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10 Best Vegan Probiotics to Use in 2023
Gut Health

10 Best Vegan Probiotics to Use in 2023

HR_author_photo_Edna
Written by Edna Skopljak, MD | Fact checked by Fact checked by Donika Vata, MD check
Last update: May 4, 2023
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9 min

Probiotic supplements promote digestive health and the many health benefits that come with it. But choosing your vegan probiotics means more than finding a dairy-free, vegetal-capsule probiotic.

best vegan probiotic
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How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.

In health food stores, all vegan probiotics usually share the same shelf, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you.

But choosing the best vegan probiotic means more than weighing colony-forming unit (CFU) counts against the product’s price.

In this review, we look closely at what the best products on the market currently have to offer and dive into what science has to say about their claims.

Keep reading to discover the best vegan probiotic supplements you can enjoy alongside probiotic foods.

10 Best Vegan Probiotics

The best vegan probiotic supplements provide careful blends of probiotics with additional beneficial ingredients like prebiotics and postbiotics. Some feature patented ingredients that promise optimal bioavailability.

From Bioma to Nueco, here are the top 10 vegan probiotic supplements you can take.

Comparison Table

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Bioma
Ritual Synbiotic+
Hum Gut Instinct
Solaray Mycrobiome Probiotic Women’s Formula
Codeage SBO Probiotic+
Ora Probiotic & Prebiotic Powder
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
MBG Probiotic+
Future Kind+ 30 Billion Probiotic
The Nue Co. Probiotic Protein – Plant
4.5
stars
3.7
stars
3.6
stars
3.9
stars
4.1
stars
4.5
stars
3.8
stars
4.4
stars
4.0
stars
4.0
stars

Supports weight loss if taken regularly

Can make you eat less

Reduces bloating after meals

Increases energy levels

Helps soothe gut inflammation

Supports healthy, regular stools

Strengthens the immune system

Delivers a proven dose of beneficial probiotics

You can take it with you (no refrigeration needed)

Increases gut microbiome diversity if taken regularly

Greater strain diversity than other supplements

Supports gut health

Improves the health of your immune system

Has inulin

Provides dietary fiber

Supports bone health

Boosts immunity

Reduces constipation and bloating

May relieve stress and anxiety

With beneficial prebiotic fibers

Helps with mood balance

Supports a healthy inflammatory response

Improves immune system

Great strain diversity

No refrigeration needed

Free from the most common allergens and pesticides

Reduces gas

Eases bloating

Relieves constipation

Protects the gut from bad bacteria

Helps with gas and bloating

Provides immune support

Can boost energy

Daily protein boost for better skin, hair, and nail health

Supports muscle growth

Costs more than other probiotics

You may initially experience mild stomach discomfort

You may experience temporary bloating and gas

Contains fewer probiotic strains than some competitors

Lacks prebiotics

High cost

You have to take the capsule on an empty stomach for it to work

No prebiotics or postbiotics

Men may benefit more from other probiotics

Lacks prebiotics

Not ideal for travel or taking with you on the go (requires refrigeration)

Requires long-term use

Other probiotics in this price range have more strains

Powder form can make it inconvenient to take

Less effective delivery method

Other supplements have more probiotics

Only for adults

More expensive than other probiotics

Without prebiotics

Expensive

May contain allergens

You can’t take it on the go (needs refrigeration)

Lacks prebiotics

Requires blending or mixing

Brand
Bioma
Ritual Synbiotic+
Hum Gut Instinct
Solaray Mycrobiome Probiotic Women’s Formula
Codeage SBO Probiotic+
Ora Probiotic & Prebiotic Powder
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
MBG Probiotic+
Future Kind+ 30 Billion Probiotic
The Nue Co. Probiotic Protein – Plant
Overall Rating
4.5
stars
3.7
stars
3.6
stars
3.9
stars
4.1
stars
4.5
stars
3.8
stars
4.4
stars
4.0
stars
4.0
stars
Pros

Supports weight loss if taken regularly

Can make you eat less

Reduces bloating after meals

Increases energy levels

Helps soothe gut inflammation

Supports healthy, regular stools

Strengthens the immune system

Delivers a proven dose of beneficial probiotics

You can take it with you (no refrigeration needed)

