What foods contain Lactobacillus plantarum ps128?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 was originally isolated from fu-tsai, a traditional Taiwanese fermented vegetable dish. Although its origins trace back to this food, commercially available fermented foods do not reliably contain this specific, therapeutically studied strain.

Quick Summary

This article details that while general Lactobacillus plantarum exists in many fermented foods, the PS128 strain is specifically isolated from fu-tsai and primarily consumed through targeted supplements.

Key Points

Origin: The specific PS128 strain was originally isolated from fu-tsai, a Taiwanese fermented vegetable dish.
Food vs. Supplement: You cannot reliably obtain the PS128 strain from common fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi; it is found almost exclusively in targeted probiotic supplements.
General vs. Specific: Many fermented foods contain various strains of the general Lactobacillus plantarum species, but the concentration and presence of the specific PS128 strain are not guaranteed.
Clinical Use: The PS128 strain is specifically used in research and supplements for its psychobiotic effects and its influence on the gut-brain axis.
Standardization: Supplements provide a standardized, consistent dose of the PS128 strain, unlike the variable microbial content of fermented foods.

Understanding the Lactobacillus Plantarum PS128 Strain

Many people seek out specific probiotic strains to address targeted health concerns, and Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 has garnered significant attention for its potential benefits related to mood and cognitive health, particularly its function as a psychobiotic. The common misconception is that because it is a type of Lactobacillus, it must be present in everyday fermented foods like yogurt or sauerkraut. This is not the case. The strain PS128 was specifically isolated and cultivated from a traditional food for its unique properties, but it is not found naturally in a standardized way in common grocery store items.

The Surprising Origin: Fu-Tsai

Unlike the many strains of L. plantarum found broadly across the fermented food landscape, PS128 has a very specific origin. Researchers isolated the strain in 2007 from a Taiwanese fermented food called fu-tsai. Fu-tsai is a type of fermented vegetable product, similar to a pickle, that is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. This discovery highlights that while the general species L. plantarum is widespread, the specific PS128 strain is unique and not something you can reliably obtain through dietary intake alone.

Why You Won't Find PS128 in Regular Fermented Foods

The reason for the distinction between general L. plantarum and the PS128 strain lies in the manufacturing and research process. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles contain diverse and varying microbial profiles. The specific strains and their concentrations are dependent on numerous factors, including the fermentation process, ingredients, and environmental conditions.

For example, while kimchi is known to contain various strains of L. plantarum, there is no guarantee that the PS128 strain, or a sufficient therapeutic concentration, is present. Clinical studies evaluating the health benefits of PS128 use a controlled, concentrated dose of the specific, isolated strain. This level of standardization and specificity is only achievable through targeted probiotic supplementation, not through general food consumption.

Fermented Foods Containing the General L. plantarum Species

While PS128 is not a dietary item, many fermented foods are excellent sources of the broader L. plantarum species, which is still beneficial for gut health. If you are looking to increase your intake of this versatile lactic acid bacterium, consider adding the following foods to your diet:

Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage is a classic source, but ensure it's unpasteurized to preserve live cultures.
Kimchi: A spicy Korean fermented cabbage dish, kimchi is rich in various Lactobacillus strains.
Brined Olives: Fermentation plays a key role in the production of table olives, making them a source of L. plantarum.
Pickles: Fermented cucumber pickles, as opposed to those preserved in vinegar, can contain active cultures.
Sourdough Bread: The fermentation process for sourdough relies on lactic acid bacteria, including L. plantarum.
Some Cheeses: Certain cheeses, especially those made with specific starter cultures, can contain different L. plantarum strains.

How to Get PS128: Focusing on Supplements

For those specifically seeking the therapeutic effects of the PS128 strain, such as its studied impact on mood or exercise performance, supplements are the recommended and most reliable option. Probiotic supplements containing PS128 are formulated to deliver a precise, concentrated dose of the specific strain, ensuring consistency and efficacy that cannot be guaranteed with food sources. Research has shown that supplementation with PS128 has led to positive outcomes, such as modulating microbiota in athletes and influencing mood and behavior.

Comparison Table: Food vs. Supplement for Probiotic Strains


Feature	Fermented Foods (e.g., Kimchi, Sauerkraut)	Probiotic Supplements (Targeted Strains like PS128)
Strain Specificity	Contains diverse, unspecific strains of bacteria.	Delivers a precise, isolated, and tested strain (e.g., PS128).
Concentration	Varies widely based on fermentation process and product.	Standardized and guaranteed concentration (Colony Forming Units) per serving.
Therapeutic Reliability	Unreliable for targeted effects, as strain and dose are inconsistent.	Highly reliable for achieving specific therapeutic outcomes tested in research.
Source	Produced naturally, but microbial content is variable.	Manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure strain identity and purity.
Practicality	Part of a balanced, whole-food diet, but not for specific strain targeting.	Best option for those seeking a targeted, consistent dose for a specific health benefit.

Conclusion: The Right Source for the Right Probiotic

In summary, while the origins of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 can be traced back to a fermented food called fu-tsai, it is not present in standardized amounts in commercially available fermented foods. For anyone interested in the specific, clinically studied benefits of PS128, the most effective and reliable way to consume it is through a high-quality probiotic supplement. If you are simply looking to increase your intake of the broader L. plantarum species for general gut health, a variety of delicious and healthy fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and brined olives are excellent choices. Understanding this distinction allows you to make informed decisions and choose the right probiotic source for your health goals. You can learn more about PS128 and its research from authoritative sources like this NIH-archived study: Effect of Daily Oral Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on Exercise Performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 is a naturally occurring bacterium that was originally isolated from fu-tsai, a traditional fermented vegetable food product from Taiwan.

No, you cannot reliably get the specific PS128 strain from standard fermented foods like pickles or kimchi. While these foods contain the general L. plantarum species, the PS128 strain is typically only found in specific, targeted probiotic supplements.

To confirm if a supplement contains PS128, you must check the product label for the specific strain name, Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, often indicated with the PS128 trademarked identifier.

Yes, absolutely. Fermented foods are excellent sources of diverse beneficial bacteria and can be very healthy for your gut and overall well-being, even if they do not contain the specific PS128 strain.

Yes, Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 is known as a psychobiotic because it has been scientifically studied for its ability to influence mental health and cognitive function through the gut-brain axis.

Fu-tsai is a traditional Taiwanese fermented vegetable dish. It is the food source from which the unique and therapeutic PS128 strain of Lactobacillus plantarum was first isolated.

The specific strain is important because different strains of the same species can have different effects. Clinical studies on probiotics test specific strains like PS128, and a consistent, standardized dose is needed to achieve the particular health benefits observed in research.