Are gogurts a good source of probiotics? A nutritional deep dive

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While some yogurts are packed with probiotics, not all are created equal. The question, "Are gogurts a good source of probiotics?", involves looking past the fun packaging to examine the actual nutritional content, particularly the live cultures and sugar levels.

Quick Summary

GoGurt contains live and active cultures, but its high added sugar content may counteract the gut health benefits. Plain or Greek yogurt generally offers a more potent probiotic source with less sugar.

Key Points

GoGurt has live cultures: Yoplait confirms GoGurt contains live and active yogurt cultures, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
High in added sugar: Standard GoGurt tubes contain significant added sugar, which can negatively impact the balance of gut bacteria and should be considered when assessing its health benefits.
Better probiotic sources exist: Plain Greek yogurt and kefir generally provide higher concentrations and a greater diversity of probiotic strains with less added sugar.
Read the label carefully: To ensure you are getting effective probiotic benefits, check labels for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal and review the sugar content.
Consider moderation: Due to its high sugar content, GoGurt is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a primary source of daily probiotics.
Compare nutrition: For maximum gut health, compare GoGurt with other options, prioritizing those with lower sugar and higher protein and probiotic counts.

What Are Probiotics and Why Are They Important?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called "good bacteria," that offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. A healthy balance of gut bacteria, known as the gut microbiota, is crucial for overall health. These beneficial microbes aid digestion, support the immune system, and can influence nutrient absorption. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are common sources of probiotics. However, not all fermented products contain the right strains or sufficient quantities to be considered truly probiotic.

GoGurt's Probiotic Claims: What the Label Says

On the surface, GoGurt appears to be a source of probiotics. The manufacturer confirms that GoGurt is made with "live and active yogurt cultures". The specific cultures used typically include Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which are the standard starter cultures for yogurt. Some varieties may contain additional strains, but this is less common in flavored, kids' yogurts. A key distinction lies in the processing and added ingredients. While the presence of live cultures is a necessary first step, it doesn't tell the whole story of a product's overall gut-health potential.

The Impact of Added Sugar on Gut Health

One of the biggest concerns with many flavored yogurts, including GoGurt, is the high level of added sugar. A single tube can contribute significantly to a child's daily sugar intake, which health experts recommend limiting. This is a major drawback because consuming high amounts of sugar can negatively affect the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. Just as probiotics feed good bacteria, sugar feeds harmful bacteria. This can lead to an imbalance, potentially offsetting the very benefits the probiotics are meant to provide. For this reason, many nutrition experts recommend choosing plain, unsweetened varieties and adding your own natural fruit for sweetness.

Comparing Probiotic Sources: GoGurt vs. Healthier Options

To fully understand if GoGurt is a good source of probiotics, it's helpful to compare it with other, often healthier, alternatives. This contrast highlights where GoGurt stands in the broader landscape of probiotic foods.


Feature	GoGurt (Standard, Flavored)	Plain Greek Yogurt	Kefir (Cultured Dairy Drink)
Probiotic Content	Contains live and active starter cultures (L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus).	Contains live and active cultures, often in higher concentrations and variety.	Offers a wider diversity and higher number of probiotic strains and yeasts.
Added Sugar	High in added sugar, significantly contributing to daily intake.	Very low or no added sugar in plain varieties.	Typically low in added sugar in plain varieties.
Protein Content	Moderate, often lower than other yogurt types.	High due to the straining process, promoting fullness.	Generally higher than standard yogurt.
Nutritional Profile	Contains calcium and vitamins A & D, but high sugar detracts from overall health benefits.	Nutrient-dense with calcium, protein, and less sugar.	Rich in probiotics, protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
Best for...	A convenient, occasional treat.	Everyday consumption for maximum gut health and protein.	For those seeking a highly diverse and potent probiotic source.

Tips for Choosing the Best Probiotic Yogurt

Making an informed decision in the yogurt aisle involves looking beyond marketing claims. To maximize your probiotic benefits, consider these points:

Read the Label: Look for the "Live and Active Cultures" (LAC) seal from the National Yogurt Association or check the ingredients for specific bacterial strains like Bifidobacterium.
Prioritize Low Sugar: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid unnecessary sugar. The lower the added sugar content, the better.
Add Your Own Sweetness: For flavor, mix in fresh or frozen fruit, a small amount of honey, or natural fruit purées instead of relying on pre-sweetened versions.
Explore Other Sources: Consider other fermented dairy products like kefir, which often provides a greater variety of probiotic strains.
Think of Convenience Differently: You can create your own convenient and healthy snacks by freezing plain yogurt mixed with fruit in reusable pouches, similar to GoGurt but with a superior nutritional profile. For more on assessing GoGurt's healthiness, see this article by Dr. Jinan Banna.

Conclusion

While GoGurt does contain live and active cultures, qualifying it as a source of probiotics, its high added sugar content makes it a less-than-ideal choice for promoting optimal gut health. The high sugar can feed bad bacteria, potentially negating the benefits of the good bacteria. For those seeking to boost their probiotic intake, plain Greek yogurt or kefir offers a more nutrient-dense, lower-sugar alternative with a higher concentration of beneficial microbes. Ultimately, a mindful approach to nutrition involves reading labels carefully and choosing products that offer maximum health benefits without unwanted additives.

Comparison Table: GoGurt vs. Healthier Probiotic Sources


Feature	GoGurt (Standard, Flavored)	Plain Greek Yogurt	Kefir (Cultured Dairy Drink)
Probiotic Content	Contains live and active starter cultures (L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus).	Contains live and active cultures, often in higher concentrations and variety.	Offers a wider diversity and higher number of probiotic strains and yeasts.
Added Sugar	High in added sugar, significantly contributing to daily intake.	Very low or no added sugar in plain varieties.	Typically low in added sugar in plain varieties.
Protein Content	Moderate, often lower than other yogurt types.	High due to the straining process, promoting fullness.	Generally higher than standard yogurt.
Nutritional Profile	Contains calcium and vitamins A & D, but high sugar detracts from overall health benefits.	Nutrient-dense with calcium, protein, and less sugar.	Rich in probiotics, protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
Best for...	A convenient, occasional treat.	Everyday consumption for maximum gut health and protein.	For those seeking a highly diverse and potent probiotic source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Yoplait confirms that GoGurt is made with live and active yogurt cultures, which are the beneficial bacteria considered probiotics.

Yes, the high amount of added sugar can negatively impact gut health. It can feed harmful bacteria, potentially counteracting the benefits of the probiotics and creating an imbalance in the gut microbiome.

While both contain probiotics, plain Greek yogurt is typically a more potent source, offering a higher concentration and variety of probiotic strains, as well as higher protein and less sugar.

Yes, GoGurt is freezable and can be enjoyed frozen for a cool treat. The manufacturer advises not to refreeze it after it has been thawed.

To ensure you're getting sufficient probiotics, look for the "Live and Active Cultures" (LAC) seal and check the ingredients list for specific bacterial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Healthier alternatives include plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir. You can add natural sweetness by mixing in fresh or frozen fruit or a small amount of honey.

Due to the high sugar content, GoGurts are best suited as an occasional treat rather than a primary source of daily probiotics. For regular consumption, a lower-sugar yogurt is a healthier choice.

No, not all yogurts contain sufficient live and active cultures to provide probiotic benefits. Some are heat-treated after fermentation, which kills the beneficial bacteria. Always check the label.