13 Best Probiotic Gummies: Reviews & Buyers Guide
By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz in the wellness space about probiotics. Nowadays, you can buy probiotic supplements, foods, pet food, and even skincare.
But the hype exists for good reason: probiotics may help treat gastrointestinal disorders, treat and prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections, and delay allergy development in children. [1]
Probiotics are healthy live bacteria and yeast that support your gut bacteria and typically come in a capsule or gummy. Gummies are one of the more convenient and tasty ways to get your probiotics in. The wellness space is filled with products that support healthy gut flora, but it’s important to know that not all probiotics are created equally.
So what are the best probiotic gummies on the market, do probiotic gummies really work, and how do you know what to look for when choosing the right one for you?
This article will break down the top probiotic gummies as well as provide a buying guide so you can make the best choice for your dollar.
Editor’s Top Picks
If you don’t have time to read the complete article, check out our top picks below.
13 Best Probiotic Gummies (2022 Update)
1. 200 Billion CFU Probiotic Supplement by Toniiq
The Toniiq probiotic is special due to its Multi-Layer Micro-Encapsulation Preparation. As discussed in further detail below (check our buying guide!), digestibility is critical because without it, you won’t get the full benefit from your probiotic. This probiotic powder is truly digestion-viable as it’s freeze-dried and coated with a core layer of biofilm.
This promotes steady-state and targeted controlled release of probiotic cells, as well as an outer wall (with natural polymer acids) for protection against acids, salts, and temperature damage.
Pros:
- Contains a very high CFU of 200 billion, the highest on the market
- 30 Verified Third-Party Tested Strains
- Contains both probiotics and prebiotics
- Fully shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration and lasting at least two years
- Dairy and gluten-free formula with extended-release capsules that can bypass destructive stomach acids
- Minimal ingredients
Cons:
- No money-back guarantee
2. Culturelle Daily Probiotic Gummies for Men and Women
The Culturelle Daily Probiotic is a popular choice that comes highly positively reviewed on Amazon, with many people reporting great benefits. It supports a healthy microbiome and is an excellent choice to support your gut health.
Pros:
- Contains 3 billion CFU of strains clinically studied and selected for their proven efficacy
- Fairly natural ingredients with few fillers
- Vegetarian and vegan formula
- 93% 4- and 5-star reviews on Amazon
Cons:
- Contains just one bacteria strain and no prebiotics
- Higher price point per gummy compared to others on the market
3. Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotics
Digestive Advantage is the #1 probiotic on the market with over 12,000 reviews on Amazon. Its positive reviews support its claims that it helps with indigestion, immune health, and bloating. Due to its stomach-stable formula, it may be more effective than other probiotics.
Pros:
- Probiotics are protected by a natural protein shell which helps them survive stomach acid 100x better than yogurt-based probiotics, so the bacteria actually reach your gut!
- Clinically tested probiotics strains
- Safe for children
- Comes with a product guarantee
- Patented BC30 probiotic may support overall digestive and immune health
Cons:
- Contains high-fructose corn syrup as well as artificial colors and flavors
- Contains 500 million CFU, lower than others on the market
4. Vitafusion Probiotic Gummy
Vitafusion is America’s #1 most trusted gummy vitamin brand. This company and probiotic have many unique features, with high-quality ingredients and delicious taste.
Pros:
- Contains 5 billion CFU, higher than the market average
- Contains no high-fructose corn syrup, gluten, dairy, gelatin, or synthetic dyes
- Tastes great; in fact, it won the 2018 ChefsBest Excellence Award!
- Good company to support: Vitafusion has a fruit tree planting initiative, planting 200,000 trees in 2020 and removing 42,075,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Cons:
- Not recommended for people under age 18
5. Solimo Probiotic & Immune Support
The Solimo Probiotic & Immune Support is a good choice for those looking for additional health support apart from simply probiotics. This supplement is pectin-based rather than gelatin-based, making it firm rather than chewy.
Pros:
- Contains 2 billion CFU
- Contains 25 mg echinacea per serving which is excellent for immune support, fighting inflammation, balancing blood sugar, easing anxiety, and improving skin health
- Contains vitamin C and A as well as zinc
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free formula
- Has a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Contains many ingredients and artificial colors which is undesirable to some
- Is not third-party tested and certified
6. Solimo Prebiotic & Probiotic 2 Billion CFU
Another winner from Solimo, this probiotic has higher CFU as well as prebiotics, unlike their Probiotic & Immune Support supplement. With over 5,500 reviews, it comes highly rated with many consumers reporting positive benefits to their digestive health. It has a tasty blue raspberry flavor and soft, gummy texture.