Increases gut microbiome diversity if taken regularly

Greater strain diversity than other supplements

Supports gut health

Improves the health of your immune system

Has inulin

Provides dietary fiber

Supports bone health

Boosts immunity

Reduces constipation and bloating

May relieve stress and anxiety

With beneficial prebiotic fibers

Helps with mood balance

Supports a healthy inflammatory response

Improves immune system

Great strain diversity

No refrigeration needed

Free from the most common allergens and pesticides

Reduces gas

Eases bloating

Relieves constipation

Protects the gut from bad bacteria

Helps with gas and bloating

Provides immune support

Can boost energy

Daily protein boost for better skin, hair, and nail health

Supports muscle growth

Cons

Costs more than other probiotics

You may initially experience mild stomach discomfort

You may experience temporary bloating and gas

Contains fewer probiotic strains than some competitors

Lacks prebiotics

High cost

You have to take the capsule on an empty stomach for it to work

No prebiotics or postbiotics

Men may benefit more from other probiotics

Lacks prebiotics

Not ideal for travel or taking with you on the go (requires refrigeration)

Requires long-term use

Other probiotics in this price range have more strains

Powder form can make it inconvenient to take

Less effective delivery method

Other supplements have more probiotics

Only for adults

More expensive than other probiotics

Without prebiotics

Expensive

May contain allergens

You can’t take it on the go (needs refrigeration)

Lacks prebiotics

Requires blending or mixing

#1 Bioma

bioma logo
Bioma
  • Rebalances bacteria in the gut microbiome
  • Supports weight management and digestive health
Our rating:
4.5
stars
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Bioma tops our list of vegan probiotic supplements because of its mix of xylooligosaccharide (XOS), tributyrin, and a proprietary blend of thermogenic probiotics.

Don’t be daunted by the complicated names. These ingredients have several health benefits backed by scientific research.

XOS is a probiotic that helps reduce inflammation in the colon by establishing healthy bacteria, according to a 2019 study.

A more recent study found that it also lowers bad cholesterol levels while improving lipid metabolism. This means XOS can help your body remove fat cells from the blood, supporting weight loss.

The thermogenic probiotics in Bioma include Bifidobacterium lactis, longum, and breve. Known as good bacteria, these probiotic strains boost metabolism, reduce food cravings, and speed up your body’s ability to eliminate fat cells.

More than helping with weight loss, thermogenic probiotics can make it harder for you to put on unwanted weight. This is important if you want to shed excess pounds. Studies show that within two years, most dieters regain all the weight they’ve initially lost.

Lastly, this probiotic supplement has CoreBiome tributyrin, a triglyceride with antioxidant powers. When good bacteria help your body break down the dietary fiber in the colon, they create butyrate.

Butyrate can decrease gut inflammation, bloating, gas, and constipation. However, butyrate often breaks down before it can reach the colon.

Triburyrin passes through the stomach and releases butyrate in the gut for optimal benefits. Bioma claims that its tributyrin is the only one with clinically proven bioavailability in the colon.

To sum up, if you’re looking for the best vegan probiotic for gut health and weight loss, Bioma can be the answer.

Pros
  • Can promote weight loss
  • Can reduce food cravings and emotional eating
  • Decreases bloating
  • Improves digestive health
  • Reduces gut inflammation
  • May improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
  • May boost energy levels
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • More expensive than other supplements
  • Can cause mild stomach discomfort

#2 Ritual Synbiotic+

Ritual logo
Ritual Synbiotic+
  • Powerful BB-12 and LGG probiotic blend
  • Delayed-release nested capsule
  • Moisture-controlled bottle technology
  • Dosages based on clinical data
Our rating:
3.7
stars
Learn More

Ritual Synbiotic+ brings together science-backed prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics that work together to create a more balanced gut microbiome. It looks and feels like a premium product.

It includes the PreforPro prebiotic bacteriophage blend (15mg), the probiotic strains BB-12 and LGG, and the postbiotic tributyrin (300mg).

BB-12 stands for Bifidobacterium, the world’s most-documented probiotic. LGG is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, another widely used probiotic strain.

Together, the BB-12 and LGG probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome by promoting good bacteria. Research shows they can also boost the immune system to reduce respiratory infections.

Some probiotic capsules risk losing some of their potency in the stomach. Ritual Synbiotic+ features a delayed-release capsule guaranteed to reach the colon with all strains intact.

