Get ready to jump into the exciting world of vegan probiotics! Did you know that probiotics can help keep your gut – and your entire body – healthy and happy? And if you’re looking for ways to go plant-based while still getting all the benefits of probiotics, look no further! We’ve gathered all the info you need to find the perfect vegan-friendly option for your digestive system. So say goodbye to the struggle of finding a plant-based probiotic and welcome gut health and wellness into your life!
Table of Contents
- The importance of gut health
- Probiotics and their benefits
- What are vegan probiotics?
- The vegan lifestyle and gut health
- Differences between prebiotics and probiotics
- Why choose a vegan probiotic supplement?
- Common non-vegan ingredients in probiotics
- Top 5 Vegan Probiotic Supplements
- 1. Mary Ruth’s Organic Probiotic Drops
- 2. Goli Nutrition PRE+POST+PROBIOTICS Gummies
- 3. DEVA Vegan Probiotic with FOS Prebiotics
- 4. Hyperbiotics Pro 15 Vegan Probiotic Pearls
- 5. Country Life Dairy-Free Probiotic Power-Dophilus
- The Recap
The importance of gut health
Did you know that your gut is a bustling metropolis of trillions of tiny microorganisms? These helpful little beings are crucial to our overall health and well-being and have a hand in everything from digesting our food to keeping our immune system strong. But how can we make sure we’re keeping our gut microbiome balanced and healthy? Enter probiotics – the good bacteria that can help support a thriving gut environment. With probiotics on your side, you’ll be primed for a happy, healthy gut and a body that feels its best!
Probiotics and their benefits
Probiotics are tiny but mighty microorganisms that do wonders for your gut by ensuring good bacteria outweigh the bad, all while helping you digest nutrients like a pro. What’s more, their benefits extend far beyond digestion, with studies linking them to everything from a stronger immune system to better mental health and even easier weight management.
What are vegan probiotics?
Vegan probiotics are made exclusively with plant-based ingredients and processes, using no animal products or by-products. They are perfect for vegans, allergy sufferers, and anyone looking to optimize their health with a clean and conscious supplement.
The vegan lifestyle and gut health
When it comes to plant-based diets or any diet, our gut health is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does a vegan diet provide plenty of fiber and prebiotics, but adding vegan probiotics can give our gut health an extra boost.
Differences between prebiotics and probiotics
While the terms “prebiotics” and “probiotics” may sound similar, they serve different purposes in promoting gut health.
Prebiotics are fibers found in plant-based foods that help support the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in our gut. In short, they act as food for probiotics to work their magic.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are the live beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut environment. When combined with prebiotics, they create a powerful synergy known as “synbiotics” that maximizes gut health benefits. Plenty of vegan probiotics are available for those looking for vegan options.
Why choose a vegan probiotic supplement?
The rise of plant-based diets is more than just a food trend – it’s a lifestyle with benefits ranging from ethical considerations to environmental responsibility. Fortunately, a vegan diet naturally contains fiber and prebiotics, setting the stage for a healthy digestive system. Still, there’s something more you can do. By incorporating vegan probiotics, you can go the extra mile to optimize your gut health and enjoy even more benefits.
Here are some benefits of choosing vegan probiotics over non-vegan probiotics:
- Ethical considerations – For those who follow a vegan lifestyle, choosing a probiotic supplement that aligns with their values is crucial. Vegan probiotics are free from animal-derived ingredients and are often produced using more sustainable and cruelty-free methods.
- Allergies or intolerances – Vegan probiotics are a great alternative for those with allergies or intolerances to common ingredients found in non-vegan probiotics, such as dairy and gelatin.
- Environmental impact – Plant-based probiotics typically use fewer resources in production and generate less waste than animal-derived products.
Common non-vegan ingredients in probiotics
When looking for a vegan probiotic supplement, it is important to be aware of any non-vegan ingredients that may be present in the product. Some of the most common non-vegan ingredients can include:
- Gelatin – Gelatin is a popular material used for encapsulating probiotic supplements. However, gelatin is not vegan because it’s derived from animal collagen. Vegans looking for probiotic supplementation should opt for plant-based capsules instead. These capsules are made from either cellulose or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).
- Dairy-based probiotic strains – Some probiotic strains are cultured using dairy-based media, making them non-vegan. Always check the label for information about the manufacturing process and ensure that the probiotic strains are vegan-friendly.
- Animal-derived additives – Certain additives, such as lactose or magnesium stearate derived from animal sources, may be present in some probiotic supplements. So, if you’re looking for a fully vegan supplement, make sure to read the label and ingredient list carefully.
Top 5 Vegan Probiotic Supplements
Searching for the best vegan probiotic supplement can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best five options available. In addition, we’ve considered important criteria such as strain variety, strength, vegan certifications, and customer reviews!
