What are the Best Vegan Probiotics? Top Plant-Based Probiotic Supplement for 2019

When you hear about probiotics, you may immediately think of yogurt–which is exactly what yogurt companies would like you to do. However, it isn’t true that probiotics–which are bacterial organisms that aid in our digestive processes–are only available through dairy products. There are many products out there that can provide you with the probiotics your digestive system needs, and it’s natural to consume probiotics through a healthy and wholesome diet.

Recently, probiotics have begun to gain more attention for the way they can benefit our bodies. People generally understand that they’re helpful, but it can be difficult to understand the logistics of it and what exactly probiotics do for us. For some, it can be tough to wrap your mind around the fact that not all bacteria are “bad”–and that there are some “good” bacteria that we should in fact welcome into our bodies.

Sometimes, bacteria bring diseases, and we require antibiotics in order to cure or eradicate those diseases. But not all bacteria are the same, and there are certain ones that make a positive impact on human health; these are probiotics. The reason why these bacteria in particular are helpful is because, if taken in the right ratios and amounts, they help to promote a healthy gut and overall positive digestive system. In fact, the word “probiotic” means “for life.”

Top 5 Vegan Probiotics

Ora Organic Vegan Probiotic Capsules with Prebiotics **TOP PICK**5 out of 5 stars
LiveWell Labs Nutrition PRO45 Clinical Grade Probiotic Formula4.8 out of 5 stars
MaryRuth Organics Liquid Probiotics & Enzymes4.7 out of 5 stars
Garden of Life Whole Food Probiotic Supplement4.6 out of 5 stars
Physician’s Choice 60 Billion CFU Probiotics4.5 out of 5 stars

What Can Probiotics Be Used For?

The main reason why someone would want to take probiotics and ensure that there are plenty of good, helpful bacteria thriving within their digestive system is to combat against diarrhea, excessive gas, bloating, or other types of gastrointestinal upset. Probiotics can be particularly helpful in cases of diarrhea that is induced by antibiotics or infections.

Many clinical studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the amount of time someone spends suffering from these ailments, and that probiotics may even have a role in preventing them in the first place. Other studies have shown that probiotics may help to eradicate symptoms that come from digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The use of probiotics extends beyond your digestive system, as well; good bacteria that thrives in your gut also tends to have a positive impact on your immune system’s overall functioning and health. A study showed that athletes who consumed probiotics tended to have 40% less gastrointestinal infections and colds than when they did not consume probiotics. For some reason, probiotics have an intimate relationship with your body’s system of defense. Due to this, probiotics have been revered for a long time as a homeopathic and natural way to fight off the flu and common cold.

What Should Vegans Beware Of With Probiotic Supplements?

Probiotics are definitely a convenient and easy means of introducing good bacteria into your body and your diet, without putting in too much effort or time on your part. However, it’s essential that vegans be aware of what kinds of probiotics they’re taking in particular. For example, a popular probiotic strain is lactobacillus. Any time you see something with the prefix “lacto,” it means the product is milk-derived. There isn’t any dairy in the bacteria itself, however the association with dairy products and the fact that the culture is grown on dairy may give vegans some concern.

If you’re vegan, it’s best to do your research and select the products you’d like to try very carefully. Some strains grow in a way that is not reliant on dairy foods, and as you make your choices, pick products that are specifically certified to be vegan, not just “non-dairy”. In general, a non-dairy product simply means that people who are allergic to dairy can eat it safely, but a non-dairy product could still use dairy products while it’s being processed. Stick to probiotics that are clearly, simply, vegan.

The Best Vegan Probiotics List


Ora Organic Vegan Probiotic Capsules with Prebiotics

These capsules from Ora Organic are vegan certified, USDA organic certified, and provide you with 16 billion probiotics, with prebiotics included. Those probiotics come from six separate strains and were selected to give you the best support for your immune function and digestive health. Each capsule contains vegan probiotic strains that have been clinically documented and shown to be acid resistant, so you can take the supplement without any worries. Organic prebiotics, which function as fuel for probiotics, are mixed in to keep all the good bacteria in your gut thriving.

Ora Organics prides itself on developing products that are free from artificial ingredients, GMOs, gluten, fillers, peanuts, or dairy, and this capsule in particular is 100% vegan. You’ll get a one month supply and can bring it on the go–you don’t need to worry about refrigeration, because the capsules are freeze-dried. Take them for optimal digestion, mood, skin and hair health, and immune function.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Features probiotics mixed with prebiotics for optimal gut health
  • Easy to bring on the go; don’t need to worry about refrigeration
  • USDA organic certified and vegan certified

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • May cause nausea, bloating, and constipation
  • Doesn’t help to keep the body regular as well as some other probiotics


LiveWell Labs Nutrition PRO45 Clinical Grade Probiotic Formula

LiveWell Lab’s PRO45 features a probiotic formula that’s clinical grade, broad spectrum, and provides you with 45 billion CFU from eleven strains that are patented. These strains have been clinically studied and proven to have a high ability to colonize once they’re within the gut and proven to be able to naturally assist with bile and acid resistance. Completely free of dairy and any other type of animal products, these capsules promote your digestive and immune health in the best way possible.