The moisture-controlled bottle technology means you don’t have to refrigerate this supplement. This makes it a handy vegan probiotic supplement to take with you when you travel.

Another advantage of this supplement is that you can take it with or without food. So long as you take a capsule a day, you can swallow it either in the morning or at night.

Pros
  • Packs a proven dose of beneficial probiotics
  • Helps compensate for a diet low in probiotic-rich foods
  • Consistent use supports a healthy gut flora
  • Can improve stool frequency
  • Can boost the immune system
  • Doesn’t require refrigeration
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Other products provide more probiotic strains
  • Adjustment period may cause gas, bloating, or rumbling stomach

#3 Hum Gut Instinct

HUM logo
Hum Gut Instinct
  • Includes 10 probiotic strains
  • Over 25 billion organisms (at the time of manufacture)
  • Has Streptococcus thermophilus
Our rating:
3.6
stars
Learn More

A diverse gut microbiome has been associated with better health and a stronger immune system. Hum Gut Instinct aims to increase the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.

Made in the US and featuring 10 different strains, it’s one of the most diverse vegan probiotic supplements on our list.

It includes 6 Lactobacillus strains, 3 Bifidobacterium strains, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Experimental research suggests that the latter may boost immune function.

The combination of probiotics in this probiotic supplement goes beyond balancing gut microbiome diversity. It may protect your skin against free radicals and keep it hydrated and elastic.

Hum Gut Instinct promises 25 billion organisms per capsule. But it’s important to remember that this number may decrease over time. To maximize results, buy it while it’s still new – as close to the manufacturing date as possible.

Because of its skin health benefits, Hum Gut Instinct can also serve as a beauty supplement.

Pros
  • Provides more strains than other supplements
  • Promotes gut microbiome diversity
  • Supports gut health
  • Hydrates and protects your skin
  • Can provide an immune system boost
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Doesn’t contain prebiotics or postbiotics
  • More expensive than other products
  • You have to take the capsule on an empty stomach

#4 Solaray Mycrobiome Probiotic Women’s Formula

Solaray logo
Solaray Mycrobiome Probiotic Women’s Formula
  • 24 probiotic strains
  • 50 billion live cultures
  • Formulated for women
  • Enteric capsule shield for optimal delivery
  • Bottle design allows live strains to survive unrefrigerated for up to 7 days
Our rating:
3.9
stars
Learn More

Solaray is a household name in the world of dietary supplements. Through the Mycrobiome Probiotic Women’s Formula, the brand is offering a vegan probiotic supplement specially formulated for women.

The gut-brain connection is well-established. A troubled gut can send the wrong signals to the brain, causing low mood and stress. This Solaray probiotic goes beyond boosting gut health to improve immunity, mental health, and overall health. 

Some of the strains within this vegan probiotic may help reduce urinary tract infections and support vaginal health.

Each capsule provides 24 probiotic strains. That’s the equivalent of 50 cups of Greek yogurt per capsule – without the calories.

This product is also rich in dietary fiber, which helps create beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Pros
  • Has inulin, a proven plant-based probiotic
  • Provides dietary fiber
  • Supports digestive health
  • Boosts immune health
  • Helps keep bones healthy
  • Can help with managing stress
  • May improve mood
Cons
  • Improper storage may limit its effectiveness
  • Men may benefit more from other probiotics

#5 Codeage SBO Probiotic+

Codeage Logo
Codeage SBO Probiotic+
  • 6 strains of probiotics with soil-based organisms
  • 50 billion colony-forming units per serving
  • Includes fermented and organic sprouted plants and ingredients
  • Shelf-stable – doesn’t require refrigeration
Our rating:
4.1
stars
Learn More

Plant-based probiotic supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Codeage SBO Probiotic+ is a good example.

This isn’t your average vegan probiotic supplement. In addition to a powerful 6-strain probiotic blend (200mg), it provides an interesting fermented organic botanical blend.

This organic prebiotic fiber blend includes popular superfoods like turmeric, hemp seed, and ginger alongside lesser-known ingredients like sprouted canihua seed, milk thistle, and turkey tail mushroom.

Research suggests that fermented foods like these provide powerful doses of nutrients and phytochemicals. What’s more, together with established probiotic strains, they may boost brain health.

Similar to vegan probiotic foods, these ingredients also provide prebiotic fibers that can help probiotic strains thrive.

