What brand of yogurt has probiotics?

Not all yogurts contain beneficial live and active cultures, with a recent study confirming that probiotic bacteria can impact yogurt's quality and safety. To ensure you are getting the health benefits, it is important to know what brand of yogurt has probiotics by checking the label for specific strains and the Live and Active Cultures seal.

Quick Summary

Identifying yogurt brands with probiotics requires checking labels for live and active cultures. Popular options include Activia, Chobani, Stonyfield, and Fage, each with unique probiotic strains. Selecting a product with specific, proven probiotic benefits can help support digestive and immune health.

Key Points

• Check the Label: Always look for the 'Live & Active Cultures' seal and specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on yogurt packaging to ensure it contains probiotics.

• Activia for Digestive Health: This brand is specifically marketed for digestive regularity, featuring the proprietary probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010.

• High-Protein Greek Yogurt: Brands like Chobani and Fage offer protein-rich Greek yogurt with live cultures, including L. acidophilus and Bifidus.

• Kefir Offers High Probiotic Count: Drinkable kefir from brands like Lifeway can provide a higher and more diverse count of probiotic strains compared to many traditional yogurts.

• Choose Plain and Organic: For maximum probiotic benefits and to avoid excess sugar, opt for plain, organic yogurts from brands like Stonyfield and Fage, which often have simpler ingredient lists.

• Benefits are Strain-Specific: The specific health benefits of a probiotic yogurt, such as improved digestion or immune support, depend on the particular strains of bacteria it contains.

What to Look for on a Yogurt Label

Simply seeing "yogurt" on a container doesn't guarantee a product contains probiotics. The heat-treating process that some yogurts undergo can kill the beneficial bacteria. To find a true probiotic yogurt, always check the label for two key indicators: the "Live & Active Cultures" seal and a list of specific bacteria strains. Look for names such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus. The best options often have simple ingredients and minimal added sugar, as sweeteners can sometimes reduce the health benefits.

Popular Yogurt Brands with Probiotics

Activia

Activia is perhaps one of the most well-known probiotic yogurt brands, specifically marketed for digestive health. It is part of the Danone family of products and includes a proprietary probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010 (or Bifidus ActiRegularis). The company suggests that consuming Activia twice a day for two weeks can help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas. Activia's regular and drinkable products contain a blend of five ferments, including their exclusive probiotic, designed to survive the gastrointestinal tract. Activia also offers kefir products with an even wider array of strains.

Chobani

Chobani is a popular brand specializing in Greek yogurt, known for its high protein content and thick, creamy texture. Chobani products, including their traditional and specialized Probiotic lines, contain multiple live and active cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, and Bifidobacterium animalis. The brand's Probiotic portfolio includes yogurt cups and drinks with a diverse blend of scientifically confirmed probiotic strains for immune, digestive, and gut health. Chobani also offers non-dairy options and a variety of flavored and zero-sugar products.

Stonyfield Organic

Stonyfield Organic products are made with 100% organic milk from pasture-raised cows and are packed with billions of probiotics. Their plain whole milk probiotic yogurt includes several live and active cultures: S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium BB-12®, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus. The use of organic, non-GMO ingredients is a key feature of the brand. Stonyfield also produces kefir and yogurt products for babies and children.

Siggi's Icelandic Skyr

Siggi's is known for its Icelandic-style skyr, a thick and creamy cultured dairy product that is high in protein and low in sugar. Siggi's products are made with simple ingredients and contain live active cultures, including Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and L. paracasei. Their skyr is strained to make it thicker and richer in protein compared to regular yogurt.

Fage Total Greek Yogurt

Fage offers an authentic, protein-rich Greek yogurt made from simple ingredients: milk and live active cultures. Fage products contain cultures such as L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. casei. With no added sugar in its plain varieties, it's a great option for those who want a pure source of probiotics and protein. Fage is available in different fat percentages to suit dietary needs.

Lifeway Kefir

Lifeway is a brand specializing in kefir, a drinkable cultured dairy product that often has a higher probiotic count and a broader range of strains than traditional yogurt. Lifeway Kefir contains 12 live and active probiotic cultures and 25–30 billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) per serving. Their cultures include strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and even yeasts like Saccharomyces florentinus, making it a powerful probiotic source. It is also up to 99% lactose-free due to the fermentation process.

