6 Best Probiotic Drinks for Gut Health Support

Looking to increase your probiotic intake? Our dietitian reviewed six of the best probiotic drinks for supporting digestive health.

By Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

— On Jun 21, 2025

6 Best Probiotic Drinks for Gut Health Support

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A recent study found that two-thirds of adults suffer from digestive issues like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, so it's no wonder that so many are searching for supplements like probiotic drinks. These popular drinks are beverages with live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that can help support gut health.

As a dietitian, I'm a big proponent of these beverages because they help introduce live bacteria into the gut. From kefir and kombucha to greens powders and even soda, there are lots of probiotic drink options on the market.

My go-to choice is Live it Up Super Greens because it includes probiotics as well as other nutrient-dense greens that can support your general health. Still, I've rounded up six of the best probiotic drinks for gut health to help you navigate the world of probiotics and find the right options for your needs.

Why Try Probiotic Drinks?

Are probiotic drinks good for you? Yes, probiotic drinks may offer a variety of health benefits.

Probiotic beverages introduce friendly microbes to your gut, helping to fight off harmful bacteria, strengthen your intestinal barrier, and aid digestion. These beneficial gut bacteria can also help support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase nutrient absorption.

Therefore, adding probiotic drinks to your daily routine may help support your gut, digestive, and immune health.

Did You Know? Probiotics may also support your mental well-being. When you consume probiotics, they send signals to your brain, which can help lower stress and anxiety levels, improve cognitive function, and enhance your mood.

Top Probiotic Drinks from a Dietitian

From greens powder to kefir water, I've listed the best probiotic drinks for increasing your probiotic intake.

1. Greens Powders

Greens powders are dietary supplements that include plant-based ingredients like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. Some, but not all, greens powders contain probiotics. If the green blend includes probiotic strains, you'll likely see a probiotic blend listed in the drink's supplement facts.

Probiotic super greens powders introduce new healthy bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome and can support women’s health. Moreover, many of these green drinks are also rich in dietary fiber, specifically prebiotics, which serve as a food source for beneficial bacteria, helping them grow and thrive in the gut.

Pros of Probiotic Greens Powders

Packed with nutrient-dense greens that can fill nutritional gaps in your diet
May offer additional health benefits, including immune support and enhanced energy
Often include other gut-supporting ingredients like prebiotics and digestive enzymes
Many have zero sugar and are enjoyable to drink every day

Cons of Probiotic Greens Powders

Not all greens powders contain probiotics, so you should check the supplement facts to ensure the blend includes them in a meaningful amount with multiple strains
Some people may experience mild digestive issues when consuming certain greens powders, especially if they have artificial additives

My Greens Powder Recommendation	Live it Up Super Greens
	Live it Up Super Greens is a vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-free, sugar-free greens powder that includes 5 billion CFU probiotics from four different strains, plus prebiotic fiber, digestive enzymes, and all-natural superfoods to further support gut health.

2. Kombucha

When you add SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) to sweetened tea, you get raw kombucha. In other words, kombucha is fizzy fermented tea, which contains living cultures of bacteria and yeast. While this probiotic drink has gained popularity in the U.S. in recent years, it actually dates back to Northeast China around 220 B.C., where it was celebrated for its potential healing properties.

Raw kombucha contains live bacteria that can help restore the gut microbiome. These probiotics help maintain a healthy and properly functioning gut. Kombucha also contains polyphenols, which further support the gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Pros of Kombucha

Kombucha is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress, neutralize free radicals, and aid inflammation
Drinking kombucha may contribute to your energy as it contains caffeine from the tea and several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, and B6, which can help balance energy levels
Depending on the brand, kombucha may come in a variety of delicious flavors

Cons of Kombucha

Some products are high in sugar
Those who are sensitive to caffeine should look elsewhere
The fermentation process produces a small amount of alcohol (typically less than .5%), so the drink may not be suitable for children or those who avoid alcohol
Some people experience mild gas, bloating, or other digestive issues

My Kombucha Recommendation	GT's Synergy Raw Kombucha
	GT's Synergy Raw Kombucha contains 9 billion living probiotics, which aligns with the recommended dose (1 to 10 billion). Each batch is organically produced and fermented with natural ingredients for 30 days.

