence, this product allows you to maximize the benefits of the healthy foods you already eat as well as reducing common digestive issues such as bloating, gas and constipation. As always, supplements from Naked Nutrition are free from preservatives and this supplement in particular is GMO-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and vegan and vegetarian friendly. Naked Nutrition advises using this digestive supplement daily and preparation is as easy as mixing one scoop with eight ounces of water or your favorite beverage.

Pros:

• Combination prebiotic and probiotic formula
• Includes glutamine to promote muscle recovery
• Certified gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, soy-free
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly

Cons:

• Doesn’t contain any added greens

Best Vegan Probiotic Drink: Hum Raw Beauty Superfoods Green Powder

HUM Nutrition

Key features & specs

• Probiotics per serving: Five billion CFUs
• Nutrition facts: 30 calories, six grams of carbohydrates, four grams of sugar, zero grams of protein
• Flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip Infusion
• Certifications: None
• Subscription: None
• Key ingredients: Green superfood blend, fiber blend, probiotic blend, fruit and vegetable blend, antioxidant beauty blend, adaptogenic blend, digestive enzyme blend
• Sweeteners: Organic coconut palm sugar, stevia
• Best for: Individuals who prefer a flavored superfood
• Price per serving: $1.30
• Probiotic source: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Hum’s Raw Beauty Superfoods Green Powder is designed to support natural energy levels, improve skin health and boost your metabolism. This product includes seven proprietary blends including a green superfood blend, fiber blend, probiotic blend, fruit and vegetable blend, antioxidant beauty blend, adaptogenic blend and digestive enzyme blend. What I like about this formulation is that it contains three different strains of probiotics along with the prebiotics necessary to support their growth. I also love that this product contains a digestive enzyme blend which, in addition to the probiotics, will help support the digestion of absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. This product only comes in one flavor, mint chocolate chip infusion, but from the consumer reviews it’s apparent that users enjoy the taste. However, a few consumers have noted it is difficult to mix and would advise using a blender. While this product is definitely marketed towards women, it will have equal benefits for men and overall is a well designed supplement that is worth taking a look at.

Related Post: The 14 Best Probiotics for Women in 2024, According to an RN

Pros:

• Formulated with over 30 different superfoods
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly
• No artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors or preservatives
• Third party tested for purity and quality

Cons:

• Only one flavor option available

For more information, check out our in-depth review of HUM Nutrition.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are beneficial for the human body, particularly the digestive system. They are often referred to as “good bacteria” or “friendly bacteria” because they can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome and enhance our overall well-being. Some of the potential benefits include improved digestive and mental health, enhanced nutrient absorption and a strengthened immune system.

That being said, the numbers and different types of probiotic bacteria in our bodies are influenced by a number of factors, including our diets, medication and antibiotic use, illness and even stress. This is why many individuals are turning to probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods to help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in their gut.

Probiotics can be naturally found in certain fermented foods that contain live cultures, such as greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, apple cider vinegar and sauerkraut, or they can be taken as dietary supplements in the form of capsules, gummies or powders. These probiotics then work by outcompeting the harmful bacteria for resources in the gut, which overtime results in a healthy and balanced gut microbiota.

If you would prefer consuming probiotic foods as opposed to supplementation, then some of the top brands include Kevita, Lifeway, Siggi, Chobani and Suja. These companies have various products that contain different probiotic strains and active cultures ranging from probiotic juice drinks to different like yogurt drinks or kefir grains.

Benefits of Probiotic Drinks

Probiotic drinks are usually powdered supplements that are prepared by mixing them with a beverage of your choice. However, they can also come in a naturally occuring form, such as in kombucha. These drinks contain millions of live bacteria that are beneficial for gut health and provide a number of potential benefits.

Improved digestion

Probiotics can influence our intestinal microflora and help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. In turn, these beneficial bacteria are able to produce various enzymes which can aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food that we eat. This increases the amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that we can extract from our foods and absorb by the body.

Strengthened immune system

Certain probiotics have been found to improve the function and strength of the intestinal barrier. This helps to prevent pathogenic organisms from passing through the gut and entering our bloodstream. Probiotics can also help produce antibacterial substances and cell protective enzymes that further improve our immune system.

Enhanced mental health

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics may help improve mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and even memory disorders like Alzhemiers. However, more research is needed to understand these gut-brain interactions and how microbial dysbiosis may play a role in psychiatric diseases.

Reduced inflammation

Some studies have found that probiotics may help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is important since inflammation is linked to a variety of different chronic health problems. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials found that supplementation with probiotics significantly reduced concentrations of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. This is one of the main reasons why probiotics may help individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and acute diarrhea. Other studies found probiotics have been linked to healthy blood pressure and could help prevent heart disease.

Probiotics Precautions

While probiotics are generally considered safe and have many potential benefits, it is important to note that they are not a one size fits all solution for all of your digestive issues. Different strains of bacteria may affect individuals in different ways and can vary in effectiveness depending on the individual’s current health status, diet and age. This is why it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional, certified nutritionist or registered dietitian (RDN) to determine if a probiotic supplement is right for you. This is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a weakened immune system or serious medical condition in which a probiotic supplement may not be safe to consume.

Additionally, you should always follow the supplement instructions carefully and use the product as directed by the manufacturer. If misused, then there is a potential for unwanted negative side effects including gas, bloating and diarrhea. If you do experience any unusual symptoms after taking the supplement, you should stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor for further advice.

Finally, probiotics in the form of dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore you should always choose supplements from a reputable supplement company.

How to Choose the Best Probiotic Drink for You

When you are looking for a high-quality probiotic drink, you should look for a product that contains a variety of different strains and a sufficient dosage level for each of those strains. The potency of the product should be clearly labeled on the packaging and a good rule of thumb is that it should contain at least 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving. A number of the products on our list also offer additional benefits including prebiotic fiber and vitamins and minerals from green superfoods. By choosing a multifaceted supplement, you can get a number of additional benefits in addition to the probiotic.

What to Avoid in a Probiotic Drink

In general, you will want to avoid a probiotic drink that has a lack of diversity in the number of strains in the product. A product that only contains one or two strains may not be as effective. You should also ensure that the supplement is dosed correctly, look for a product that contains at least 10 billion CFUs per serving to ensure you are getting a sufficient dosage level. You may also want to avoid probiotic drinks that contain artificial ingredients such as artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. This is because certain artificial ingredients have been shown to negatively impact the composition of the microbiota in the gut.

How We Chose the Best Probiotic Drinks

We chose our list of the best probiotic drinks by looking at a variety of different factors including the ingredient quality, the different bacterial strains, the dosage levels, customer reviews and the cost of the supplements. We do our best to ensure that the products we are recommending are high-value, quality supplements that will help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Probiotic Drink FAQs

Are probiotic drinks good for you?

Probiotic drinks can be good for you, depending on the formula and your personal health and fitness needs. These products may help improve your digestion, boost your immune system and potentially lower the risk of certain chronic health conditions.

Do probiotic drinks actually improve gut health?

Yes, probiotics can improve gut health by restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These probiotic microorganisms also help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by competing for the same resources and therefore promote a healthy gut microbiota.

When should I drink a probiotic drink?

The timing depends on the specific product and your individual needs. In general, it’s best practice to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using. This is because some products are best consumed on an empty stomach, such as first thing in the morning, to allow the beneficial bacteria to reach the gut without interference from other food or beverages. However, for other probiotic supplements, it may be recommended to consume them with food, as the presence of food can help protect the beneficial bacteria from the stomach acid and improve their chances of actually reaching the gut.

How many probiotic drinks can you consume per day?

The recommended amount of probiotic drinks you can consume per day varies depending on the specific product and the dose of probiotics in each serving. This is another scenario in which following the supplement label instructions is going to be the optimal strategy. That being said, most probiotic supplements are meant to be consumed once per day. Over consuming these products can lead to digestive discomfort and issues such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.

Takeaway: Are Probiotic Drinks Worth It?

Understanding the gut microbiome is a growing area of research and I believe we have only scratched the surface on the uses and potential benefits of these products for our digestive health. That being said, supplements that contain probiotics are growing in popularity as clinical research has continued to demonstrate the ability of these products to support gut health. If you feel like you would benefit from a probiotic, then I encourage you to try one of the ones from our list, especially since they have a number of additional benefits including vitamins, minerals and superfoods.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.