The 11 Best Probiotic Yogurts Recommended by a Nutritionist

Choosing the best probiotic yogurt need not be overly complicated but you need to understand this nutrient-dense food's role in your overall health. According to Harvard Health, “If you want a healthy gut, you have to feed it well.” This means we need to ensure that our digestive system receives a steady supply of prebiotics and probiotics.

This is where yogurt neatly steps in and saves (part of) the day. The best probiotic yogurts offer more than just a creamy snack — they supply a mix of protein, vitamins, calcium and most importantly, beneficial live bacteria. These gut-friendly probiotics are trending for good reason, promising improved digestion, stronger immunity and overall wellness. 

You may be wondering then, what is the best probiotic yogurt? How do you know which one to choose? When it comes to the best yogurt for probiotics, not all brands contain the same amount of advantageous ingredients. Let’s look at 11 of the best probiotic yogurts recommended by a nutritionist before hitting the stores.

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• The 11 Best Probiotic Yogurt Brands
• What Is the Best Probiotic Yogurt?
• Does All Yogurt Have Probiotics?

The 11 Best Probiotic Yogurt Brands

1. Activia

Activia is one of the best probiotic yogurts and is virtually synonymous with “yogurt that is good for you.” Available in tubs as well as in drink form, it comes in many delicious flavors. The strawberry flavored yogurt drink rates high among customers and is considered to be one of the best yogurts for probiotics.

The classic probiotic yogurt from Activia has a rich, sweet vanilla flavor and is a perfect add-on for granola or fruit. For those who prefer a sweeter yogurt, Activia is one of the best probiotic yogurts with the promise of being low-fat.

The packaging is also convenient with the small containers being great for a single serve while on-the-go. Made with cultured Grade A reduced-fat milk, it contains active probiotic cultures which include S. thermophilus and L. bulgaricus.

2. Yoplait Light

Another of the best probiotic yogurts is Yoplait Light. It is gluten-free and comes in different flavors. However, some older flavors may be discontinued as new ones are introduced. Due to its natural sweetness, it’s recommended to pair it with lighter toppings, like sugar-free granola, to keep your calorie intake in check.

Yoplait Light is made with cultured Grade A low-fat milk and contains just one gram of added sugar per serving. It also boasts live and active yogurt cultures, including beneficial probiotic bacteria.

3. Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr

Skyr is a traditional yogurt from Iceland and Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr is arguably the best probiotic yogurt with a high protein content, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support muscle recovery post-workout. These high protein levels are achieved by the removal of extra whey through the straining process. Icelandic skyr is available with different levels of fat content, from fat-free to whole milk.

Skyr is considered one of the best probiotic yogurts with almost no lactose, making it an ideal option for those with lactose sensitivity. With its unusually thick texture, it can be enjoyed as is but also combines well with granola, nuts and fruit. Each cup contains five different live active bacteria cultures and a remarkable 23 grams of protein.

4. Chobani

Chobani is one of the best probiotic Greek yogurts, enriched with fiber from chicory root, which tends to promote satiety. The rest of its nutrition profile is similar to Icelandic skyr with low levels of lactose and higher protein content (though not as high as those offered with skyr). Despite this, it earns its place among the best probiotic yogurts with its thick and tangy flavor that is loved by many, making it one of the best probiotic yogurts around.

Chobani yogurt comes in several fat-content options, making it easy to find one that fits your dietary needs. Each serving contains six live and active probiotic cultures — including S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Bifidus and L. casei — which all support gut health. However, it's worth noting that Chobani yogurts are not made from organic milk.

5. Stonyfield Farm Organic

Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt is one of the best probiotic yogurts available on the market. A proudly held core value at Stonyfield Farm is sustainability. The company is firmly against the use of GMOs, antibiotics, pesticides and artificial hormones, thus ensuring that every item they produce ticks all the organic standards boxes. Beyond its eco-friendly approach, Stonyfield delivers on nutrition too.

If you are looking for a yogurt that is tasty and beneficial for your health, each product is packed with live and active cultures along with nutrients such as protein and calcium. They do, however, add organic sugar to enhance some of the flavored varieties. If you prefer to avoid sugar altogether, opt for the plain flavored yogurts instead.

6. Fage Total

Fage (pronounced fa-yeh) originated in Greece and is internationally recognized for its authentic Greek-style yogurts. Its signature straining process, which removes excess whey, is what makes Fage one of the best probiotic yogurts available. This method results in a thicker, creamier yogurt with a satiny texture, packed with protein, calcium and beneficial probiotics.

Available across Europe and America, Fage is a favorite of nutritionists and dieticians. This is because it is not only one of the best probiotic yogurts but also one of the healthiest. There are no added sugar or sweeteners and it is free of artificial flavors and preservatives. 

Fage yogurts contain five gut-friendly microbes: L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, L. casei, S. thermophilus and Bifidus. These probiotics contribute significantly to gut health, placing Fage high on our list of the best probiotic yogurts. It is available in both nonfat and full-fat versions and both options provide you with 19 grams of protein per serving, resulting in a high degree of satiety. The kids range, Fage Junior, contains 35% less sugar than other children’s yogurts.