1. Mary Ruth’s Organic Probiotic Drops
Mary Ruth’s Organic Probiotic Drops have whopping 12 probiotic strains, along with being gluten-free, vegan, and USDA organic-certified. Plus, its easy-to-use dropper bottle makes incorporating it into your daily routine a breeze!
Key features
- Contains 12 probiotic strains
- Vegan and USDA organic
- Shelf-stable, gluten-free, and top allergen-free
- Available in liquid form
Pros and cons
- Pros: Diverse strains, certified organic, positive customer reviews
- Cons: Slightly higher price point compared to some other options.
Price and availability
- Available online through Mary Ruth’s website, Walmart, Amazon, and select health food stores.
- Retails at approximately $44.95 per bottle (for 40 servings)
2. Goli Nutrition PRE+POST+PROBIOTICS Gummies
Introducing Goli Pre+Post+Probiotics Gummies! These new gummies are a great way to get the ultimate blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, all wrapped in an irresistibly tasty gummy. An innovative solution to support your digestive system, these gummies are sweet and chewy and make wellness feel like a treat!
Key features
- Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (here’s more info on what exactly postbiotics are, but they are basically the bacteria strains left behind after your body digests the prebiotics and postbiotics!)
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Allergy-friendly
- Available in gummy form
Pros and cons
- Pros: Tasty gummy format, prebiotic fiber support, easy to take. Goli Nutrition also gives back by partnering with Vitamin Angels and the Eden Reforestation Project.
- Cons: Fewer strains compared to some other options
Price and availability
- Available online through Walmart, Amazon, and the Goli Nutrition website*
- Retails at approximately $17.00 per bottle (for 20 servings at the suggested 3 gummies per serving)
*Use code VEGANSHOWOFF for a 10% discount 💚!
3. DEVA Vegan Probiotic with FOS Prebiotics
Meet the DEVA Vegan Probiotic! These shelf-stable capsules are certified vegan and boast 2 billion CFUs (that’s colony-forming units, for the uninitiated) to help keep your gut bacteria in check. Plus, they’re packed with prebiotics for an extra boost.
Key features
- 2 billion CFUs per serving
- Contains 100mg of FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) as prebiotics
- Certified vegan
- Shelf-stable, gluten-free, and allergen-free
- Available in capsule form
Pros and cons
- Pros: Affordable pricing, certified vegan, shelf-stable, the probiotic strain has a high bacterial survival in acidic conditions (like in your gut!) and contains prebiotics.
- Cons: Lower potency and fewer strains compared to other options
Price and availability
- Available online through the Deva Nutrition website, Amazon, Walmart, and select health food stores
- Retails at approximately $15.99 per bottle (90 servings)
4. Hyperbiotics Pro 15 Vegan Probiotic Pearls
Get ready to upgrade your gut health with Hyperbiotics Pro-15 Vegan Probiotic Pearls! Gluten-free and vegan with 15 powerful strains and 5 billion CFUs per serving, these shelf-stable supplements use cutting-edge time-release technology to ensure maximum effectiveness in supporting your digestive health.
Key features
- Contains 15 probiotic strains
- 5 billion CFUs per serving
- Vegan, gluten free and non-GMO
- Shelf-stable and allergen-free
- Unique time-release pearl technology
- Available in pearl form
Pros and cons
- Pros: Diverse strains, time-release technology for optimal delivery, shelf-stable
- Cons: Lower potency compared to some other options
Price and availability
- Available online through the Hyperbiotics website, Walmart, Amazon, and select health food stores
- Retails at approximately $29.99 per bottle (for 60 servings)
5. Country Life Dairy-Free Probiotic Power-Dophilus
Check out Country Life Dairy-Free Probiotic Power-Dophilus! With both vegan and gluten-free certifications, you can trust that you’re getting a top-quality product. Plus, each serving offers an impressive 12 billion CFUs spread across four different strains of probiotics to help support your digestive system.
Key features
- 12 billion CFUs per serving
- Contains 4 probiotic strains
- Certified vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Dairy-free and allergen-free
- Shelf-stable and resistant to stomach acid
- Available in capsule form
Pros and cons
- Pros: High potency, diverse strains, recyclable packaging, supports wind power, reputable company that’s been around since 1971
- Cons: Lacks additional ingredients for specific health benefits found in some other options
Price and availability
- Available online through the Country Life website, Walmart, Amazon, and select health food stores
- Retails at around $17 per bottle (33 servings)
The Recap
Incorporating vegan probiotics into your daily routine can be a powerful tool to improve your gut health and overall well-being. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with the resources to decide which supplement is right for you. So give yourself permission to be mindful of what your body needs, and include vegan probiotics in your life today. Your gut—and you—deserve it!
Read more: 9 Plant-Based Foods That Are Great For Your Gut
P.S. Before starting any new supplement, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs and health goals.
Nicole
Long time vegan living in upstate NY. Web developer and founder of Vegan ShowOff. She's addicted to ice cream and loves hiking, snowboarding, gardening, and travel. Read more from Nicole!