Our Picks
What makes a healthy gut? The answer might surprise you -- a healthy diet. However, it comes down to more than just basic knowledge and upkeep of your overall health. Sometimes, when you're stressed or your diet is off, the good bacteria in your digestive system can be at odds, making your gut feel worse. That's why you should consider probiotics.
Probiotics offer a ton of health benefits, the most crucial ones being improved digestion, enhanced immunity and clearer skin. Say goodbye to zits, diarrhea and pesky colds. Furthermore, a study by the University of Minnesota suggests that probiotics reduce fever in children with respiratory infections. While probiotics are found in some foods, there are easier ways to add them to your lifestyle. Supplements, for example, offer a much more convenient option. Here are the best probiotics, as recommended by CNET’s experts, to support your gut health.
What is the best probiotic overall?
The best probiotic for you will depend on why you need it. For example, you'll want different supplements and probiotic strains for gut health or vaginal health. Plus, your choice might vary if you are vegan or allergic to certain foods. Your healthcare provider may have recommended a specific supplement to you based on your health or lifestyle factors, too.
We reviewed a number of probiotics, along with their prices, ingredients and consumer reviews. Here are our picks for the best probiotics.
Best probiotic supplements of 2025
- Vegetarian and vegan
- No refrigeration needed
- Not delayed-release
Culturelle probiotics are for anyone over 12 years old looking to boost their gut health. The capsules contain one of the most researched strains of bacteria -- Lactobacillus rhamnosus -- to aid in healthy digestion and bacteria balance.
Culturelle probiotics are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, sugar-free, vegetarian and vegan. Each package contains 60 capsules -- two months' worth of probiotics. It is important to note that these probiotics are not delayed-release, meaning that the capsules will be absorbed right away in the stomach and not in the small intestine.
It doesn't specify whether you should take the capsule with a meal. Store these capsules in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- 120 tablets, four months worth
- A good first probiotic to try
- Lowest CFU count on this list
- Only one strain, could be less effective than probiotics with multiple strains
Nature's Bounty has been a popular contender in the vitamin and supplement market since 1971. Found in most grocery and consumer stores like Target and Walgreens, Nature's Bounty is especially accessible and affordable. Its probiotic supplements contain a very popular strain of bacteria -- Lactobacillus acidophilus, which has been shown to help conditions such as bloating, cramps and eczema.
The tablets are free of artificial color, flavor, sweeteners, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, fish and sodium. This probiotic is suitable for vegetarians.
One bottle contains 120 tablets. Take these probiotics daily with or without a meal.
- Contains 10 strains
- A blend of probiotics and prebiotics
- Limited research into artichoke root, chicory root and acacia senegal as probiotics
Physician's Choice probiotics are one of the more popular on this list. With almost 110,000 reviews on Amazon, it is one of Amazon's best-selling probiotics. The capsules contain five probiotic strains and five prebiotic strains. In addition, the supplements are delayed-release and will be absorbed in the small intestine.
The probiotics contain non-GMO ingredients without any presence of soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, shellfish or preservatives. The prebiotic blend is all organic, including 50 mg of Jerusalem artichoke root, 50 mg of acacia senegal and 50 mg of chicory root.
One bottle contains 60 capsules, enough for two months. It doesn't specify whether or not you should take it with a meal.
- No refrigeration required
- Contains 15 strains
- Not verified vegan
- Only a month's worth of capsules
Garden of Life offers a probiotic formulated for men's digestive and immune systems. With an impressive 15 strains, the capsules are also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegetarian.
The Once Daily Men's supplements are designed to aid in colon health and reduce bloating, cramping and gas. In addition to the probiotic cultures, each capsule contains 407 mg of a prebiotic fiber blend, including organic potato and organic acacia fiber.
One bottle contains 30 capsules. Take these daily probiotics with or without a meal. It's important to note that these are not suitable for children.