The capsules feature a delayed release system and has NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, which slowly releases ingredients into your system to boost growth and vitality throughout your gut. You’ll find a clean ingredient list that includes PRO45 probiotic blend, NutraFlora prebiotic fiber, long grain rice flour, and vegetable cellulose (veggie caps). Simply take one capsule a day as you eat with a glass of water, and experience optimal immune and digestive health.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Tested and created in the USA
  • Tested by third parties
  • Features eleven patented strains that naturally assist with bile and acid resistance

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • May cause severe stomach rumblings and gas
  • Expensive investment


MaryRuth Organics Liquid Probiotics & Enzymes

MaryRuth Organics’ liquid probiotics is a gut-health solution that’s 100% raw, 100% organic, and free of wheat, nuts, soy, corn, and gluten. It’s completely vegan and supports your immune system as it’s also an effective means to support weight loss and maintenance. You can also use it to help solve your digestive problems, from IBS and bloating to diarrhea and gas. The plant-and-water-based formula was created by a certified health educator and is among the best selling liquid probiotics you’ll find in the nation. It was also created in a facility that is GMP compliant.

MaryRuth aims to give you an easy means to boost your overall wellness as you suppress bad bacteria and fill your gut with probiotic strains that are carefully chosen for their benefits. The selected strains will keep you regular and target digestive issues with ingredients that are 100% raw and plant based, and no fructose or white sugar added.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Effective way to support weight maintenance and weight loss
  • 100% organic, vegan, and raw
  • No artificial sweeteners added

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • Can cause an allergic reaction; be careful if you have a sensitivity
  • Does not need refrigeration but may start smelling bad


Garden of Life Whole Food Probiotic Supplement

Garden of Life gives you whole food digestion support with their Primal Defense probiotic supplement, which gives you 15 billion CFUs containing thirteen strains such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which maximize the benefits of healthy foods, relieve constipation, support general digestive health, and boost your ability to absorb nutrients. It’s the only powder formula on the market that is shelf stable and contains a unique blend of soil based probiotics, known as Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSO).

The strains were selected specifically to support your immune system and your colon health in particular. They’ll prevent constipation and promote bowel movements that are comfortable, healthy, and regular. The formula is also vegan, organic, and free from gluten, fillers, or binders so you can rest assured taking the powder. Simply take one capsule per day with water.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Maximizes your ability to absorb nutrients and maximizes the benefits of eating healthy
  • Contains Homeostatic Soil Organisms
  • Only shelf stable powder formula on the market

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • May cause acne breakouts and headaches
  • Has to be refrigerated; difficult to keep from going bad during shipping


Physician’s Choice 60 Billion CFU Probiotics

Physician’s Choice offers you the maximum strength possible with 60 billion CFUs in each serving. The company knew there was a need for supplements that not only adhered to their maximum-strength claims but which were of high quality as well. It partnered with doctors and used clinical research to formulate this probiotic supplement, which features prebiotics as well, ten vegan strains, and non-GMO ingredients that are of a professional grade. The supplement is also completely free of preservatives, additives, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, eggs, milk, gluten, soy, or binders.

Physician’s Choice has also developed a shelf stable bottle, Activ-Vial, which is patented and ensures the potency and stability of the product over time. No matter how long you have the bottle, you can rest assured knowing the blend naturally supports your digestive system, gut health, gas and bloating relief, weight loss, intestinal health, and immune system. With delayed release capsules, you’ll get high potency prebiotics and probiotics from ten separate strains and you simply need to take one capsule each day. Make sure you don’t chew or otherwise crush the capsules, so the delayed release system can take place.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Shelf-stable packaging is patented
  • Provides maximum potency of 60 billion CFUs
  • Doctor approved, ten-strain probiotic with prebiotics and fiber

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • Can cause rashes
  • Despite the max potency of CFUs, product still did not work and had no impact for some people


Naturelo 50 Billion CFU Probiotic Supplement

Naturelo believes that you should receive natural minerals and vitamins in all your supplements–not ingredients that are brewed within a lab. They adhere to this standard with their probiotic supplement, which offers you advanced-formula, 50 billion CFUs that can help with diarrhea, bloating, gas, intestinal discomfort, and provide a boost to your overall intestinal health and immune system functioning. It features eleven probiotic strains that don’t require any refrigeration and are 100% vegan, natural, and made here in the USA.

Just one capsule a day promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut and can help relieve any digestive discomfort you may be feeling. You can even utilize this supplement as part of a colon cleanse program and as a means to support a healthy weight loss plan as you improve your nutrition overal. It’s completely free of gluten, GMOs, soy, yeast, dairy, sugar, eggs, animal derivatives, or artificial preservatives or flavors. All ingredients are natural and non-GMO. Naturelo has a three-year shelf life, and you can have faith that your probiotics come from fruits and vegetables that are organically grown.

thumbs-up-icon

Pros

  • Capsules are protected with delayed release technology that is patented
  • Use as an aspect of a weight loss plan or colon cleanse program
  • All natural, organically grown ingredients

thumbs-down-icon

Cons

  • Many users found that this product actually made their regularity worse
  • Inconsistent benefit; sometimes the supplement helps, sometimes it doesn’t


Conclusion & What is the Best Vegan Probiotic Supplement

As weird as it may seem, there are indeed good bacteria, and we need these good bacteria to positively support the health of our digestive system and our immune system. While you might think immediately of dairy products, there are other ways to get probiotics, such as through capsules. Taking probiotics can provide many people with the boost they need for their health and help them combat gastrointestinal upset, as well as fight off common colds and the flu. If you’re vegan, you’re welcome to add probiotics to your diet; just make sure there are no strains grown on dairy. All six probiotics above are completely vegan and offer a good starting place for the vegan probiotic market.  Our favorite being Ora Organic Vegan Probiotic Capsules (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE).