Drinks fortified with probiotics contain live microorganisms that can positively influence gut health, digestion, and the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Such beverages include kefir, kombucha, yogurt drinks, and probiotic sodas.
Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images
Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage created by introducing bacterial and yeast cultures to milk. During fermentation, these cultures consume the natural sugars in milk, allowing them to multiply and produce kefir.
Kefir has a tart flavor and consistency similar to yogurt drinks. It can be slightly carbonated due to gases produced during microbial digestion of milk sugars.
A 2017 review showed that regular kefir consumption may improve digestion, reduce lactose intolerance, regulate blood glucose levels, and offer antibacterial, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiallergenic, and wound-healing properties.
Nitas / Getty Images
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from sweetened black tea using bacteria and yeast. It may improve digestion, boost the immune system, and support a healthier gut microbiome. Some studies suggest it could help prevent or treat conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and allergies.
Consume kombucha in moderation due to its high sugar, caffeine, and alcohol content, which can cause digestive discomfort or affect sleep quality.
d3sign / Getty Images
Probiotic yogurt drinks are fermented dairy products with higher concentrations of live beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus casei. They support digestion and overall well-being.
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus caseiA major advantage of probiotic yogurt drinks is their convenience in liquid form, which allows for easy integration into daily routines and efficient probiotic delivery to the gut.
NataliPopova / Getty Images
Probiotic milk (both dairy and plant-based) is fortified with probiotics, often promoted as an alternative to kefir or kombucha. Research indicates it may prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, support immune modulation, and offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anticavity, antimicrobial effects, along with improved intestinal function.
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
Probiotic juices combine probiotics with fruit or vegetable juices. Strains like L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum may help alleviate diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. plantarumOscar Wong / Getty Images
Probiotic water is a clear, flavored water with added probiotics, commonly low in sugar and calories. Liquids help maintain bacteria viability but can lose potency if not properly refrigerated or are too acidic.
jayk7 / Getty Images
Buttermilk contains probiotics, especially traditional buttermilk rather than cultured varieties. It maintains high levels of Lactobacilli and Lactococci, even with prolonged storage.
Lactobacilli, Lactococcinadisja / Getty Images
Probiotic shots are concentrated beverages designed to deliver a probiotic dose. They are often marketed for intestinal and digestive health and may include additional ingredients like turmeric and ginger.
Santje09 / Getty Images
Probiotic sodas and seltzers contain live bacterial cultures, typically with lower sugar content than regular sodas. Their popularity is rising, especially on social media, but they may still adversely affect individuals with digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Research suggests these beverages are not essential for meeting probiotic requirements; more effective options include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
Probiotics are beneficial microbes that help maintain a healthy gut. They may balance gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and boost mood when consumed via food, drinks, or supplements.
Probiotic drinks offer various beneficial microbes along with additional nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein. Some brands match the probiotic content of supplements.
The FDA does not regulate probiotics in either supplement or drink form, so product labeling may not always be accurate. Consult a healthcare provider before starting probiotics in any form.
- Probiotic drinks contain beneficial microorganisms for digestive health and overall wellness.
- Potential benefits of probiotic drinks include better gut health, strengthened immunity, improved mood, and reduced inflammation.
- FDA does not regulate probiotics, making product labeling sometimes unreliable.