Pros:
- Contains 2 billion CFU
- Contains prebiotics as well as probiotics
- Vegetarian, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free formula
- Contains natural flavors
- Comes with a product guarantee
Cons:
- Contains many filler ingredients
- This formula is not vegan
8. Olly Probiotic Gummy, Immune, & Digestive Support
Olly is a popular, trusted brand for a wide variety of supplements, including probiotics. With a 4.7 average rating out of nearly 5000 reviews, the Olly Probiotic Gummy, Immune, & Digestive Support is an excellent choice for those wanting simultaneous digestive and immune system support.
Pros:
- Contains 1 billion potent CFU
- Can be consumed without food and water
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Gluten-free formula
- Produced by a B-corporation, certifying their social and environmental performance
Cons:
- Contains gelatin and dairy, making this non-vegan
- Contains a high level of sugar
- Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies (produced in a factory that also manufactures tree nut products)
9. OLLY Multi + Probiotic Adult Multivitamin Gummy
The Multi + Probiotic Adult Multivitamin Gummy is unique in that it’s not just a probiotic- it’s also a multivitamin. If you’re looking to fulfill both supplement needs at once, this gummy may be perfect for you. It also comes very well-reviewed with over 7000 Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Contains additional vitamins and minerals in addition to probiotics
- Contains 1 billion CFUs
- Manufactured and packaged in the USA
- Contains few filler ingredients
- Produced by a B-corporation, certifying their social and environmental performance
Cons:
- Non-vegan formula (contains gelatin)
- Contains high levels of sugar
10. OLLY Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy, Digestive Support and Gut Health
Another popular supplement from Olly, the Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy, Digestive Support and Gut Health is notable for its combination of prebiotics and probiotics.
Pros:
- Contains fiber which supports overall digestive health and gut flora
- Contains both probiotics and prebiotics which help add to and maintain gut flora count
- Affordable price
- Gluten-free formula
- Produced by a B-corporation, certifying their social and environmental performance
Cons:
- Lower CFU count than other probiotics at just 500 million CFU
- Must be refrigerated
- Non-vegan formula (contains gelatin and dairy)
11. Trunature Digestive Probiotic
The Trunature Digestive Probiotic contains two different probiotic strains and a fairly high CFU count, making it a good choice for those in search of a straightforward and effective probiotic. Its Amazon reviewers note it has a tasty formula and excellent digestive support.
Pros:
- Contains 3 billion CFU, higher than similar products on the market
- Contains a variety of probiotic strains, increasing its efficacy
- Affordable price
- Good texture and flavor
- Safe for children ages 3 and up
Cons:
- Should be refrigerated
- Relatively expensive
12. Lifeable Probiotic Gummy
The Lifeable Probiotic Gummy is excellent for those with food sensitivities, allergies, and special dietary needs. It’s free of many common allergens and safe for kids, making it a good choice for the whole family.
Pros:
- Certified tested by third-party laboratories
- Gluten-free, certified kosher, vegetarian, and vegan formula
- Contains 1 billion CFU
- Free of peanuts and tree nuts
- Contains only natural flavors
- Safe for kids
- Made in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) approved facility
- Doctor-approved
Cons:
- Contains high levels of sugar
Bonus Product: Nature’s Bounty Acidophilus Probiotic
While this next probiotic isn’t a gummy, we think it deserves highlighting due to its affordable price, good ingredients, and excellent reviews on Amazon.
Nature’s Bounty is a trusted manufacturer of many supplements. This probiotic is a crowd favorite with 91% 4- and 5-star reviews out of over 19,000 reviews.
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Few filler ingredients
- Environmentally-friendly packaging
- Trusted brand with a history of reliable products
- Vegetarian and vegan formula
Cons:
- Low CFU compared to competitors, just 100 million
- Bottle must be stored in the refrigerator
- CFU count is for the time of manufacturing, not necessarily the time of consumption
What is the Best-Rated Probiotic on the Market?
