Case in point? The gut-friendly beverages below are all rich in probiotics, or live active cultures, that have been shown to diversify and balance the “good bacteria” in your gut.
It is a matter of course. Gut health has become a top priority for many, and probiotic drinks are an easy and convenient way to support a happy, healthy microbiome.To that end, we have caught up with Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, CPT, and a Charleston-based registered dietitian share some of the top types of gut-healthy drinks (from kombucha and kefir to yes, soda). According to RD, here are the best probiotic drinks on the market and what you need to know before you buy in terms of taste, ingredients, price, health benefits and more.
An overview of the 6 best probiotic drinks:
What drinks are high in probiotics?
Manaker said there are four main types of probiotic drinks: kefir, kombucha, probiotic shots and certain sodas. That said, it’s something that dietitians especially like when it comes to maximizing your microbiome.
“When you think of drinks that are a powerful source of probiotics, the first thing that comes to mind is kefir, a fermented milk drink,” says Manaker. “Regular consumption of kefir, Supports Gut Health. Plus, like kefir, it’s usually your best bet to choose something with no added sugar,” she says. Of course, if you’re dairy-free or simply don’t like the taste of kefir, you can definitely reach for one of her other three drinks.
Are probiotic drinks good for you?
Of course, probiotic drinks are far from the ultimate solution to finally finding gut harmony. Probiotics help feed the healthy bacteria in your microbiome, but Manaker says if you’re avoiding vegetables and fruits, for example, relying on probiotic drinks alone won’t do you much good. points out. I always drink a few too many Pinots. Rather, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet to reap the positive effects they provide. To that end, in addition to consuming probiotics through drinks like kefir, Manakha also consumes three other foods that are naturally high in probiotics: sauerkraut, kimchi, and certain yogurts. I’m proposing.
Manaker says that if you’re actually consuming probiotic beverages, keep the following guidelines in mind to maximize your gut health benefits. You get results,” she says. In fact, scientific research shows that added sugar can cause chronic inflammation and affect heart, brain, and gut health. “There’s still a lot we don’t know about added sugar and gut health. But scientific research suggests it promotes an inflammatory profile in the gut and damages the microbiome.” .” Dr. Will Bruschewitzgastroenterologist, and new york times best-selling author of fiber-fueled cookbookpreviously shared with Well+Good.
When should I take probiotics?
According to manager when Taking Probiotics Is Not So Important how you do it The best time to take probiotics varies from person to person, but registered dietitians emphasize that it is best to take probiotics along with a prebiotic fiber source, although this is the case for most people. that people forget. “Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to sneak in probiotic foods at any time of the day. Combining biotic fibers is recommended,” says Manaker. Are there options to avoid this common mistake? “Jerusalem artichokes, slightly underripe bananas and onions are good sources of prebiotics,” she says.
“Combining probiotics with prebiotic fibers is recommended, as prebiotic fibers act as ‘fuel’ for probiotics. Jerusalem artichokes, slightly unripe bananas, and onions are good sources of prebiotics,” says Manaker.
6 Best Probiotic Drinks for Gut Health
Kefir
Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Kefir Smoothie — $4.00
Lifeway Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir contains protein, calcium and 12 live, active probiotic cultures. It has a luscious, creamy consistency and a tangy aftertaste, perfect for blending into smoothies, topping granola, or eating on its own. Plus, it’s up to 99 percent lactose-free, gluten-free, and made with all organic ingredients. For even better value, we have a variety of flavors such as Organic Strawberry Banana Whole Milk Kefir and Organic Black Cherry Whole Milk Kefir.
according to Caroline Margolisat RD Lifeway Foods, Kefir is a rich source of probiotics packed with essential nutrients important for everyday health. “Eight ounces of Lifeway Kefir contains a diverse set of 12 live, active cultures containing 25-30 billion beneficial colony-forming units (CFUs), That’s twice as much as yogurt, kombucha, and other probiotic drinks on the market,” says Margolis. She added that kefir is a good source of protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, and other essential nutrients such as calcium.
“Besides, Lifeway Kefir has a long fermentation process, bioactive peptideIn addition to its probiotics, its anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antioxidant properties make kefir an excellent food for supporting immune, digestive and cardiovascular health,” says Margolis. .
- Each 8 oz serving of Lifeway Kefir contains a diverse set of 12 live, active cultures
- organic ingredients
- Kefir is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins B12 and D, and calcium.
- Lots of delicious flavors like Organic Strawberry Banana Whole Milk Kefir and Organic Black Cherry Whole Milk Kefir
- The tangy aftertaste may be new to those new to kefir
- Not vegan friendly
kombucha
Health-Ade Kombucha, Pack of 12 — $50.00
Sweet, tangy, and packed with gut-friendly probiotics, Health-Ade Kombucha is worth all the hype. Best part? Vegan, gluten-free, organic, and magically delicious. Not compelling enough, but perhaps the 1 billion CFU included in it could turn the deal upside down. Plus, you’ll find the best flavors in this drink line-up, including the newly launched Guava Dragon Fruit Kombucha.
- An assortment of top notch delicious flavors
- Packaging = beautiful glass bottles
- organic ingredients
- billion CFUs
probiotic soda
Culture Pop Sparkling Probiotic Soda, Pack of 10 — $33.00
Culture Pop Soda offers a great alternative (full of probiotics) to traditional sodas made with artificial ingredients. With flavors like watermelon, rosemary lime and ginger lemon turmeric, this range of drinks is infused with organic fruit juices, herbs, spices and live probiotics. Plus, each can is vegan-friendly and (importantly) storable. Unlike other probiotic-rich drinks on the market, this drink does not require refrigeration before opening.
- Vegan friendly
- Can be stored at room temperature
- 5 delicious flavors
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
De La Calle Tepache, pack of 12 — $47.00
Tepache is a classic Mexican drink, naturally rich in probiotics thanks to fermented pineapple. De La Calle’s formula is based on the co-founder’s family recipe and comes in a variety of flavors including watermelon jalapeno, grapefruit lime, ginger manzana, picante mango chili, and traditional pineapple his spices.
- Variety of flavors with bright flavors
- Made from gut-friendly fermented pineapple
- low in sugar
- Please refrain from those who are allergic to pineapple
probiotic yogurt drink
Chobani Greek Yogurt Drink — $3.00
This protein-packed drinkable Greek yogurt product is made with locally sourced milk and fermented to form a blissful environment for a living, gut-friendly culture. For a delicious flavor, Chobani infuses yogurt drinks with fresh fruit such as strawberries and raspberries. Additionally, unlike other Greek yogurt products that rely on milk protein isolate or whey protein, Chobani uses a full-fledged puree process that requires 3 cups of milk to make just 1 cup of fresh Greek yogurt. using. translation? It’s packed with protein.
- Full of protein
- Enriched with Gut Friendly Live Active Cultures (Probiotics)
- Plenty of fresh fruit flavor
Lifeway Organic Oat Milk — $5.00
Lifeway Oat is made with organic oats and contains 10 live, active, vegan-derived probiotic cultures per serving to help promote a balanced and diverse microbiome. . The product is dairy-free and comes in a variety of pleasing flavors including plain, strawberry, peach, mixed berry, and blueberry.
- plant based, vegan friendly
- Certified Gluten Free
- various fruity flavors
- Contains 2 grams of fiber per serving
- The tangy aftertaste may be new to those new to kefir
A registered dietitian talks about the benefits of drinking kombucha:
