Best Vegan Probiotics

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Probiotics are the “good” live bacteria/yeasts that live inside the gut and helps your body maintain a healthy community of microorganisms and positively influence a healthy immune response. You can get probiotics by eating certain foods – many of them are animal-based food sources, making it hard for people who follow vegan (or even vegetarian) lifestyles. 

So if you’re considering a vegan probiotic, you’re in luck! We’re featuring 5 of the best vegan probiotics available online based on their effectiveness, quality, and pricing.

Understanding Probiotics

Probiotics aim to restore the healthy composition of the gut microbiome and introduce important functions to gut microbial communities to prevent gut inflammation and other intestinal diseases. Probiotic supplements contain live organisms, with one dose possibly containing high doses of single or multiple probiotic strains.

Probiotics help improve the intestinal environment, balance immune responses, and regulate metabolic activity. During bodily infections, when more bad bacteria are present in the body, the good bacteria help by eliminating the bad bacteria to restore the gut balance to its normal state. 

As one study suggests, a probiotic supplement containing the right mix of bacterial strains can help rebalance gut bacteria composition, minimize cravings, increase metabolism, and make weight loss more achievable; as we know, the gut microbiome and the body’s metabolism are linked, and many cases have reported a more effective weight loss process while ingesting probiotics. 

But it doesn’t just stop with your gut health. Further research has also shown that since the gut and the brain are linked, taking probiotics might also influence and alleviate mental health problems and conditions such as anxiety, depression, and headache and help improve one’s mood and brain function.

Certain probiotic strains can also:

  • Help digest food properly
  • Supply vitamins and minerals 
  • Prevents bad microorganisms (e.g., bad bacteria, yeasts, and parasites) from entering the bloodstream.
  • Help breakdown and absorb medications faster
  • Manage cholesterol levels
  • Manage weight
  • Improve skin health and proper nail/hair growth

Common Probiotic Strains

There are seven common microbial organisms often used in probiotic products:

  • Lactobacillus – Helps relieve digestive problems and disorders, strengthen gut health, and protect against cavities.
  • Bifidobacterium – prevents inflammation, treats gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal infections, and cancers, and relieves depression. 
  • Saccharomyces – stop pathogens from infecting the gut, protect the intestinal lining from harmful bacteria, and increases the production of digestive enzymes,  
  • Streptococcus – fights off viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the gastrointestinal tract, reduces gut inflammation, decreases pathogen activity, and improves overall health. 
  • Enterococcus – fights and prevents various digestive/intestinal problems. 
  • Escherichia – Contrary to popular belief, escherichia strains like e.coli are not entirely harmful. A population of E. coli is often present gut and helps with digestion and protects against microbes.
  • Bacillus – promotes digestive health, immune system function, and lipid metabolism.

Why Vegans Need Special Probiotics

Given that many probiotic-rich food sources are animal-derived (e.g., meat, dairy, honey, etc.), people who follow a vegan (or vegetarian) diet/lifestyle might not get enough probiotic strains to fully enjoy their benefits. With the recent rise of people going vegan, the demand for plant-based, cruelty-free alternatives is higher than ever.

While probiotic-rich foods are a good option for vegans, not everyone may have the time to plan and prepare, and others may find them unpalatable. In these cases, probiotic dietary supplements are seen as as the next best alternative.

The Best Vegan Probiotic Supplements – The List

Here are some of the best vegan probiotic supplements we’ve picked based on their product quality, customer reviews, and affordability: 

1. Probiotic+ – mindbodygreen

Mindbodygreen’s probiotic+ supplement is a perfect example of the saying, “less is more.” Why is that? Because compared to other brands, its formula is the only blend with only four clinically-proven probiotic strains, saying that each measured and targeted dose can help deliver more optimal results. 

In this formula, each strain is carefully measured to maximize its effectivity; The bifidobacterium lactis Bi-0 strain helps ease bloating and provides abdominal comfort, the bifidobacterium lactis B420 promotes weight and fat loss, the bifidobacterium lactis HN019 strain supports proper digestion and regularity, and the lactobacillus acidophilus strain helps boost the immune system and prevent gastrointestinal problems. Together, they promote a healthy gut microbiome and a strengthened immune function.

Featured Probiotic Strains & CFU Count: 

  • L. acidophilus: 10 Billion CFU
  • B. lactis Bi-0: 10 Billion CFU
  • B. lactis B420: 10 Billion CFU
  • B. lactis HN019: 2 Billion CFU

Pros

  • Uses scientifically-backed ingredients
  • Made in the USA
  • Delayed-release capsules
  • Non-GMO
  • Undergoes independent, third-party testing
  • Yields optimal results

Cons

  • Results may vary depending on individuals. 
  • It may cause certain side effects 

Customer Reviews

A verified review from the official mindbodygreen site says…

“I have struggled with digestion, regularity, and bloating. It takes about two weeks to have these in your system, and then your life changes. I really thought I would order the first month, and like with everything else, it would not do what it says (at least for me). But I was mistaken, and they really changed my life, thank you.”Deborah F.

