Which Brand of Yogurt Has Lactobacillus in It? A Guide to Probiotic Options

According to the National Yogurt Association (NYA), for a refrigerated product to carry its seal, it must contain at least 100 million live and active cultures per gram at the time of manufacture. This confirms that many popular yogurt brands contain beneficial bacteria, including specific strains of Lactobacillus, which are essential for digestive health.

Quick Summary

Several yogurt brands, including Chobani, Dannon, Fage, Siggi's, and Stonyfield, contain various Lactobacillus strains. Consumers can identify these probiotic-rich products by looking for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal or checking the ingredient list for specific bacterial strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. Plain, lower-sugar varieties are often recommended for maximizing probiotic benefits.

Key Points

• Diverse Brands: Many brands contain Lactobacillus, including Chobani, Activia, Fage, Siggi's, Stonyfield, and Yoplait, among others.

• How to Verify: Look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal from the National Yogurt Association (NYA) or check the ingredient list for specific Lactobacillus strains.

• Choose Low Sugar: To maximize probiotic benefits, opt for plain, unsweetened yogurts and add your own toppings instead of highly sweetened, flavored versions.

• Avoid Heat-Treated Products: Some yogurts are pasteurized after fermentation, which kills off the live cultures. Ensure the label confirms the presence of active bacteria.

• Kefir as an Alternative: For a wider variety of probiotic strains, consider kefir, a fermented milk drink that often contains more types of beneficial bacteria and yeast than traditional yogurt.

• Targeted Benefits: Specific Lactobacillus strains offer different health benefits; for example, L. acidophilus aids lactose digestion, while L. casei may help with diarrhea.

• Reading Ingredients is Key: The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list, which specifies the bacterial strains used.

Understanding Lactobacillus and its Role in Yogurt

Lactobacillus is a genus of beneficial bacteria commonly used in fermented foods like yogurt. The bacteria consume the milk's sugar (lactose) and produce lactic acid, which gives yogurt its characteristic tangy flavor and thick texture. Beyond fermentation, these live cultures, often called probiotics, can provide numerous health benefits for the consumer, including supporting a balanced gut microbiome, aiding digestion, and boosting the immune system.

It is important to note that not all yogurts contain high levels of live and active cultures. Some products, particularly those that are heat-treated after fermentation, may have killed off the beneficial bacteria to extend shelf life. Therefore, knowing which brands specifically cultivate and maintain these cultures is key for consumers seeking the probiotic benefits of yogurt.

Popular Brands of Yogurt with Lactobacillus

Several well-known yogurt brands deliberately include multiple strains of Lactobacillus and other probiotics to promote gut health. Consumers can easily find this information by checking the product labels.

• Chobani: This popular Greek yogurt brand contains several live and active cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. Their products are known for being a good source of protein and probiotics.
• Activia (by Dannon): Activia is specifically marketed for digestive health and includes its signature probiotic culture, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis, alongside the standard yogurt cultures Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Fage: This Greek yogurt, pronounced "fa-yeh," contains a blend of five active cultures, often including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. It is available in various fat percentages.
• Stonyfield Organic: Offering a range of organic yogurt products, Stonyfield ensures their products contain live active cultures and are verified non-GMO. Their product lineup includes both regular and Greek yogurt options.
• Siggi's: An Icelandic-style yogurt (skyr) known for its high protein and low sugar content, Siggi's includes live cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
• Yoplait: Many of Yoplait's standard yogurt varieties contain Lactobacillus acidophilus. However, it is always wise to check the label, especially for flavored or light versions, which may have higher sugar content.
• Noosa: This Australian-style yogurt includes live and active cultures in its ingredients, with many of its products being non-GMO.
• Kefir: While not a yogurt, kefir is a fermented milk drink with a wider and more diverse range of probiotics than many traditional yogurts. Brands like Lifeway offer kefir containing multiple Lactobacillus and other beneficial cultures.

How to Choose the Best Yogurt for Probiotics

When selecting a yogurt specifically for its probiotic content, it's crucial to look beyond brand names and focus on the product label. Here are key things to consider:

1. "Live and Active Cultures" Seal: Look for the seal from the National Yogurt Association (NYA). This verifies that the product contains at least 100 million cultures per gram at the time of manufacturing.
2. Read the Ingredient List: The most definitive way to know what strains are present is to read the ingredient list, where the specific Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains should be listed.
3. Choose Low Sugar Options: High sugar content can counteract the health benefits of probiotics. Opt for plain or unsweetened versions and add your own fresh fruit or natural sweeteners if desired.
4. Check for Pasteurized After Fermentation: If a yogurt is pasteurized after fermentation, it will have little to no live cultures. This process kills the beneficial bacteria along with any other microorganisms.
5. Consider Variety: Different strains offer different benefits. By mixing up the brands or types of yogurt you consume, you can introduce a broader range of beneficial bacteria to your gut.

