Does Onken Yogurt Contain Probiotics? An In-Depth Look

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 75 years ago, Onken's founder, Enno Onken, developed a unique blend of probiotic cultures to create a mild and creamy yogurt. This tradition continues today, with the brand incorporating specific live cultures into many of its products to deliver a variety of potential health benefits.

Quick Summary

Onken yogurt features live and active bacterial cultures, providing probiotic benefits for gut health, though the specific strains vary by product. It's an accessible source of beneficial bacteria for a healthy diet.

Key Points

Yes, Onken contains probiotics: Several Onken yogurt products, particularly the natural and 0% fat versions, contain live cultures like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Look for 'live and active cultures': The presence of beneficial bacteria is confirmed on the product labels, so always check for this wording to ensure you're getting the probiotic benefits.
Varying strains by product: The specific mix of live cultures can differ between Onken product lines, so checking the individual product page on their website is helpful.
Prioritize low-sugar options: To maximize the gut health benefits, opt for the plain Onken yogurts and add your own fruit, as high levels of added sugar can negate the positive effects.
Proper storage is crucial: Live cultures are sensitive to heat. Always keep Onken yogurt refrigerated and consume it before the 'best before' date to ensure the bacteria remain viable.
Part of a balanced diet: Onken yogurt can be an excellent source of probiotics, protein, and calcium, supporting overall digestive health and immunity when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding Probiotics and Live Cultures

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide health benefits by helping to balance the intestinal microbiota. For a food to be considered truly 'probiotic' in effect, it must contain a sufficient number of these live, beneficial bacteria. While all yogurt is made using live cultures (specifically Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus starter cultures), some are heat-treated after fermentation, which kills off the beneficial bacteria. The key is to find products that explicitly state 'live and active cultures' on the packaging.

Which Onken Products Contain Probiotics?

According to the official Onken website and product listings from retailers, the brand includes live cultures in many of its products. The specific strains and quantity can vary depending on the product line. For example, some natural varieties use a different blend of cultures than the fat-free options.

Key Onken Products and Their Cultures

Onken Natural Set Yogurt: Contains live cultures, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium.
Onken Natural Yogurt: Includes live cultures such as Lactobacillus johnsonii, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis.
Onken 0% Fat Natural Yogurt: Made with live cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium.

The Importance of Strain Variety

Research indicates that a wider variety of probiotic strains can potentially offer broader health benefits. While Onken includes popular, well-regarded strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, comparing it with other products or even homemade yogurt can be enlightening. For example, some kefir products boast a wider range of bacteria and yeast strains. For general digestive wellness, the strains in Onken are a valuable inclusion.

Comparison: Onken vs. Other Popular Yogurts

To provide context, here is how Onken stacks up against some other brands known for their probiotic content. When choosing, consider the balance of live cultures, added sugars, and protein content, as these factors contribute to overall health benefits.


Feature	Onken Natural Yogurt	Fage Total Yogurt	Activia Probiotic Greek	Yeo Valley Kefir
Live Cultures Confirmed	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Primary Strains	L. johnsonii, S. thermophilus, B. lactis	L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. casei	Four bacterial strains	14 live cultures
Added Sugar	No added sugar in Natural versions	Plain versions have no added sugar	Often higher in flavored versions	Often higher in flavored versions
Texture	Mild, creamy, and smooth	Thick, strained Greek yogurt	Creamy Greek-style texture	Thin and tangy

Tips for Maximizing Probiotic Benefits from Yogurt

Choose Plain, Unsweetened Varieties: Opting for natural, unflavored Onken helps avoid the added sugars often found in fruit-flavored versions, which can counteract some of the health benefits.
Add Your Own Flavor: If you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in fresh fruit, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup yourself to control the sugar content.
Consider Consistency: For consistent gut benefits, incorporate probiotic yogurt into your diet regularly, perhaps aiming for a few servings per week.
Check the Date: Probiotic count can decline over time. Always check the 'best before' date to ensure you're getting the maximum number of live cultures.
Store Properly: Keep your Onken yogurt refrigerated. Heat can kill the live microorganisms, so proper storage is crucial.
Pair with Fibre: Prebiotic fibre, found in foods like bananas, oats, and apples, feeds probiotics and helps them thrive in your gut.

Conclusion: The Probiotic Verdict for Onken Yogurt

Based on manufacturer information and product labels, Onken yogurt does contain probiotics in the form of live and active cultures. For individuals seeking to incorporate beneficial bacteria into their diet, Onken's natural and fat-free products offer a convenient and accessible option. While some products may contain a wider array of cultures or higher concentrations, Onken provides a reliable source of well-documented strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which contribute to a healthy and balanced gut microbiome. By opting for the plain, low-sugar varieties and pairing them with other gut-healthy foods, you can effectively use Onken yogurt to support your overall wellness goals. You can find more information about their products and ingredients directly on their website: https://onken.co.uk/faqs/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Onken yogurts are naturally probiotic because they are made using a fermentation process with live bacterial cultures, which are retained in the final product.

You can confirm the presence of probiotics by checking the product label. Onken explicitly lists the live cultures used on its product pages and packaging.

Yes, high heat can kill live cultures. It is crucial to keep your Onken yogurt refrigerated and avoid cooking with it if your goal is to preserve the probiotic content.

The specific strains vary by product. For example, the Natural Set contains Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium, while the Natural includes Lactobacillus johnsonii and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Yes, Onken yogurt is suitable for gut health due to its live and active cultures. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

While many Greek yogurts are also probiotic, Onken provides a comparable option with confirmed live cultures. Greek yogurt is typically thicker and higher in protein, but the probiotic quality largely depends on the specific brand and cultures used.

Yes, daily consumption of plain, unsweetened Onken yogurt is generally safe and beneficial for maintaining good gut health as part of a balanced diet.