Comparison of Probiotic Yogurt Brands

Brand	Product Type	Key Probiotic Strains	Key Features
Activia	Yogurt, Drinks	Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010 (Bifidus ActiRegularis)	Specifically targets digestive regularity, various flavors, and low-sugar options.
Chobani	Greek Yogurt, Drinks	L. acidophilus, L. casei, B. animalis	High in protein, low fat options, diverse culture blend, available in cups and drinks.
Stonyfield	Organic Yogurt	Bifidobacterium BB-12®, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei	Organic ingredients, non-GMO, contains a diverse set of active cultures.
Siggi's	Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)	Bifidobacterium lactis, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei	High protein, lower sugar, thick texture, and simple ingredient list.
Fage Total	Greek Yogurt	L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus	Protein-rich, no added sugar in plain varieties, made with milk and live cultures only.
Lifeway	Kefir (Drink)	L. lactis, L. rhamnosus, B. longum, etc.	High CFU count (25-30 billion), wide variety of cultures, often tolerated by lactose-sensitive individuals.

Conclusion

While many popular yogurt brands contain probiotics, not all are created equal. Brands like Activia, Chobani, Stonyfield, Siggi's, Fage, and Lifeway offer different formulations and features. Your choice depends on your specific health goals, such as focusing on high protein, low sugar, or a specific probiotic strain. For those with lactose sensitivity, kefir from brands like Lifeway may be a better option. The most important step is always to check the product label for the "Live & Active Cultures" seal and a specific list of probiotic bacteria strains. Incorporating probiotic-rich yogurt into a balanced diet can support your gut health and overall well-being. For a deeper understanding of the scientific basis for probiotic benefits, explore authoritative resources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Lists of Probiotic Strains to Look For

• For Digestive Comfort: Bifidobacterium animalis lactis (Bifidus ActiRegularis), often found in Activia products.
• For General Gut Health: A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei, commonly found in Chobani and Fage.
• For Immunity Support: A broader spectrum of strains, such as those found in Lifeway Kefir, which includes various Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.
• For Lactose Intolerance: The fermentation process in kefir, and the live cultures in some yogurts, can aid in lactose digestion.
• High Protein & Low Sugar: Icelandic-style skyr from brands like Siggi's, with cultures including Bifidobacterium lactis and L. acidophilus.

Tips for Choosing the Best Probiotic Yogurt

• Read the label carefully: Don't rely on brand marketing alone; check the ingredients list for specific live and active cultures.
• Consider your health goals: Choose a brand that aligns with your specific needs, whether it's improved digestion, higher protein intake, or low sugar.
• Beware of added sugar: Many flavored yogurts are high in sugar, which can undermine the health benefits. Opt for plain versions and sweeten naturally with fruit or honey.
• Explore different product types: Kefir, for example, offers a higher concentration and variety of probiotics than many traditional yogurts.
• Look for quality milk: Brands like Stonyfield Organic use organic, pasture-raised milk, which may be a factor for some consumers.

The Role of Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that can provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient amounts, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity. They are added to yogurt during the fermentation process, which also helps create the product's texture and tangy flavor. Regular consumption is key to maintaining the benefit, as the beneficial bacteria do not permanently colonize the gut. Eating probiotic-rich yogurt as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall digestive well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brand of yogurt for probiotics?

The best brand depends on your health needs. Activia is well-known for digestive regularity, while Lifeway Kefir offers a very high and diverse probiotic count. Chobani and Fage are excellent high-protein options. For organic choices, Stonyfield is a good pick.

Does all yogurt have probiotics?

No, not all yogurt contains probiotics. While all yogurts are made with live and active cultures, some undergo a heat-treating process that kills the beneficial bacteria. Always check the label for a list of specific probiotic strains and the "Live & Active Cultures" seal.

Is Activia the only yogurt with probiotics?

No, Activia is not the only yogurt with probiotics. While it contains a unique, patented probiotic strain, many other brands like Chobani, Fage, Stonyfield, and Siggi's also include live and active cultures.

What's the difference between probiotic yogurt and kefir?

Kefir is a drinkable cultured dairy product, while yogurt is typically thicker. Kefir often contains a higher number of probiotic cultures and a greater diversity of bacterial strains, including some yeasts.

Are Chobani yogurts good for gut health?

Yes, many Chobani products, including their Greek and dedicated Probiotic lines, contain multiple live and active cultures like L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, which can support gut health.

Can people with lactose intolerance eat probiotic yogurt?

Some individuals with mild lactose intolerance may tolerate probiotic yogurts better than other dairy products. The live cultures help break down lactose. Kefir, in particular, is often up to 99% lactose-free due to its fermentation process.

Why should I choose plain, unsweetened probiotic yogurt?

Opting for plain, unsweetened yogurt allows you to avoid unnecessary added sugars, which can counteract some of the health benefits. You can add natural sweetness by mixing in fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.