What is the American Equivalent of Actimel?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Probiotic products are actively sought by nearly one-third of American consumers, according to the International Food Information Council. Many are familiar with the European beverage Actimel, but are unsure of a direct equivalent in the United States. The American counterpart is manufactured by the same company, Danone, but sold under the name DanActive.

Quick Summary

DanActive is the American equivalent of Actimel, produced by Danone, containing the exclusive L. Casei strain. Other popular US probiotic options include Kefir, Kombucha, and various yogurt shots, each offering different probiotic strains and flavors.

Key Points

Direct Equivalent: DanActive is the official American equivalent of Actimel, produced by the same company, Danone, using the same core Lactobacillus casei strain.
Primary Strain: The key probiotic in both Actimel and DanActive is L. casei Danone, known for its digestive and immune-supporting properties.
Kefir as an Alternative: For a wider variety of probiotic strains, American consumers can opt for Kefir, a tangy fermented milk drink with a broader microbial profile.
Kombucha for Variety: Kombucha offers a dairy-free, fizzy alternative sourced from fermented tea, providing a different type of probiotic and a unique flavor experience.
Diverse Market: The U.S. market includes other major players like Yakult, Chobani, and Lifeway, each with unique probiotic shots and yogurt drinks.
How to Choose: To select the best option, consumers should focus on the specific probiotic strains, CFU count, and ingredients, rather than just the brand name.
Growing Industry: The American probiotic beverage market is expanding rapidly, with increasing consumer awareness driving demand for functional health drinks.

DanActive: The Direct U.S. Equivalent

Consumers looking for a direct substitute for Actimel in the U.S. market will find Danone's DanActive, which is sold in the United States and Canada. Like its European counterpart, DanActive is a drinkable probiotic shot based on yogurt. It features the identical, unique strain of Lactobacillus casei (specifically L. casei CNCM I-1518, also known as L. casei Danone) that is a core component of Actimel. This specific bacterial culture is essential to the product's formulation and its immune-supporting properties, which are often fortified with vitamins D and B6. While Actimel highlights its L. casei cultures and vitamins for immune support, DanActive offers the same core proposition under a different name to fit the North American market.

Exploring Broader American Probiotic Alternatives

While DanActive is the exact American version of Actimel, the U.S. market provides a wide array of probiotic drink options beyond the Danone brand. These alternatives vary in their base, probiotic strains, and overall nutritional profile, accommodating a diverse range of dietary needs and preferences.

Other Popular Probiotic Choices in the U.S.

Kefir: Kefir is a traditional fermented milk drink, offering a tangier flavor and a wider spectrum of beneficial bacteria and yeast than standard yogurt drinks. Brands such as Lifeway Foods are widely available and offer both dairy and non-dairy kefir options.
Kombucha: This fermented tea offers a different type of probiotic experience. Kombucha is known for its fizzy texture and tangy-sweet flavor, and it includes a variety of probiotics from the fermentation of tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). Major brands are GT's Living Foods and Health-Ade.
Yakult: A long-standing global competitor to Actimel, Yakult is also a drinkable probiotic shot, though its formulation is different, using the strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota. It has a distinct flavor and is a popular option in the American market for a daily probiotic boost.
Other Probiotic Shots and Yogurt Drinks: Many other brands offer probiotic shots or yogurt drinks. For instance, Chobani produces drinkable probiotic yogurts, while brands like So Good So You focus on organic, plant-based probiotic shots with specific functional benefits.

Comparison Table: Actimel vs. U.S. Probiotic Options


Feature	Actimel (Europe)	DanActive (U.S.)	Kefir (e.g., Lifeway)	Kombucha (e.g., GT's)	Yakult (U.S. & Global)
Manufacturer	Danone	Danone	Various (e.g., Lifeway)	Various (e.g., GT's)	Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
Key Probiotic Strain	L. casei Danone	L. casei Danone	Diverse array of bacteria & yeast	Diverse bacteria & yeast from SCOBY	L. casei Shirota
Product Format	Small yogurt-based shot	Small yogurt-based shot	Thinner fermented milk drink	Fermented sweetened tea	Small fermented skim milk shot
Flavor/Texture	Creamy, mild, sweet	Creamy, mild, sweet	Tangier, thinner than yogurt	Fizzy, tangy, sweet or sour	Tangy, distinct citrus-like flavor
Primary Function	Immune support, gut health	Immune support, gut health	Gut health, digestive well-being	Gut health, detoxifying effects	Gut health, digestion
CFU Count	Approx. 10 billion per bottle	Approx. 10 billion per bottle	Often higher and more diverse	Variable, depends on brand and batch	Approx. 8 billion per bottle

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

When choosing a probiotic drink, it's important to consider individual health goals and dietary needs, rather than focusing solely on the brand name. The key to probiotic efficacy is in the specific strains and the quantity of live cultures (CFU count) delivered to the gut. The European Actimel and its American equivalent DanActive are scientifically studied to support digestive and immune health, but other alternatives offer unique benefits.

For example, if the goal is to introduce a broader range of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, kefir may be the superior choice. If a dairy-free, low-calorie option with a different flavor profile is preferred, kombucha offers a distinct alternative. Always check the product label for the specific strain names and CFU count at the time of consumption to ensure a product with verifiable benefits. Additionally, it's essential to check the sugar content, as some flavored versions can be high in added sugars, which can counteract the health benefits.

Conclusion: A Diverse and Growing Market

The short answer to "what is the American equivalent of Actimel?" is DanActive, a product from the same company that shares a core formula. However, the U.S. probiotic market is a vast landscape of options, including kefir, kombucha, and various other probiotic shots. The right drink depends on your specific health goals, dietary preferences, and taste. With growing consumer awareness of gut health, the market continues to expand with new and innovative products, offering more choices than ever before. Consulting a healthcare provider can also help determine the most suitable probiotic product for your individual needs.

How to Choose the Right Probiotic Drink for You

Read the label carefully to identify the specific probiotic strains and CFU count.
Consider your diet, choosing between dairy, non-dairy, water-based, or tea-based options.
Prioritize products with low added sugar to maximize the health benefits.
Opt for reputable brands that provide transparent information about their products.
Experiment with different options to find a taste and texture you enjoy, as consistency is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Actimel is not sold under its European name in the U.S. market. The same company, Danone, sells an identical product called DanActive in the United States and Canada.

There is no significant difference in the core product. Both are yogurt-based probiotic shots made by Danone using the same exclusive Lactobacillus casei Danone culture and are formulated for digestive and immune support. The only difference is the brand name used for different geographic markets.

No, Activia and Actimel (DanActive) are distinct products from the same company, Danone, featuring different probiotic strains. Activia uses Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494, while Actimel/DanActive uses Lactobacillus casei Danone.

Yes, Kefir is an excellent and widely available alternative. It is a fermented milk drink that often contains a broader and more diverse range of probiotic bacteria and yeasts than Actimel.

Beyond DanActive, popular probiotic drink options in the U.S. include Lifeway Kefir, kombucha brands like GT's Living Foods and Health-Ade, Yakult probiotic shots, and probiotic yogurt drinks from Chobani.

The FDA regulates probiotic dietary supplements but treats them differently than drugs. Manufacturers must ensure their claims are truthful and non-misleading but are not required to prove efficacy and safety in the same way as medications.

The best probiotic drink depends on your health goals and dietary needs. Factors to consider include specific strains, CFU count, sugar content, and dairy vs. non-dairy options. Consulting a doctor or dietitian can help make a personalized choice.