Codeage SBO Probiotic+ also includes the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha. In clinical studies, root extracts of this plant have reduced stress and anxiety.

Another benefit of this product is that it’s shelf-stable. You don’t have to worry whether it’s been properly refrigerated before it reaches you.

Pros
  • Can help with bloating, gas, and constipation
  • Unique blend of ingredients
  • Includes prebiotic fibers
  • Could relieve stress and anxiety
  • Large supply – 90 capsules per bottle
  • Dairy-free
Cons
  • You can find probiotics with more strains
  • You may have to take it for a longer time to see effects

#6 Ora Probiotic & Prebiotic Powder Supplement

ora logo
Ora Probiotic & Prebiotic Powder Supplement
  • 7 probiotic strains
  • 20 billion probiotics per 7.5g scoop
  • Prebiotic blend
  • Organic apple raspberry or lavender lemonade flavors
  • Available as powder
Our rating:
4.5
stars
Learn More

The vegan probiotic supplements we’ve reviewed so far came as capsules. By contrast, the Ora probiotic and prebiotic comes in a flavored powder form.

That means you can mix it into your morning oatmeal or add it to a smoothie. As convenient as that is, it could mean that not all the 20 billion CFUs that you get per scoop may reach your intestines.

The 7 Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains in this probiotic are backed by a strong body of research. Mixed with these are the organic prebiotics tapioca oligosaccharide and Jerusalem artichoke inulin.

The simple list of ingredients and organic flavoring make this probiotic different from other competitors. But in the end, the benefits you get from it depend on how many of the strains reach your gut.

You may not see improvements as fast with this supplement as with others.

Pros
  • Supports digestion
  • Improves immune system
  • Helps with mood balance
  • Supports a healthy inflammatory response
Cons
  • Other supplements provide more probiotics per serving
  • Powder form means not all probiotics and prebiotics may reach your gut

#7 Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic

Seed Logo
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
  • Polyphenol-based prebiotic
  • 24 science-backed probiotic strains
  • 53.6 billion active fluorescent units per serving
  • Dairy-free
  • Compatible with a FODMAPS diet
Our rating:
3.8
stars
Learn More

Next up on our list, a probiotic supplement that features a prebiotic outer capsule and a probiotic inner capsule.

The probiotic in Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is derived from Indian pomegranate. Some studies suggest these polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) stimulate probiotic bacteria and have antioxidant properties.

Unlike other probiotics, Seed counts active probiotics in active fluorescent units (AFUs) rather than colony-forming units (CFUs). AFU counting requires flow cytometry tests, which can provide a more accurate indication of culturable cells.

Seed DS-01 includes all the major Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. In addition, it also has Lacticaseibacilli, Limosilactobacilli, Ligilactobacillus, and Lactiplantibacillus.

Combined, these probiotics do more than improve digestive health and gut immunity. They support skin and cardiovascular health and facilitate micronutrient synthesis.

Overall, Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic delivers a quality product, provided you’re willing to pay for it.

Pros
  • Broad-spectrum strains
  • Prebiotics support probiotics
  • May have systemic benefits like heart health and skin health
  • Doesn’t require refrigeration
  • Guaranteed survival through simulated digestion
  • Tested for over 400 allergens and pesticide residues
Cons
  • More expensive than other probiotics
  • Suitable only for adults

#8 MBG Probiotic+

mindbodygreen logo
MBG Probiotic+
  • 32 billion CFU
  • Only blend with L. acidophilus NCFM with B. lactis Bi-07, B420, and HN019
Our rating:
4.4
stars
Learn More

Our list of probiotic supplements continues with the MBG Probiotic+. This probiotic claims to be the only blend in the world combining L. acidophilus NCFM with B. lactis Bi-07, B420, and HN019.

While other probiotics promise system-wide benefits, this one focuses on gut health. More specifically, it can reduce bloating, support nutrient absorption, promote regular stools, and help you manage your weight.

Each of the probiotics in this supplement has been clinically proven to support gut health. If you’re dealing with gut-related issues and want to keep things simple, this probiotic supplement could be right for you.