7. Maple Hill Creamery

To those looking for a preservative and additive-free yogurt, Maple Hill Creamery is a popular choice. Known as the makers of the best probiotic yogurts that are purely organic, Maple Hill Creamery is a 100% grass-fed organic company that collaborates with over 130 organic farms in New York State, producing a range of sustainable and ethically sourced dairy products.

Known as one of the best probiotic yogurts for a reason, they are free of added colors, sugar and hormones. Each serving provides eight grams of protein along with a mix of eight live bacterial cultures. These include B. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. delbrueckii (subsp bulgaricus) and S. Thermophilus. The flavors are varied and the texture naturally rich and velvety, making it easy to have as a snack by itself or with toppings such as fruit or gluten-free granola.

8. Wallaby Organic

Wallaby yogurt, as the name suggests, was inspired by the Australian slow-crafting process that results in a unique creamy, flavorful treat. The cultures are selected very carefully and only USDA-certified organic milk is used to create the signature smooth-textured product.

The milk comes from pasture-raised cows fed a non-GMO, organic diet without antibiotics, growth hormones or pesticides. This commitment to quality ingredients and farming practices contributes to Wallaby's reputation as one of the best probiotic yogurts in the country.

The non-fat plain Greek yogurt contains 16 grams of protein per serving and contains a potent mix of live and active cultures. These include L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. paracasei and Bifidus, all of which promote gut health. Wallaby yogurt offers one of the best probiotic yogurts for those unwilling to compromise on quality and taste.

9. Noosa

Originating in Australia, this yogurt gets its signature creamy texture from whole milk sourced from Northern Colorado dairy farms. Unlike others on this list of best probiotic yogurts like Greek yogurt or skyr, the Noosa brand of yogurts are unstrained.

What this results in is a thicker, creamier yogurt that is smooth and rich to taste. Compared to other yogurts, Noosa may be lower in protein content but it still offers high levels of calcium and probiotics for good gut health and wellness.

The brand is committed to using high-quality ingredients and its yogurts are made from milk sourced from cows never treated with rBGH. Its range includes some of the best probiotic yogurts, sweetened naturally with real fruit purées or honey and packed with beneficial probiotics. 

In fact, in addition to its non-GMO status, Noosa also proudly supports the Pollinator Partnership known for its protection of bee populations. Choose between exotic varieties such as pear and cardamom or orange and ginger for a welcome twist to the best probiotic yogurt flavors on offer. 

10. KiteHill

There’s no dearth of plant-based yogurt alternatives in the market today. However, finding a tasty range, with a nice texture that is not too expensive can be challenging. Brands like KiteHill are making a name for themselves by offering a variety of high-quality vegan alternatives. 

The almond milk yogurt range falls into the league of best probiotic yogurts for several reasons. Firstly, the yogurt is made with steam-blanched almonds sourced directly from California’s San Joaquin Valley. Secondly, the almond-based yogurts (like all KiteHill ranges) are free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives. 

For those who need to know, KiteHill yogurts are non-GMO verified and certified Kosher, assuring you of the quality of ingredients used. Almond yogurt makes for a versatile substitute for regular dairy-based yogurts in dishes such as parfaits, yogurts and even baked goods. Just remember to keep the yogurts refrigerated as they contain no preservatives and can spoil faster than usual.

11. Glenoaks Farms Drinkable Yogurts

Many people prefer to drink their yogurts on-the-go. As a result, several brands like Glenoaks Farms offer the best probiotic yogurts that are drinkable, flavorful and nutrient-rich. These yogurts provide a convenient way to boost gut health, containing beneficial microbes such as S. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. lactis and L. acidophilus, totaling 3.5 billion CFUs per serving. They're also packed with pea protein, calcium and vitamin C from real fruit.

Glenoaks Farms' best probiotic yogurts are currently available in six fruity flavors and with a smoothie-like consistency, they claim to be both drinkable and spoonable. These make the list of the best probiotic yogurts for their versatility, delicious taste and transparency in the food labeling. The brand does not hide the fact that these drinks are sweetened with liquid sucrose and fruit juices, so, if you are watching your sugar intake, you may want to limit your consumption.

What Is the Best Probiotic Yogurt?

If you are looking for the best probiotic yogurt, you need to check for one that contains live and active cultures along with a high CFU count. Let’s break down what this actually means and what you should look for when checking the food labels. 

If the label on your yogurt mentions “live and active cultures” you need to check for specific strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus thermophilus. These are the strains that specifically aid digestion and immunity. A good amount of these strains range between 1 billion to 10 billion CFUs per serving.

CFU count, on the other hand, refers to Colony-Forming Units in a probiotic product. The higher the CFU count, generally means a more potent strain of probiotic. However, we have to stress, more does not necessarily mean better. Rather, what is beneficial for optimal gut health is the quality and diversity of the probiotic strain.