3. Drinkable Yogurt

Drinkable yogurt is similar to traditional yogurt, but it has a generally thinner consistency, making it easier to drink rather than scoop with a spoon. This type of yogurt is produced by heating milk with specific bacteria, namely Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. These probiotics help support a healthy gut microbiome by accelerating the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the population of harmful bacteria.

While drinkable yogurt can be a great source of probiotics, not all yogurt contains probiotics, so it's important to look for cultured yogurt that contains live and active cultures.

Pros of Drinkable Yogurt

One cup contains nearly half your daily calcium intake
High in protein
A good source of other essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and B vitamins
Many brands and flavors on the market

Cons of Drinkable Yogurt

May have high sugar content or other sweeteners, so be sure to read the label
May cause digestive issues for those who are sensitive to lactose

My Drinkable Yogurt Recommendation	Chobani
	Chobani drinkable yogurts include six live and active cultures and three types of probiotics plus anywhere from 10-30g of protein. The drinks also contain non-GMO ingredients and milk from cows not treated with rBST*.

4. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. When bacteria and yeast, also known as kefir grains, are added to milk, they feed on the lactose sugar, causing the beverage to ferment. These kefir grains are a source of probiotics.

While yogurt is often celebrated as an excellent source of probiotics, kefir actually contains higher levels of these beneficial bacteria. In fact, kefir grains contain around 61 strains of probiotics, which help increase the diversity of healthy gut bacteria.

Pros of Kefir

Actually low in lactose
Contains a unique probiotic called Lactobacillus kefiri, which studies suggest may help eliminate harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella
Often comes in a variety of flavors

Cons of Kefir

Like kombucha, the kefir fermentation produces a small amount of alcohol (0.5–2%), which may not be suitable for those who avoid consuming alcohol
Some people experience digestive issues, like stomach cramping or vomiting, after consuming kefir
The tangy taste may not be enjoyable for some people

My Kefir Recommendation	Lifeway Kefir
	CLifeway Kefir produces a variety of kefir products, including flavored options and ones made with different kinds of milk. The traditional option includes 12 probiotics and non-GMO ingredients. Plus, it's a great source of calcium and protein.

5. Water Kefir

Water kefir is a type of probiotic water. It's similar to the previously mentioned dairy kefir, except that it's made from sugar water rather than milk. The fermentation process occurs when kefir grains are added to the sugar water, producing a fizzy, carbonated beverage.

Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, and Leuconostoc are the most common probiotic strains found in kefir water, which can help support gut health and immune function.

Pros of Kefir Water

Dairy-free alternative to yogurt and kefir
Relatively easy to make—Simply add sugar and kefir grains to warm water and let the liquid ferment for 24 to 48 hours.

Cons of Kefir Water

Again, because alcohol is a by-product of fermentation, kefir water may contain trace amounts
May cause bloating, constipation, cramps, or nausea
Not sugar-free

My Kefir Water Recommendation	KeVita
	KeVita is a sparkling kefir water, which contains kefir cultures and the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. It comes in flavors like ginger lemon and watermelon lime, and contains organic and non-GMO ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and juice concentrate.

6. Probiotic Soda

Not to be confused with prebiotic sodas, which contain inulin and other fibers, probiotic sodas are carbonated drinks that contain live beneficial bacteria. These probiotic sodas have gained recent attention as a healthier alternative to traditional soda because they typically contain less sugar and offer the added benefit of probiotics. As we see with other probiotic products on this list, probiotic sodas may help aid your digestive system and balance the gut microbiome.

Pros of Probiotic Sodas

Offers a delicious and convenient way to introduce more probiotics into your diet while avoiding traditional sodas.
May help strengthen your gut barrier, thereby supporting your immune function.

My Probiotic Soda Recommendation	Culture Pop Probiotic Soda
	Culture Pop is a fizzy soda that contains live probiotics (Bacillus subtilis), organic fruit juice, and non-GMO ingredients. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as grape and black cherry, and doesn't include added sugars (though still roughly 8g total) or artificial sweeteners.

Cons of Probiotic Sodas

Many brands contain only 1-2 billion CFUs of probiotics, which is less than the daily recommended amount
More research is needed to understand the full extent they can contribute to your health
Still contains a decent amount of sugar

Did You Know? Probiotics and prebiotics both support gut health, but they aren't the same thing. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that support and restore the gut, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that are a food source for probiotics. In other words, prebiotics feed, stimulate, and support the growth of probiotics.