2. Organic Vegan Probiotic Gummies – Future Kind

Future Kind’s delicious organic strawberry-flavored probiotic gummies contain DE111® bacillus subtilis, a powerful probiotic strain that facilitates healthy digestion and relief and helps you stay regular and feel less bloated.

Don’t let the strain’s name fool you; the DE111® bacillus subtilis blend contains approximately 5 billion colony-forming units and can help protect the gut microbiome, support the gastrointestinal tract, promote healthier bowel habits and digestive stability, and strengthen immune function.

Future Kind is a 100% clean, sustainable, and vegan brand. All its products undergo third-party testing and use eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipments. So far, the brand has donated up to $20,000 of its proceeds to help fund animal sanctuaries. 

Featured Probiotic Strains & CFU Count

  • DE111® Bacillus Subtilis: 5 Billion CFU

Pros 

  • 100% clean, sustainable, and vegan
  • Great taste
  • Product batches undergo 3rd party testing
  • Eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipments
  • Non-GMO
  • Zero wheat, yeast, soy, and animal derivatives
  • Provides 3-5 day shipping

Cons

  • Allergy-free status not guaranteed

Customer Reviews

A verified review from the official Future Kind site says:

These probiotics are great! I was looking for a less expensive high-quality vegan probiotic, and I thankfully, I found Future Kind. I have been using them for two months and am very satisfied! I recently bought several of their other products” Kim

3. Gut Health Synbiotic – Ritual

Ritual ushers in the future of gut health with Gut Health Synbiotic+ — a 3-in-1 supplement that contains a complete trifecta of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome.

Synbiotic+ prides itself in using two of the world’s most clinically studied probiotic strains — the BB-12® (Bifidobacterium anamalis ssp. lactis) and LGG® (Lactobacillus rhamnosus), which provide live microorganisms that contribute to a healthy gut microflora and relieve gastrointestinal discomforts such as mild bloating, gas, and diarrhea. These also help support immune health and offer additional protection against cavities.

The prebiotic PreforPro® helps target undesirable gut bacteria and allows healthy probiotic bacteria to have more room to flourish and take advantage of helpful nutrients in both the small and large intestines. While the postbiotic Corbiome® Tributyrin fuels the cells that make up the gut lining, supports gut barrier function, and keeps the intestinal gut flora healthy.

Each capsule is delayed-release to help it safely reach the colon, which is an ideal place for the probiotics to thrive. It’s also designed with moisture-controlled bottle technology to protect probiotic strains, even without refrigerating the capsules.

Featured Probiotic Strains & CFU Count: 11 billion CFU

  • L. rhamnosus
  • B.anamalis ssp. Lactis

Pros

  • Three-in-one formula
  • Vegan
  • Gluten and major allergen-free
  • Delayed-release capsules
  • Traceable ingredients
  • Non-GMO
  • Third-party tested
  • No refrigeration needed
  • Free shipping

Cons

  • A bit pricey, despite its small package content

Customer Reviews

A verified review from Amazon says:

“I had a root canal which required a week of antibiotics. This ruined my gut; I was feeling terrible, I started taking pre and probiotics but saw little improvement. Then I came across these … two doses over two days and i have experienced a great improvement.” Kevin Post

4. Gut Instinct – HUM Nutrition

HUM Nutrition’s Gut Instinct contains 10 powerful strains to restore gut health, promote a healthy gut microbiome and better digestion, and boost the immune system to provide overall health. 

All the strains have been carefully selected to promote overall gut health – The lactobacillus bacteria promote good digestion and increased immunity, while the bifidobacterium strains offer protection for the gut, and when joined together, they support a healthy gut microbiome diversity.

Strepto. Thermophilus, on the other hand, stimulates immunity.

You won’t have to worry about this supplement’s safety, as it’s meticulously tested to ensure its purity, potency, and efficacy. It has no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives and is free from the 12 major allergens. 

Featured Probiotic Strains & CFU Count: 25 Billion CFU

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus (UALa-01)
  • Bifidobacterium lactis (UABla-12)
  • Lactobacillus plantarum (UALp-05)
  • Bifidobacterium longum (BL03 AF)
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr-32)
  • Strepto. thermophilus (St-21)
  • Lactobacillus paracasei (Lpc-37)
  • Bifidobacterium breve (BR03 AF)
  • Lactobacillus salivarius (Ls-33)
  • Lactobacillus Casei (Lc-11)

Pros 

  • Uses clean and tested ingredients
  • 100% vegan
  • No artificial flavorings, sweeteners, fillers, and ingredients
  • Undergoes meticulous testing processes
  • Zero allergens

Cons

  • Can cause side effects like stomach pain
  • May require continuous usage to see results
Seed Vegan Probiotic

Customer Reviews

A verified review from the official HUM Nutrition site says:

“I am thrilled with this vitamin. Immediately after I began to use it, I could see an improvement in my digestion. I know it’s gross, but having regular bowel movements is something I have never had, and I am finally seeing consistency…Gut Instinct is a MUST HAVE!” – Kathryn A.

