What Soda Has Probiotics in It? Top Brands & Healthy Choices

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 survey by the American Gastroenterological Association, nearly 40% of Americans report daily activities are disrupted by GI issues, driving increased interest in gut-healthy beverages. This is fueling the demand for products like probiotic sodas, which aim to deliver beneficial bacteria in a familiar, fizzy format.

Quick Summary

Several brands have launched new sodas containing live, beneficial bacteria to support gut health and offer a healthier alternative to conventional sugary soft drinks. Popular options include Culture Pop and Wildwonder, which feature specific probiotic strains for digestive support. These functional beverages can be a tasty way to increase your probiotic intake, but they should not replace a diverse, whole-food diet.

Key Points

Culture Pop: A prominent probiotic soda brand sweetened with fruit juice and containing the resilient Bacillus Subtilis DE111 strain.
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: Probiotic sodas add live bacteria, while prebiotic sodas add fiber to feed existing gut bacteria.
Low Sugar is Key: Most probiotic sodas are lower in sugar than traditional versions, but checking labels for added sugars and sweeteners is important for gut health.
Home Brewing: You can make your own probiotic soda using a natural starter like a ginger bug, giving you full control over ingredients.
Not a Replacement for Whole Foods: Probiotic sodas should supplement, not substitute, a diverse diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and fermented items.
Strain Matters: The viability of probiotics through the digestive system is crucial, so look for brands with clinically tested, shelf-stable strains.

Top Brands of Probiotic Soda

In recent years, the beverage market has exploded with functional drinks that contain probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health. While not all of these fizzy drinks are the same, several notable brands stand out for their inclusion of live probiotic cultures.

Culture Pop

Probiotic Strain: Uses Bacillus Subtilis DE111, a clinically tested, shelf-stable strain.
Sweetener: Primarily fruit juice, resulting in a less sweet, more natural taste.
Flavors: Known for unique, fruity combinations like Strawberry & Rhubarb and Ginger Lemon & Turmeric.

Wildwonder

Probiotic Strain: Includes the Bacillus subtilis strain, which supports digestive health.
Sweetener: A blend of fruit juice, agave nectar, and monk fruit.
Additional Ingredients: Wildwonder uniquely incorporates both prebiotics (fiber) and probiotics in its drinks, inspired by herbal tonics.

Cove

Probiotic Strain: Each can contains 1 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis DE111.
Sweetener: Uses erythritol and stevia, which some people may be sensitive to.
Flavors: Offers classic soda flavors like Root Beer and Classic Cola, catering to traditional soda drinkers.

Fermented Traditional Sodas

Some probiotic sodas are traditional fermented beverages rather than modern concoctions. De La Calle Tepache is a prime example, a Mexican drink made from pineapple rinds that contains naturally occurring probiotics from fermentation. Likewise, homemade probiotic sodas can be crafted using a starter culture like a ginger bug or water kefir grains, which introduces beneficial bacteria.

Probiotic vs. Prebiotic Sodas: What's the Difference?

The world of gut-healthy beverages can be confusing, with both probiotic and prebiotic options on the market. Understanding the key differences is essential for making an informed choice.

Probiotics

What they are: Live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that can provide health benefits when consumed.
How they work: When ingested, they add beneficial microbes to your existing gut microbiome.
Sodas: Probiotic sodas contain these live cultures, with some brands using specific, shelf-stable strains like Bacillus subtilis.

Prebiotics

What they are: Non-digestible fibers that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut.
How they work: They nourish and stimulate the growth of your existing gut flora, producing beneficial byproducts.
Sodas: Prebiotic sodas, like Olipop and Poppi, contain ingredients such as chicory root or inulin to deliver this fiber.

Comparison Table: Probiotic vs. Prebiotic Sodas


Feature	Probiotic Sodas	Prebiotic Sodas
Primary Function	Adds new, live bacteria to the gut.	Feeds and nurtures existing beneficial gut bacteria.
Key Ingredients	Specific strains of live bacteria, often Bacillus subtilis or cultures from fermentation.	Prebiotic fibers like inulin, cassava root fiber, or apple cider vinegar.
Taste Profile	Can be slightly tangy or earthy due to live cultures or fermentation.	Often mimics classic soda flavor profiles with a cleaner finish.
Shelf-Stability	Many use shelf-stable strains, but can vary. Refrigeration is often recommended to preserve viability.	More consistently shelf-stable, as fiber is not a live culture.
Potential Side Effects	Generally minimal, but can cause temporary gas or bloating as the gut adjusts.	Can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, especially for those sensitive to inulin or high fiber intake.