A Comparison of Popular Probiotic Yogurt Brands

Feature	Chobani	Activia	Fage	Siggi's	Stonyfield Organic
Key Lactobacillus Strains	L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. bulgaricus	L. bulgaricus, L. lactis, + exclusive Bifidobacterium	L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei	L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium	L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium
Product Type	Greek yogurt	Greek, low-fat, and drinkable	Greek yogurt	Skyr (Icelandic-style)	Regular and Greek yogurt
Main Selling Point	High protein Greek style	Digestive regularity	Thick, creamy texture	High protein, low sugar	Organic ingredients, pasture-raised
Added Sugar Options	Available in sweetened flavors and low-sugar options	Available in various flavors, some with high sugar	Best in plain, unsweetened versions	Focus on low sugar; flavored options are minimal	Options include both plain and fruit-flavored varieties
Ideal For	Daily protein boost	Specific digestive health goals	Versatile, for savory and sweet dishes	High-protein, clean eating diets	Those seeking organic, natural products

The Health Benefits of Lactobacillus

Beyond simply existing in yogurt, the presence of Lactobacillus contributes to overall wellness. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps to create a slightly acidic environment in the gut that is inhospitable to certain harmful bacteria. Furthermore, specific strains have been shown to provide targeted health benefits. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus is known to assist in lactose digestion and support the immune response. Lactobacillus casei has been studied for its potential to help with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. By consuming a variety of yogurts containing these different strains, you can expose your gut to a broader spectrum of beneficial microorganisms.

Lists of Yogurt with Lactobacillus Strains

• Brands Containing L. acidophilus:
  • Chobani
  • Fage
  • Yoplait
  • Siggi's
  • Stonyfield Organic
• Brands Containing L. casei:
  • Activia (contains L. casei in addition to its main probiotic)
  • Fage
  • Yakult (drinkable yogurt)
  • The Collective Dairy Straight Up Yogurt
• Brands to Check for Variety:
  • Lifeway Kefir (contains 12 live and active cultures)
  • Nancy's Organic (offers a wide range including dairy-free)

Conclusion: Choosing Your Lactobacillus Yogurt

Several reputable brands offer yogurt containing Lactobacillus and other beneficial probiotics. The best choice depends on your specific needs, whether that's a high-protein option like Siggi's or Fage, a product aimed at digestive regularity like Activia, or an organic choice like Stonyfield. To ensure you are getting the full probiotic benefit, always look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal and prioritize products with low added sugar. A diverse approach, incorporating different brands and types of fermented dairy like kefir, can further enrich your gut microbiome and contribute to overall digestive health. A good rule of thumb is to check the ingredient list for specific strains and aim for plain, natural versions to maximize the benefits of the live bacteria.

Here is a fantastic resource on probiotics and their health impacts from a comprehensive review published in Gut Microbes.

Final Checklist for Selecting a Probiotic Yogurt

1. Check for the NYA Seal: Ensures high numbers of live cultures at the time of production.
2. Read the Label: Confirms the presence of specific strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus casei.
3. Choose Plain or Low-Sugar: Minimizes added sugar that can negate health benefits.
4. Confirm No Post-Fermentation Pasteurization: Prevents the cultures from being killed off during processing.
5. Consider Kefir for Diversity: Offers a broader spectrum of bacterial strains.

By following these steps, you can confidently select a yogurt brand that provides the probiotic power of Lactobacillus for improved gut and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Activia have Lactobacillus?

Yes, Activia contains Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, along with its signature probiotic culture, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis.

Is all yogurt a probiotic yogurt?

No, not all yogurt is probiotic. Some manufacturers heat-treat their yogurt after fermentation, a process that kills off the live and active cultures. Always check the label for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal to be sure.

What is the best way to choose a healthy probiotic yogurt?

The best way is to choose a plain, low-sugar variety with the "Live and Active Cultures" seal. Read the ingredient list to identify specific strains and consider unsweetened Greek or Icelandic yogurt for higher protein and lower sugar content.

Can I get Lactobacillus from dairy-free yogurts?

Yes, many plant-based yogurt alternatives (like those made from coconut, almond, or cashew milk) are fortified with live and active cultures. It is crucial to check the product label, as with dairy-based options, to ensure they contain probiotics.

Which yogurt has the highest number of probiotic strains?

While many yogurts contain several strains, fermented milk products like kefir (e.g., Lifeway) often contain a wider and more diverse range of bacteria and yeasts than traditional yogurt.

How can I tell if the Lactobacillus in my yogurt is still active?

The most reliable indicator is the "Live and Active Cultures" seal from the National Yogurt Association. The seal certifies that the product met a minimum threshold of live bacteria at the time of manufacture. Always check the expiration date and ensure the product has been properly refrigerated.

What is the difference between Lactobacillus in yogurt and a probiotic pill?

Probiotic foods like yogurt provide beneficial bacteria in a food matrix that can help buffer stomach acid, potentially increasing the bacteria's survival to the intestines. Yogurt also provides other nutrients like protein and calcium, which are not present in probiotic pills.