Keep away from yogurts with high amounts of added sugars, as these ultimately negate the effectiveness of the probiotics. Also, attention must be paid to the prebiotic vs. probiotic debate. Both probiotics and prebiotics are equally essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Choosing a yogurt that contains both can help maximize digestive health.

To choose the best probiotic yogurt, you need to weigh in on your overall dietary requirements. If you would like more protein in your daily meal plan, non-fat Greek yogurts (like Fage) stand out for their taste and versatility. If you are looking for an easy add-on to your sweet and savory meals, Chobani, with its minimally added sugars, is a good choice. 

Some advocate adding a drinkable yogurt for convenience. However, be aware that most of these options such as Yakult or Glenoaks Farms do contain some amount of added sugar, which adds up to your daily allowance quickly.

Is Activia the Best Probiotic Yogurt?

There’s no denying that Activia is the first to come to mind when one mentions best probiotic yogurts, which just proves that the marketing has been spot on. That’s not to say that Activia is not good. Rather the opposite. It contains a unique probiotic strain known as Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010. A mouthful for sure but one that has been shown to improve gut health as well as reduce bloating.

While Activia does contain the sought after “live and active cultures,” it also comes with added sugars in most of its flavored varieties. If it's a pure and low-fat/low-sugar probiotic formula that you seek, this may not be the best option for you. In such cases, we suggest choosing the non-flavored version or to look for a non-fat Greek yogurt instead. That said, Activia remains a popular choice for those whose goal is gut balance and digestive support.

What Is the Best Probiotic Greek Yogurt?

Selecting the best probiotic yogurt need not be complicated. Often enough, choosing a good non-fat/low-fat Greek yogurt ticks most of the boxes required. The best probiotic Greek yogurt is essentially high in protein content, low in added sugar and rich in bacterial benefits. Choosing a non-flavored variety is your best option, plus it makes for a versatile addition to any sweet or savory recipe.

If we had to list out the healthiest Greek yogurts, Fage and Chobani would be strong contenders for the prize. Both brands stand out for their high probiotic CFU counts, minimal added sugars and an ideal balance of protein and healthy fats that support sustained energy and satiety.

What Is the Best Vegan Probiotic Yogurt?

The question then arises — can one still reap the benefits of the best probiotic yogurts and still maintain a vegan diet? Luckily, today, there are several vegan and plant-based options to suit a variety of dietary demands. If you are seeking a dairy-free alternative, the best probiotic yogurt for you should still contain live active cultures, a high CFU count and low to no added sugars. 

High on the list of vegan-friendly alternatives is Siggi’s plant-based yogurt range known for its rich texture and optimal probiotic content. Another standout is the Forager Project range made with cashew milk, though these do come with a higher calorie count. 

There are also high-protein vegan alternatives available today like KiteHill’s almond milk yogurts. When buying vegan yogurts, it’s important to check food labels for added sugars and fats that may ultimately work against your overall fitness goals.

Does All Yogurt Have Probiotics?

One would like to believe that all yogurts contain probiotics but unfortunately this is not true. Yogurt is traditionally made by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures, resulting in live and active probiotic bacteria. For a yogurt to provide probiotic benefits, it must contain these live and active cultures at the time of consumption.

Some products lose their probiotic properties if they undergo heat treatment after fermentation, as this kills off the beneficial bacteria. In other cases, manufacturers might add probiotic cultures to milk without fermenting it, which technically prevents the final product from being classified as yogurt.

To ensure you're getting a genuine probiotic yogurt, look specifically for labels mentioning "live and active cultures" and clearly listing the bacterial strains. Some products may contain The National Yogurt Association’s seal for “Live and Active Cultures,” which is a great indicator that you have nabbed the best probiotic yogurt with the most gut benefits. 

When using these best probiotic yogurts in recipes, make sure you gradually warm the yogurt by stirring a few spoonfuls into a hot dish before mixing it all in. This is to prevent high temperatures from destroying the beneficial advantages of live probiotics.

When shopping for healthy snacks, look for plain varieties and unflavored options of the best probiotic yogurts as far as possible. Surprisingly, frozen yogurts are not completely devoid of good gut bacteria. If made properly, the live microbes can awaken from their dormant state once ingested. Again, check the food labels closely or you might end up enjoying a simple frozen dessert that is not too high on the gut health scale.

Prioritizing gut health and balance is no easy task. Several factors can affect the gut microbiome such as stress, your daily diet, exercise (or lack of), the use of antibiotics, smoking or drinking and even eating too much ultra-processed foods. A simple way of counteracting these negative factors is by including gut-healthy ingredients into your diet. 

Finding the best probiotic yogurts can play a key role in digestion, immunity and overall wellness. But as we have seen, not all yogurts are created equally. Label checking is a must to ensure that the best probiotic yogurts contain the ideal amounts of live cultures to support your health goals. By making an informed choice, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet that works in tandem with what your digestive system needs to flourish and support you.

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