- No refrigeration required
- Contains 16 strains
- Not verified vegan
- Only a month's worth of capsules
Garden of Life also offers a probiotic formulated for women's digestion, immune system and vaginal health. With an impressive 16 strains (one more than the men's), the capsules are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegetarian.
These probiotics especially cater to vaginal health with the added Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus fermentum strains, both clinically studied for vaginal health. In addition to the probiotic strains, there is also an added prebiotic fiber blend. The 377 mg of added fiber includes organic potato and organic acacia fiber.
One bottle contains 30 capsules. Take these daily probiotics with or without a meal. Not suitable for children.
- Does not contain gluten, soy or animal-based gelatin
- Aids in both digestive and immune systems
- Contains milk, not vegan
- Contains nine added ingredients besides the probiotic and prebiotic
TruBiotics contains two of the most popular and studied strains -- Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis -- both used to help the digestive tract and improve the body's fight against infections. The capsules do not contain gluten, soy or animal-based gelatin; however, they do contain dairy.
TruBiotics claim that their probiotics support up to 70% of your immune system found in your digestive tract. In addition to immune health, both strains have been found to help maintain a healthy digestive balance.
One bottle contains either 30 or 60 capsules. It doesn't specify whether you should take it with a meal.
- Stimulates healthy pH
- Dairy, gluten, yeast, sugar and nut free
- Refrigeration required
- Only one month's worth of capsules
To maintain a healthy pH and a balanced vaginal flora, some women turn to probiotics. The two strains present in this probiotic -- Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus -- have been shown to support this healthy balance for women.
These non-GMO probiotics do not contain milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, gluten, coloring or preservatives.
Florajen probiotics need to be refrigerated to maintain the right potency. If you buy these supplements online, they will be shipped to your door packed in styrofoam and an ice pack. Immediately transfer to a refrigerator.
One bottle contains 30 capsules. It doesn't specify whether you should take it with a meal.
Best probiotic supplements compared
| Probiotic supplement | Form | Dosage | CFU | Strains | Storage | Price | Size | Cost per serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotics | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 12 billion | Lactobacillus rhamnosus | Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight | $30 | 60-count | $0.50 |
| Nature's Bounty Daily Probiotic | Tablet | 1 tablet, daily | 100 million | Lactobacillus acidophilus | Refrigerate after opening | $7 | 120-count | $0.06 |
| Physician's Choice Probiotics | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 60 billion | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus bulgaricus | Store in a cool, dry place | $22 | 30-count | $0.73 |
| Garden of Life Once Daily Men's | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 50 billion | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus infantis and Bifidobacterium longum | Store in a cool, dry place | $32 | 30-count | $1.07 |
| Garden of Life Once Daily Women's | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 50 billion | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus infantis and Bifidobacterium longum | Store in a cool, dry place | $30 | 30-count | $1.00 |
| TruBiotics Daily Probiotic | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 2 billion | Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis | Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat | $15 | 30-count | $0.50 |
| Florajen Women | Capsule | 1 capsule, daily | 15 billion | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis | Refrigerate for maximum freshness and potency | $38 | 30-count | $1.27 |
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria and yeast found naturally in our bodies. These good strains of bacteria help eliminate the bad strains of bacteria and yeast in our bodies, restoring the correct balance. Some people turn to probiotic supplements to help maintain this healthy balance.
Depending on the strain and potency, each probiotic supplement is labeled with a colony-forming unit, determining the number of bacteria colonies. The higher the number, it is suggested, the higher the chance of the probiotic taking. This doesn't necessarily improve its efficiency.
If you suspect you are experiencing gut issues, talk to your doctor or primary care physician before beginning any probiotic or supplement. Not all probiotics are created equal, and not all probiotics will work for you. It is important to find a product that caters to your unique needs.
Benefits of probiotics
Probiotics can provide several benefits, depending on your current health, the types of probiotics consumed and the dosage. More research is needed. Probiotic benefits may include the following:
Balance your gut microbiome: Probiotics contain "good" bacteria that can help balance out your gut microbiome.
