9 Best Probiotic Yoghurts of 2023, According to Experts
The 9 Best Probiotic Yoghurts For Gut Health, According to Nutritionists and RDs
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Looking for a tasty way to improve your gut health? Yoghurt may be the answer. The dairy product is loaded with probiotics, or "good bacteria" that can help improve your immune system, digestion, and overall health. But not all yoghurts are created equal — some are filled with unnecessary sugars and artificial flavours.
"What many people may not realise is that not all fermented foods can be considered probiotic," says Amanda Sauceda, RD. "That's why it's important to look for live and active cultures on the label."
These live cultures of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) can be found in fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha. These bacteria give yoghurt its distinctive taste and texture, and they also provide a number of health benefits.
Fortunately, there are several probiotic yoghurt brands and brands that carry probiotic yoghurt. We've consulted the experts and compiled a list of the best probiotic yoghurts. And for those who prefer nondairy alternatives or crave the tangy goodness of kefir, we've got you covered too.
Best Plain Probiotic Yoghurt
Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Probiotic Yoghurt ($5)
This yoghurt is a favourite among experts for its gut-friendly benefits. It contains six live active cultures, including S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium BB-12, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, and L. rhamnosus.
"Yoghurts with multiple strains are better because individual probiotics have unique health benefits — they all complement each other with different functions," says Robert Iafelice, MS, RDN, LDN. "For example, some strains support cognitive function and mood while others have an anti-inflammatory activity or help fight Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections."
Per serving: 170 calories, 125 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 12 g sugar, 9 g protein
Best Greek Probiotic Yoghurt
If you're a fan of Greek yoghurt, is worth a try. It has only nine grams of sugar and four live and active cultures, including L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. case.
"The best probiotic yoghurts are going to be dairy-based," says Sophie Burge Dolan, MS, RDN, LDN. "Fage Greek yoghurt is rich in probiotics and my favourite recommendation. It doesn't matter if you choose the nonfat or full-fat option; they're all loaded with probiotics."
Per serving: 120 calories, 55 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 5 g sugar, 19 g protein
Best Probiotic Yoghurt Alternative
Icelandic Provisions Traditional Skyr Yoghurt ($2)
Skyr isn't exactly yoghurt, but it's similar enough to count in this list. Categorized as cheese, Icelandic Provisions Traditional Skyr Yoghurt, is a cultured dairy product packed with protein. It's also naturally low in fat and has a thick and creamy texture.
"Hands-down, this is the best vanilla yoghurt out there," says Sauceda. "It has a complex depth of vanilla flavour that makes it perfect for overnight oats and smoothies."
This yoghurt contains the probiotic strains Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
Per serving: 130 calories, 50 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fibre, 9 g sugars, 15 g protein
Best Icelandic Probiotic Yoghurt
siggi's Icelandic Strained Lowfat Yoghurt ($2)
Made with natural ingredients, siggi's yoghurt is another expert-recommended choice loaded with protein and taste. It contains S. thermophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei.
"This Icelandic-style yoghurt is actually skyr, a rich probiotic drink from Iceland," says Juliana Tamayo, MS, RD, LDN. "It's high in protein, with about 15-19g per serving and at least five live bacteria cultures. It's also low in added sugars and has a great taste."
Per serving: 140 calories, 60 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 11 g sugar, 15 g protein
Best Dairy-Free Probiotic Yoghurt
Forager Project Cashewmilk Yoghurt ($7)
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, this yoghurt is worth a try. The Forager Project is known for its creamy, plant-based yoghurts.
This particular yoghurt is made with cashew milk and is vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it a popular choice for people with dietary restrictions. It contains S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. lactis, and L. plantarum.
"This is a great plant-based yoghurt option; it has really clean ingredients and includes all the main active live probiotic cultures for gut health," says Anna Brown, MS, RD. "Just keep in mind most plant-based yoghurts usually include gums and added fibres to help with texture, so if you're sensitive to additives like guar gum, pectin, agar, and locust bean gum this may not be the best option for you."
Per serving: 130 calories, 10 mg sodium, 1 g fibre, 1 g sugar, 3 g protein
Best Ethical Probiotic Yoghurt
Maple Hill Creamery Organic Cream on Top Yoghurt ($7)
Maple Hill Creamery proudly holds the title of America's original 100 percent grass-fed organic dairy. With more than 130 grass-fed organic farms in New York State, Maple Hill offers sustainable, health-conscious options, including its original Maple Hill Creamery Organic Cream on Top Yoghurt, for anyone looking to make ethical food choices.
This yoghurt has four live and active cultures: B. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. delbruecki subsp. bulgaricus., and S. thermophilus.
"This is a great option if you like your yoghurt a little more 'watery' but still with that full-fat flavour," says Brown. "This has all the important probiotic strains for gut health, and it's made with organic milk from 100% grass-fed cows, which is great."
Per serving: 150 calories, 110 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 9 g sugar, 8 g protein
Best Non-Fat Probiotic Yoghurt
Chobani's Non-Fat Greek Yoghurt ($6)
Chobani is a popular brand with several options, including its one-of-a-kind zero-sugar products. But if you're looking for a more traditional Greek yoghurt, Chobani's Non-Fat Greek Yoghurt is a solid choice. It contains S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus and L. casei.
"This is a good option if you're looking for a non-fat yoghurt option for heart health or other health concerns," says Brown. "This yoghurt has all the main probiotic strains for gut health, but keep in mind it's not made from organic milk."
Per serving: 90 calories, 65 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 6 g sugar, 16 g protein
Best Low-Sugar Probiotic Yoghurt
TWO GOOD Low Fat Lower Sugar Vanilla Greek Yoghurt ($2)
If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, this one from TWO GOOD is the way to go. With just two grams of sugar per serving, this yoghurt is a tasty alternative for anyone who wants to cut back on their sugar intake without sacrificing flavour.
"This particular Greek yoghurt is made with live cultures like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health," says April Federico, CN.
Per serving: 80 calories, 35 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 2 g sugar, 12 g protein
Best Probiotic Yoghurt If You Prefer Kefir
Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Kefir ($6)
For people who can't stand the texture of yoghurt, there's kefir. Kefir is a fermented drink that is high in probiotics and low in lactose. It has a slightly fizzy, tart flavour and a creamy, slightly thicker texture than yoghurt.
Lifeway Organic's Whole Milk Kefir is a good alternative for anyone who'd rather drink probiotics than eat them with a spoon. Plus, it contains 12 live active cultures.
"Lifeway offers about 10-12 grams of protein per serving, with no added sugars, and very little fat," says Tamayo. "It has a smoother consistency, so it can be added to cereal, smoothies, juices, and parfaits."
Per serving: 190 calories, 125 mg sodium, 0 g fibre, 18 g sugar, 10 g protein