The Vitalitown Probiotics 120 Billion CFUs is the market’s #1 choice. While it’s a capsule, not a gummy, this probiotic comes highly reviewed. Let’s take a look at why:
Pros:
- Contains 36 bacteria strains, excellent for creating a diverse and healthy gut biome
- Contains 120 billion CFU, very high compared to others on the market
- Contains digestive enzymes and prebiotics
- Shelf-stable formula means the bacteria can reach your gut before they are destroyed by your stomach acids
- Vegan, vegetarian, and non-GMO formula is also free of other common allergens like soy, tree nuts, fish, yeast, eggs, and dairy
- Suitable for all genders
- Contains water-soluble fiber
- Refrigeration is not required (although recommended)
- Made and bottled in the USA
- Comes with a product guarantee
Cons:
- Higher price point per gummy compared to others on the market
Do Probiotic Gummies Actually Work?
The short answer is yes, but not for everyone. Some people’s bodies expel the bacteria ingested from probiotics, whereas others hold on to it. In healthy people, probiotics may have little to no effect.
However, if you suffer from gut disorders like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), probiotics can really help symptoms.
This 2015 study showed that probiotics helped patients with IBS, relieving symptoms over the placebo. [2] The biggest challenge with probiotic gummies is getting the bacteria to the gut, making its shelf stability (more on that below) of prime importance.
One thing to note is that many probiotic gummies contain guar gum, locust bean gum, and gum arabic. These gums can cause gastrointestinal side effects including gas and bloat in some people, which is what many people are hoping to heal with their probiotics in the first place.
What to Look For In Your Probiotic Gummy
When choosing the right probiotic for you, there are a number of criteria to consider.
Shelf Stability
The probiotics need to be alive in order to propagate, live in your gut, and support your health. Our stomach acids naturally attack the incoming bacteria. Therefore, choosing a product that can bypass stomach acids so the bacteria can survive is essential.
When choosing your probiotic gummy, look for a shelf-stable product with capsules that are also stomach-stable.
The Number of Colony Forming Units (CFU)
Colony Forming Units are the number of bacteria and yeast contained in your probiotic that can divide and form colonies. Many experts recommend between 6 and 10 billion CFU daily (of course, some of these will come from your diet, not solely your probiotic). More isn’t always better; choosing the right probiotic for you with good shelf-stability can be more important than a higher CFU.
It’s best to start with a smaller dose until you see how your gut handles it. This is because some people experience diarrhea or constipation when they start probiotics. So if your bottle recommends two a day, start with one for a few days before increasing your dose.
Third-party Testing Verification
Variations in storage conditions, transit methods, and the place of origin can affect the potency of your probiotic or even lead to bacterial contamination. A good probiotic will be third-party tested for potency and safety.
Prebiotic Content
Prebiotics are the food that your healthy gut bacteria feast on. Incorporating prebiotic supplements and foods into your diet means you take care of the helpful bacteria that are already in your gut, plus feeding the new ones you introduce with probiotics.
Added Ingredients
Many supplements, especially gummies, contain additives like sugar, guar gum, and preservatives. It’s best to choose one with minimal ingredients to reduce the chance of getting indigestion from these additives.
Refrigeration
Many probiotics need to be refrigerated. This is not a problem, but if you want a probiotic that you can take on the road with you, you may want to find one that does not require refrigeration. However, all gummies can melt, so it’s still best to keep them in a cool place whenever possible.
Money-back guarantee
Because not every probiotic is right for everyone, it’s nice to have a money-back guarantee.
Related Reading – Elemental Diet – The Ultimate SIBO Treatment
Improving Your Gut Flora Naturally
Don’t forget to include probiotic and prebiotic foods into your diet, too. Tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, miso, pickles, chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, dandelion greens, barley, oats, apples, and kombucha are excellent probiotic and prebiotic foods to consume regularly. Plus don’t forget to manage stress to avoid worsening of the symptoms.
Conclusion
If you suffer from digestion distress, a probiotic gummy may be able to help heal your gut from within and relieve symptoms. But if you choose the wrong one, you are throwing money away, or even worse, may even exacerbate your indigestion symptoms.
For best results, choose a shelf- and stomach- stable probiotic with a high CFU count, third-party testing, and minimal added ingredients. That will increase your chances of getting the full benefit of your probiotic, and healing your digestive distress- for good.
Written by Stephanie Moore
Stephanie is a professional writer who is a ‘SIBO survivor’ herself with broad experience writing in the health field. She is a regular writer for SIBO Survivor and calls Berlin, Germany home.
