What Brand of Yogurt Has the Highest Probiotics? A Look at Top Brands and Kefir

With probiotic counts in yogurt ranging from billions to over 500 billion CFUs per serving, not all fermented dairy is created equal. The answer to what brand of yogurt has the highest probiotics is more complex than it seems, as other cultured foods like kefir often surpass yogurt in live culture quantity and diversity.

Quick Summary

This article explores yogurt brands and other fermented dairy products known for their high probiotic content. It details what to look for when shopping and compares top brands to help you make the best choice for your gut health.

Key Points

• Check Labels: Look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal and specific bacterial strains, not just generic culture claims, to find the highest probiotic content.

• Consider Kefir: Fermented drinks like kefir often have a higher count and broader diversity of probiotic strains than most yogurts.

• Choose Plain Over Flavored: Unsweetened, plain yogurt or kefir is recommended to maximize health benefits and avoid added sugars that can negatively affect gut bacteria.

• Compare Brands: Brands like Activia, Chobani, Fage, Siggi's, and Stonyfield offer varying types and quantities of live cultures, often listed on the packaging.

• CFU Count Varies: The number of Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) can range dramatically between brands and even different product lines, so comparison is key.

• Support Probiotics with Prebiotics: Pairing probiotic foods with prebiotic fibers (found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Understanding Probiotic Count in Yogurt

The probiotic content in commercial yogurts varies widely and is influenced by several factors, including the strains used, the fermentation process, and the product's shelf life. By FDA standards, a product labeled "live and active cultures" must contain at least 100 million live bacterial cells (CFU) per gram at the time of manufacturing. However, this count can decrease over time. The key is to look beyond marketing claims and examine the label for specific details on CFU count and bacterial strains.

Factors Affecting Probiotic Potency

• Strains of Bacteria: Standard yogurt relies on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus for fermentation. Truly probiotic yogurts add specific strains like Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei to provide greater health benefits.
• Sugar Content: High amounts of added sugar can undermine the health benefits of probiotics, as sugar can feed less beneficial bacteria in the gut. Opting for plain, low-sugar versions is often the healthiest choice.
• Pasteurization: Post-fermentation pasteurization kills all live cultures, rendering the product non-probiotic. Always check for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal or a specific mention of live strains on the label.

Top Yogurt and Kefir Brands for Probiotics

When seeking the highest probiotic content, it is crucial to consider not just brands but also the specific product line. Some products are designed to deliver higher counts or a greater diversity of strains.

Activia

Dannon's Activia is one of the most widely recognized probiotic brands. It contains a unique strain called Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010, or "Bifidus Regularis," which has been clinically shown to help with digestive regularity and reduce minor digestive issues. Their products guarantee billions of live and active cultures in each serving.

Chobani

Chobani's Greek yogurts are known for their high protein content and diverse mix of probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium animalis. The brand provides multiple beneficial strains in quantities above the minimum required, making it a reliable choice for gut health.

Fage Total Greek Yogurt

Another authentic Greek yogurt, Fage Total, is a simple, high-protein option with live and active cultures like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Choosing the plain, unsweetened varieties is best for maximizing probiotic intake without added sugars.

Siggi's Skyr

Icelandic-style skyr like Siggi's is thicker and richer in protein than traditional yogurt. It is made with heirloom Icelandic cultures and contains beneficial bacteria like Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Siggi's is also notable for its low sugar content.

Stonyfield Organic

Stonyfield offers a range of organic yogurts with a generous supply of live and active cultures. Their products include beneficial strains like L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus, which support both digestive and immune health.

The Probiotic King: Kefir

While technically not a yogurt, kefir is a fermented milk drink that deserves special mention. It is made using kefir grains, which consist of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Kefir is often cited as a superior source of probiotics, containing significantly more strains (sometimes over 60) and a higher CFU count than most yogurts. Brands like Lifeway offer kefir with a very high number of cultures per serving.

Comparing Probiotic Dairy Options

Product	Probiotic Count (CFU)	Probiotic Diversity	Protein Content	Sugar Content
Kefir	Often billions or hundreds of billions	High (numerous strains and yeasts)	Moderate to High	Varies (choose plain to minimize)
Greek Yogurt	Billions (per serving)	Moderate	High	Varies (choose plain to minimize)
Icelandic Skyr	Billions (per serving)	Moderate	Very High	Varies (choose plain to minimize)
Standard Yogurt	Billions (per serving)	Low to Moderate	Moderate	Varies
Activia Yogurt	Guaranteed billions per serving	Specific strain for digestive health	Moderate	Varies (some low sugar options)

How to Choose the Right Probiotic Product

To ensure you are getting the most probiotic benefit, follow these guidelines:

