Stonyfield's Commitment to Live and Active Cultures
Stonyfield Organic has long promoted the inclusion of live and active cultures in their products, a practice that dates back to the brand's founding. All of their refrigerated yogurts are made using a specific blend of cultures, which are listed on the packaging. This includes the basic starter cultures necessary to create yogurt, as well as additional probiotic strains in many of their products. The presence of these cultures is what gives yogurt its characteristic flavor, texture, and potential health benefits.
The Specific Strains in Stonyfield Yogurt
Stonyfield is transparent about the bacterial cultures used in their products. A typical plain whole milk probiotic yogurt from Stonyfield contains a blend of six different live and active cultures:
- S. thermophilus
- L. bulgaricus
- Bifidobacterium BB-12®
- L. acidophilus
- L. paracasei
- L. rhamnosus
This specific combination of cultures is intentionally chosen to contribute to both the taste profile and the potential health benefits of the yogurt. The blend often includes strains that support immunity and digestive wellness when consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet.
The Role of Live and Active Cultures in Digestion
The live microorganisms in yogurt, including those in Stonyfield, play a crucial role in digestive health. For individuals with lactose sensitivity, these bacteria can help break down some of the lactose in the product, making it easier to digest. Beyond this, these beneficial microbes support the overall gut microbiome, which is the community of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome is vital for numerous bodily functions, including digestion, immunity, and even mental wellbeing.
How to Tell if a Yogurt Has Live Cultures
To ensure you are purchasing a yogurt with live cultures, always check the product label. The National Yogurt Association (NYA) created a "Live & Active Cultures" (LAC) seal program for manufacturers who meet a certain threshold of viable cultures at the time of production. While this seal is a quick indicator, it is not mandatory, and some brands with live cultures may not feature it. As seen with Stonyfield, another reliable method is to read the ingredient list, which explicitly names the cultures used.
Live and Active Cultures vs. Probiotics
While all yogurts with live and active cultures contain living microorganisms, it is important to understand the distinction between general "live cultures" and specific "probiotics." The term probiotic is reserved for live microorganisms that have a scientifically proven health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts.
Comparison Table: Live Cultures vs. Probiotics
| Feature | Live and Active Cultures | Probiotics |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | General term for live microorganisms used in the fermentation of food. | Specific live microorganisms with a documented health benefit when consumed. |
| Effect | Can improve taste and texture; may aid in lactose digestion. | Offers specific health advantages, such as supporting digestive or immune health. |
| Labeling | Often indicated by "Live & Active Cultures" or named bacterial strains. | Labeled with genus, species, and specific strain names, e.g., Bifidobacterium BB-12®. |
| Survival | May not survive food processing or the journey through the digestive tract. | Selected and processed to ensure survival through digestion to confer health benefits. |
| Stonyfield Example | Starter cultures: S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus. | Added strains for probiotic benefits: Bifidobacterium BB-12®, L. acidophilus. |
Sourcing and Quality at Stonyfield
As an organic brand, Stonyfield emphasizes the use of high-quality, organic milk from pasture-raised cows in its products. This commitment to organic farming and high-quality ingredients is part of the brand's larger mission and aligns with consumer desires for natural, healthier food options. The company ensures its yogurt is made without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Yogurt with Live Cultures
To get the most out of your Stonyfield yogurt, consider these tips:
- Read the Label: Confirm the presence of specific strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on the ingredient list to ensure you're getting robust probiotic benefits.
- Choose Plain: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients. You can add your own natural sweeteners like fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
- Pair with Prebiotics: Combine your yogurt with prebiotic-rich foods like bananas, oats, or berries. Prebiotics act as food for the good bacteria, helping them thrive.
- Eat Regularly: For sustained digestive and immune support, consume yogurt with live cultures as a regular part of your diet.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to "Does Stonyfield yogurt have live and active cultures?" is a resounding yes. The brand explicitly lists the specific cultures on its labels and actively promotes its use of beneficial probiotic strains to support digestive and immune health. By understanding the difference between general live cultures and targeted probiotic strains, and by reading the ingredient list, consumers can make informed decisions to best support their health goals with Stonyfield products. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, Stonyfield yogurt provides a convenient and tasty way to incorporate these beneficial microbes into your daily routine.
Can yogurt be too old for its live cultures to be effective?
Yes, over time the viability and quantity of live cultures can decrease, which is why expiration dates are important for ensuring the product contains adequate levels of beneficial bacteria. However, refrigerated yogurts generally maintain a high count of cultures until the expiration date.
What is the Live and Active Cultures (LAC) seal?
The LAC seal, created by the National Yogurt Association, is a voluntary emblem that assures a product contains a minimum number of live bacteria at the time of manufacture (100 million per gram for refrigerated yogurt). Stonyfield meets this standard, though not all brands display the seal.
Can Stonyfield yogurt help with digestive issues like IBS?
Yogurt with specific live cultures, including some strains found in Stonyfield, may help alleviate symptoms of some digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, individual results can vary, and it is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is there a difference in live cultures between Greek and regular Stonyfield yogurt?
The core live cultures are generally the same, but Stonyfield's Greek-style yogurts are strained to remove whey, which can alter the final concentration of cultures and protein content. Both contain beneficial microbes, but the straining process makes Greek yogurt thicker and more protein-dense.
Are the live cultures in Stonyfield yogurt still effective if frozen?
No, freezing yogurt will kill a significant portion of the live and active cultures, reducing or eliminating their health benefits. For probiotic benefits, refrigerated yogurt is the better choice.
Is pasteurization a concern for the live cultures in yogurt?
The milk used to make yogurt is pasteurized before fermentation to kill harmful bacteria. The live and active cultures are added after this process, so their viability is not affected. Only post-fermentation heat-treating would kill the live cultures.
What if I can't find the specific cultures on the label?
If the cultures are not explicitly listed, the product may contain only the two required starter cultures, L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, but not additional probiotic strains. When seeking specific health benefits, look for labels that name additional strains like L. acidophilus or Bifidobacterium.