5. DS-01 Daily Synbiotic – Seed 

The Daily Synbiotic is a 2-in-1 probiotic and prebiotic capsule-in-capsule, specially formulated with choice 24 probiotic strains and a polyphenol-based prebiotic to promote a healthy gut, better digestion, and overall systemic health.

The probiotic blend consists of clinically-proven strains specially bio-fermented in Europe without any animal or soil derivative. The prebiotic outer capsule is made of punicalagins from Indian pomegranates and is biotransformed into powerful metabolites to yield health benefits. Overall, the capsule is designed to maintain maximum bioavailability through digestion, allowing maximum benefit absorption. 

The blend is free from major allergens like dairy, shellfish, nut, soy, gluten, sesame, and corn to ensure the supplement’s maximum safety and efficacy.

Featured Probiotic Strains & CFU Count

Digestive Health / Gut Immunity / Gut Barrier Integrity Probiotic Blend: 37.0 Billion AFU

  • Bifidobacterium longum SD-BB536-JP 
  • Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT 
  • Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LP1-IT 
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-LR6-IT 
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HRVD113-US 
  • Bifidobacterium infantis SD-M63-JP 
  • Bifidobacterium lactis SD-BS5-IT 
  • Bifidobacterium lactis HRVD524-US 
  • Lactobacillus crispatus SD-LCR01-IT 
  • Lacticaseibacillus casei HRVD300-US 
  • Bifidobacterium breve HRVD521-US 
  • Bifidobacterium longum HRVD90b-US 
  • Bifidobacterium lactis SD150-BE 
  • Limosilactobacillus fermentum SD-LF8-IT 
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD-GG-BE 
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri RD830-FR

Micronutrient Synthesis Probiotic Blend: 8.05 Billion AFU

  • Bifidobacterium adolescentis SD-BA5-IT
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri SD-LRE2-IT

Cardiovascular Health Probiotic Blend: 5.25 Billion AFU

  • Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SD-LPLDL-UK
  • Bifidobacterium lactis SD-MB2409-IT

Dermatological Health Probiotic Blend: 3.30 Billion AFU

  • Ligilactobacillus salivarius SD-LS1-IT
  • Bifidobacterium lactis SD-CECT8145-SP
  • Bifidobacterium longum SD-CECT7347-SP
  • Lacticaseibacillus casei SD-CECT9104-SP

Pros

  • 100% vegan
  • Maximum survivability
  • Gluten-free
  • Major allergen-free (Dairy, soy, nut, shellfish, sesame)
  • Glyphosate/AMPA-free
  • Corn-free
  • No binders
  • No preservatives 
  • Free US shipping
  • Easy cancellation
  • 30-day risk-free guarantee.

Cons

  • Since it’s a relatively new product, there aren’t many critical reviews to compare from. 
Seed Vegan Probiotic Capsule Size

Customer Reviews

An independent product review for Seed Synbiotic says:

“I can personally attest that Seed is more effective than any other probiotic I’ve taken in the past. I noticed a difference within days of switching…I started off with just 1 capsule a day while my body acclimated. On day 2, I was having multiple bowel movements in a day. By days 3 and 4 the number of bowel movements leveled off, and I also noticed I was having less bloating and my stomach appeared flatter.” – Natalie

Natural Vegan Probiotic Sources

The following non-animal-based food sources are rich in probiotics and are greatly recommended for vegan diet plans:

  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Vegan yogurt
  • Kombucha
  • Tempeh
  • Water kefir
  • Kvass
  • Miso
  • Sourdough bread
  • Fermented dairy alternatives (Soy- and nut-based milk and yogurts)

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Probiotics

Can vegans get enough probiotics from their diet?

Vegans can still get probiotics from non-animal-based food sources like fermented vegetables and dairy alternatives.

Are vegan probiotics as effective as non-vegan ones? 

Vegan probiotics are generally considered better than dairy-based ones, mainly because they pose a lesser risk for allergic reactions, given their organic nature. They also have a smaller carbon footprint and can benefit the planet better.

How long should you take probiotics for optimal results?

For most conditions, you’ll notice some results around a supplementation period of 3-4 weeks and to observe any negative effects. Most experts, however, recommend long-term probiotic supplementation to yield long-term results. 

Can you overdose on probiotics?

While it’s possible for one to take excessive probiotic supplements beyond the recommended dosage amount, it won’t cause any life-threatening effects, though side effects like bloating, gas, and nausea have been reported as a result of excessive intake. 

Vegan probiotics are generally considered better than dairy-based ones, mainly because they pose a lesser risk for allergic reactions, given their organic nature. They also have a smaller carbon footprint and can benefit the planet better.

Conclusion

Taking vegan probiotic supplements is an excellent and recommendable way to fully enjoy and maximize the benefits of probiotics. In fact, they may offer greater benefits and ensure better safety than standard animal-derivative probiotic supplements, making them a worthy part of anyone’s health habits.

But achieving optimal gut health doesn’t end with taking certain supplements, nor does it happen overnight. Overall, It entails lifestyle changes like opting for a healthy diet and choosing an active and dynamic lifestyle, and adopting a better mindset that will set the body in motion for recovery and better health.

If you’re new to probiotic supplements, ask your healthcare provider to help you guide through on how they work for the body.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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