Important Considerations When Choosing Probiotic Sodas

Before you start incorporating probiotic sodas into your routine, keep these factors in mind to ensure you get the best and most effective product.

Strain Viability

Not all probiotics survive the journey through the acidic stomach environment. Look for brands that use shelf-stable and clinically tested strains, like Bacillus Subtilis DE111, which is known for its resilience. Fermented drinks like kombucha also have naturally occurring strains that are resilient.

Sugar and Sweeteners

While many probiotic sodas are lower in sugar than traditional sodas, some still contain a significant amount of fruit juice or sweeteners. Excessive sugar can harm gut health, counteracting the benefits of the probiotics. Always read labels and opt for lower-sugar options. Be mindful that some brands use sugar alcohols or monk fruit, which can cause digestive issues for some individuals.

Overall Diet and Health Goals

Probiotic sodas should complement, not replace, a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. They are a healthier alternative to conventional soda, but experts stress that their health claims are not a magic bullet. The overall diversity of your diet is the most significant factor for a thriving gut microbiome.

How to Make Your Own Probiotic Soda

For those who want to control ingredients and potency, making probiotic soda at home is a rewarding option. One popular method involves using a ginger bug starter.

The Ginger Bug Method

Create the Ginger Bug: Combine grated ginger, sugar, and filtered water in a jar. Stir daily until bubbly, which indicates the wild yeast and bacteria are active.
Flavor and Ferment: Strain the ginger bug liquid and combine it with a flavored base, such as fruit juice, to a sterilized bottle.
Carbonate: Seal the bottle tightly and leave at room temperature for 1-3 days to build carbonation. 'Burp' the bottle daily to release pressure.
Refrigerate: Once the desired fizziness is achieved, move the bottle to the refrigerator to slow fermentation. Enjoy chilled within a week.

Conclusion

For those wondering what soda has probiotics in it, the market offers several compelling options, with brands like Culture Pop, Wildwonder, and Cove leading the way. These functional beverages provide a low-sugar alternative to traditional soft drinks while delivering gut-friendly bacteria. However, it is crucial to temper expectations and recognize that these sodas are a supplemental health choice, not a replacement for a balanced, whole-food diet rich in prebiotics and fermented foods. Always prioritize overall dietary diversity and moderation for optimal gut health, and read labels carefully to find the most suitable product for your needs.

For more information, consider exploring the extensive guides and product reviews published by consumer publications like Bon Appétit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Culture Pop is consistently highly rated for its probiotic content (Bacillus Subtilis DE111) and use of natural fruit juice as a sweetener. Wildwonder is another top contender, offering both prebiotics and probiotics.

Probiotic sodas can support gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria to your microbiome and often have lower sugar content than traditional sodas. However, the full extent of their benefits is still being researched, and they should be part of a balanced diet, not the sole source of probiotics.

Yes, homemade sodas made with a fermenting starter like a ginger bug or water kefir grains contain beneficial bacteria from the fermentation process. This gives you full control over the ingredients and fermentation time.

While both are sources of probiotics, kombucha is a fermented tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), offering a more diverse probiotic profile. Modern probiotic sodas often add specific, shelf-stable strains to a carbonated base, rather than using traditional fermentation.

Some people may experience mild gas or bloating when first introducing probiotic or high-fiber prebiotic sodas into their diet as their gut adapts. For those with sensitive digestive systems or IBS, specific ingredients like inulin or certain sweeteners can be triggers.

Olipop is a prebiotic soda, not probiotic. It contains a proprietary 'OLISMART' blend of prebiotic fibers from ingredients like cassava root and chicory root, which feed your existing gut bacteria.

For most healthy individuals, probiotic soda is safe when consumed in moderation. However, people with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or sensitive digestive issues should consult a healthcare professional before adding these beverages to their diet.