What to Look for in Probiotic Drinks

Not every probiotic drink is treated the same, so it's essential to look at these factors when selecting your go-to probiotic drink.

CFU Count. Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFUs). The daily recommended dose is 1 to 10 billion CFUs, with 3-5 billion being the optimal dose, in my opinion.
Probiotic Variety. Research suggests multi-strain probiotics may provide "greater efficacy" than single-strain probiotics.
Sugar and Sweetener Content. Some probiotic products have high levels of added sugars or artificial sweeteners, so it's crucial to look at the supplement facts to avoid drinks with excess sugar.
Flavor. Many of these probiotic drinks come in multiple flavors, making them more enjoyable to consume. However, it's best to avoid probiotic products with artificial flavors or additives.
Dietary Restrictions. Look for probiotic drinks that align with your nutritional needs. For instance, you can find vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and caffeine-free probiotic beverages.

Did You Know? Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, too. If you want to increase your probiotic intake, add miso soup, sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickled vegetables to your diet.

Choose Live it Up Super Greens for a Probiotic Drink

Live it Up Super Greens Product Bag as Featured on Forbes 2025

Though I enjoy all kinds of probiotic drinks and recommend them to clients, Live it Up Super Greens is my favorite probiotic product because it offers a variety of potential health benefits.

This greens powder includes 5 billion CFUs of probiotics from four strains to help support your digestive system. In addition to providing probiotic benefits, Live it Up also features dietary fiber with prebiotics and digestive enzymes, which help your body break down food to absorb nutrients and produce energy.

The gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free and caffeine-free green supplement includes 20+ all-natural ingredients and organic vegetables that can help fill nutritional gaps in your diet and support your overall health.

If you're looking to increase your probiotic intake, Live it Up provides an affordable and delicious greens drink.

FAQs About Probiotic Drinks

Check out the FAQs below to learn more about probiotic supplements.

Are probiotic drinks good for you?

Yes, probiotic drinks can be good for you, as they contain good bacteria that can help support gut health. However, when selecting a probiotic beverage, it's essential to look at the supplement facts to learn more about the nutritional content and ingredients, such as added sugar and artificial additives. You'll also want to ensure that the probiotic product contains live bacteria, allowing it to provide the most health benefits.

Can I have a probiotic drink every day?

Yes, regular consumption is generally considered safe. However, some people may experience mild digestive issues when consuming probiotic drinks, especially when they first start taking them. If you experience any health issues or side effects, I recommend discontinuing the probiotic drink and consulting your healthcare provider for further guidance.

Who should avoid probiotic drinks?

It's best to avoid taking probiotics if you have a serious illness or a compromised immune system. If you have concerns about whether probiotic products may interfere with your medication or health conditions, I encourage you to consult your healthcare provider. Also, if you notice any adverse side effects, discontinue taking probiotics and contact your physician or a registered dietitian.

Do probiotic sodas work?

Probiotic sodas contain good bacteria that may help support gut and digestive health. While they are considered a healthier alternative to traditional soda, some professionals suggest that more research is needed to understand the overall health benefits of these fizzy drinks.

If you're interested in the best probiotic beverages, I recommend swapping the sparkling drink for a greens powder like Live it Up Super Greens because it contains the recommended dose of probiotics along with organic greens, digestive enzymes, and dietary fiber that can help support your overall well-being.

What is the best drink for a healthy gut?

Drinks that contain probiotics are a great way to support your gut. Some of the best probiotic drinks include greens powders, kombucha, kefir, and probiotic sodas. These beverages contain living bacteria that help balance your digestive tract and restore your gut microbiome.

My favorite probiotic beverage is Live it Up Super Greens because it features 5 billion CFU of probiotics from multiple strains. It also includes digestive enzymes and dietary fiber that can further aid digestion. As an added perk, the greens powder is packed with all-natural greens that can help increase your nutrient intake.

References

About the author:

Rachel Gargano, MS, RD, CSSD, CBS

Rachel is a registered dietitian based in Contra Costa County, California, with over 15 years experience. She specializes in whole-body wellness and plant-based nutrition, helping people understand the dynamic interplay between food and health so they can live life to the fullest. When not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her kids, being physically active, and tending to her abundant household plants.

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