• Read the Label: Look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal or a specific list of bacterial strains. The higher the CFU count, the more probiotics the product contains, though a balance of strains is also important.
• Check for Specific Strains: Different strains offer different potential benefits. If you have a specific health goal, such as improving digestive regularity, look for products with targeted strains like Bifidobacterium animalis (found in Activia).
• Avoid Added Sugars: Always opt for plain, unsweetened varieties. You can add your own flavorings with fresh fruit or a natural sweetener to control sugar intake.
• Consider Kefir: If your primary goal is maximizing probiotic intake, kefir is a powerful alternative with a broader spectrum of bacterial strains.
• Factor in Dietary Needs: For those with lactose intolerance, the straining process in Greek yogurt and the fermentation process in kefir reduce lactose content, making them easier to digest for some individuals. Dairy-free alternatives are also available, but be sure to verify their probiotic content.

Conclusion

While popular brands like Activia and Chobani offer reliable and specific probiotic benefits, the question of what brand of yogurt has the highest probiotics is best answered by considering kefir as a potent alternative. Brands known for their simple ingredients, diverse strains, and transparent labeling—such as Chobani, Fage, and Siggi's—provide excellent choices within the yogurt category. However, for maximum probiotic quantity and diversity, a fermented drink like kefir is often the superior option. Ultimately, reading the label for "Live and Active Cultures," checking for specific strains, and minimizing added sugar are the most important steps to take when choosing a probiotic food for optimal gut health. For further reading on the science behind probiotics and their benefits, Harvard Health provides an excellent resource.

• Harvard Health: How to get more probiotics

The Role of Live Cultures Versus Probiotics

Not all live cultures are probiotics. The live cultures required by the FDA for yogurt production (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) are used to ferment the milk but do not necessarily survive the GI tract to provide a health benefit. Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that have been specifically studied and shown to confer a health benefit when consumed. This distinction is why it is essential to check for specific probiotic strains, not just the generic live culture claim, when making your choice.

Optimizing Probiotic Intake for Health

For most people, a daily intake of probiotic-rich foods is beneficial for maintaining a balanced gut microbiota. Combining probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or kefir with prebiotic-rich foods (dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can further enhance gut health. Prebiotics serve as food for probiotics, helping them to thrive. Incorporating a variety of fermented foods can help diversify the types of beneficial bacteria you introduce to your system, promoting a more robust microbiome.

Beyond Dairy: Other Probiotic-Rich Options

For individuals with dairy sensitivities or those following a vegan diet, numerous plant-based yogurts contain added probiotics. These alternatives often use bases like coconut, soy, or cashew milk. As with dairy yogurts, it is crucial to check the label for confirmation of live and active cultures and to choose unsweetened varieties whenever possible. Other non-dairy fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha, also provide beneficial bacteria.

Conclusion

Choosing a probiotic yogurt with the highest count requires careful attention to product labels and an understanding of the difference between standard live cultures and specific probiotic strains. While a range of excellent yogurts from brands like Chobani, Fage, and Siggi's offer substantial probiotic content, fermented drinks like kefir consistently provide the most diverse and abundant cultures. By opting for plain, low-sugar products and considering a variety of fermented foods, you can effectively support your gut health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which yogurt brand has the most probiotics?

There is no single brand that universally has the 'most' probiotics in all its products. Kefir drinks, however, generally offer a higher number and a wider variety of probiotic strains than most yogurts. For yogurt, look for brands like Chobani, Activia, and Lifeway Kefir, and always check the label for CFU counts and specific strains.

Is kefir better than yogurt for probiotics?

Yes, in terms of probiotic quantity and diversity, kefir is typically considered better than yogurt. Made with kefir grains, it contains a wider spectrum of bacteria and yeasts, often resulting in a much higher CFU count per serving.

How do I know if my yogurt has live probiotics?

Check the packaging for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal from the National Yogurt Association or read the ingredients list for specific bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium. Some products are heat-treated after fermentation, which kills the beneficial cultures.

Is Greek yogurt or regular yogurt better for probiotics?

The straining process for Greek yogurt removes some whey but does not necessarily decrease probiotic levels; some studies suggest Greek yogurt might have higher concentrations. Ultimately, the specific strains and CFU count matter more than the yogurt style.

Does Activia yogurt have a lot of probiotics?

Yes, Activia guarantees a high number of live and active cultures, specifically mentioning over 1 billion per serving of its signature strain, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis. This strain is well-known for its digestive health benefits.

Should I choose low-fat or full-fat probiotic yogurt?

For probiotic purposes, the fat content is less important than the presence of live cultures and low sugar. However, some nutritionists recommend full-fat versions as they may be more satiating and help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Do dairy-free yogurts have probiotics?

Yes, many dairy-free yogurts made from plant-based milks are fortified with probiotics. It is important to read the label to confirm the inclusion of live and active cultures and to check the CFU count.