Treat diarrhea: Because probiotics help restore balance to your gut microbiome -- especially when you're taking antibiotics that may disrupt this balance -- probiotics and help treat and prevent diarrhea.
Improve mental health: Taking probiotics may improve mental health, assisting with symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and more.
Recovery from bacterial or yeast infections: According to Cleveland Clinic, probiotics may help you recover from bacterial or yeast infections such as acne, vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections and gum disease.
Factors to consider when choosing a probiotic
What works well for one person may not be the right choice for another. Here are some important things to keep in mind while shopping around for a gut health supplement.
Purpose: The number one thing you'll need to narrow down is whether a given product meets your probiotic needs. There are differences between probiotics marketed toward men and those marketed toward women, for example, because they contain different formulas and strains that will be more beneficial to one group than the other.
Dietary restrictions: If you have specific nutritional needs (you're a vegan or you're allergic to eggs, for example), you'll want to check the product information of any probiotic to be sure it's safe for you to consume.
Release time: Some of the probiotics release or activate in the stomach, while some are delayed-release and absorbed lower in the digestive tract. Depending on your individual needs, you may want to look for a delayed-release probiotic.
Strength or CFU count: Probiotic supplements are labeled with a colony-forming unit number, which determines the number of bacteria colonies. The higher the number, it is suggested, the higher the chance of the probiotic taking. This doesn't necessarily improve its efficiency.
How we chose the best probiotics
When researching products to include in this list, we looked for probiotics that include strains with some evidence supporting their use for gut health, or their use for other microbiome health. We also considered consumer reviews, price, accessibility, variety of probiotic strains and other ingredients.
When is the best time to take a probiotic?
Wondering when to take your probiotic? It depends on the type. One study found that the Saccharomyces boulardii strain works fine with or without food, but strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium tend to do best when taken about 30 minutes before a meal.
Since most supplements include both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, your best bet is to take them before eating. That said, research is still evolving -- so it’s always smart to follow the instructions on the label or check with the manufacturer
And yes, if you've been wondering, it is absolutely safe to take a probiotic everyday.
Best probiotics FAQs
Do probiotics help heal your gut?
If you choose a probiotic studied for your specific concern, adjust your diet as necessary and monitor factors like stress, water intake and sleep, that can positively impact your gut health. Studies have shown that probiotics and prebiotics can help aid gut health, although they may not cure or completely heal it.
Everyone's gut has a microbiome with over 200 kinds of bacteria, strains of fungi and viruses. And gut health has been linked to many diseases such as autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems and even cancer.
Should you take probiotics every day?
The World Gastroenterology Organization has deemed it safe for healthy adults to take a daily probiotic. Always read the recommendations on the back of the bottle. Speak with your doctor or primary care physician before starting any probiotic or supplement.
What probiotic is recommended by most doctors?
No one probiotic is recommended by most doctors. To find the right probiotic for you, consult your doctor to discuss your different health needs and goals, along with the different types of probiotics and doses that are right for you.
What is the No. 1 probiotic food?
There is no No. 1 probiotic food. There are many different foods that contain probiotics, including yogurt, kimchi, pickles, sourdough, kefir, kombucha and more.
Are there any downsides to having probiotics?
Probiotics offer many benefits, but they can have downsides. Some people may experience bloating, gas or diarrhea when starting them. In rare cases, probiotics can cause infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The supplement market is also poorly regulated, meaning products may not contain the advertised strains or dosages. Additionally, probiotics can interfere with medications like antibiotics or immunosuppressants, and overuse might disrupt gut balance.
What are the symptoms of lack of probiotics?
Digestive issues, bloating, constipation, and inflammation are common symptoms of gut issues that can likely be fixed by increasing the intake of probiotics.
Is lemon juice a probiotic?
No, lemon juice is not a probiotic. However, lemon juice can be used to make probiotic drinks like fermented lemon juice, or lemon-ginger probiotic tea.