Pros
  • May ease bloating and aid digestion
  • Helps with constipation
  • Can help reduce gas
  • May help you lose weight (used alongside a healthy lifestyle)
  • Supports gut microbiome
  • Doesn’t require refrigeration
Cons
  • More expensive than most other supplements
  • Doesn’t have prebiotics

#9 Future Kind+ 30 Billion Probiotic

Future Kind+ logo
Future Kind+ 30 Billion Probiotic
  • 30 billion CFUs
  • 10 bacterial strains
  • Has the DE111 Bacillus subtilis patented strain
  • Vegan capsule
Our rating:
4
stars
Learn More

The name gives it away. This probiotic promises 30 billion beneficial probiotic bacteria. That includes 8 strains of the beneficial probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacillus.

Unlike other probiotic supplements, however, this one also has Bacillus coagulans and the patented DE111 Bacillus subtilis. Research shows that DE111 has a host of benefits beyond promoting digestive health.

This spore-based probiotic can boost immune health, secrete antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, and also has antiviral properties.

If you’re keen to try the DE111 healthy bacteria benefits, you may want to give this supplement a try.

Pros
  • Can relieve bloating and gas
  • Supports digestion and a healthy metabolism
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Protects your gut from harmful bacteria
  • Good price
Cons
  • Made in a shared facility, which increases the risk of allergies from cross contamination
  • Requires refrigeration for optimal results

#10 The Nue Co. Probiotic Protein – Plant

Nue Co logo
The Nue Co. Probiotic Protein – Plant
  • Probiotics and protein 2-in-1
  • Has the natural prebiotic inulin
  • Provides 9 essential amino acids
  • Spore-based Bacillus coagulans probiotics
Our rating:
4
stars
Learn More

Our list of the best vegan probiotics wouldn’t be complete without this probiotic protein powder from the Nue Co.

Not your average probiotic supplement, it contains plant protein from organic peas, hemp, and brown rice in addition to spore-based Bacillus coagulans.

It also has the natural prebiotic inulin that can support healthy gut microbiota. With a target audience consisting mostly of women, this product boasts of supporting healthy hair, skin, and nails.

In the end, this supplement can be a convenient way to combine a vegan protein powder with a probiotic supplement. But if you want to maximize muscle growth or need a powerful probiotic, you can find more specialized products.

Pros
  • Daily protein boost can improve skin, hair, and nail health
  • Boosts gut health
  • Helps muscle repair and can support muscle growth after strength workouts
  • Boosts energy
  • Supports the immune system
Cons
  • Powder form requires blending or mixing, which makes it not as easy to take on the go as other supplements

How to Choose the Best Vegan Probiotic

When choosing vegan probiotics, a few factors are decisive. These include quality, effectiveness, price, and brand reputation. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Quality

Probiotics are live strains that can die when exposed to heat or not stored properly. The best vegan probiotic supplements provide more than clinically-proven, traceable strains. They have adequate packaging to ensure optimal delivery.

Price

For probiotics to be effective, you have to take them daily, often for several months. This makes their price an important consideration and one that we took into account in our reviews.

Brand reputation

The probiotic market is huge, and many brands are trying to capitalize on the hype. When putting together our list of vegan supplements, we factored in brand reviews across independent review sites and the web.

Effectiveness

The best vegan probiotic supplements promote optimal gut health, immune support, and improved digestion. We checked the probiotic strains to ensure their effectiveness is based on up-to-date clinical studies

A Word From an MD

The best vegan probiotic for you isn’t necessarily the one with the highest colony-forming units (CFUs).

Depending on your age, diet, lifestyle, and genetic makeup, you may already have healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria living in your gut.

Simply taking an expensive probiotic boasting 50 million CFUs or more may only provide a surplus of beneficial bacteria you already have.

A more effective approach is to start with a supplement providing the science-backed probiotic strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and evaluate your response to it.

If you don’t see any improvements in your gut health and overall health, you can switch to a probiotic with more diverse strains and a higher CFU count.

Taking too many probiotics can have side effects like bloating, stomach pain, and gas. Stick to recommended doses for at least 4 to 8 weeks to see results.

Remember that consuming fermented foods such as sauerkraut, fermented vegetables, fermented cabbage, and vegan yogurts, in addition to taking probiotics, can help you develop a microbiome in which good bacteria can thrive.

Conclusion

The best vegan probiotic provides science-backed strains proven to support digestive health. Ideally, it also has prebiotics that support the growth of beneficial bacteria.

And since this bacteria must reach your intestines to support health, it comes in a vegan-friendly serving that can survive the acids and enzymes in your stomach.

Probiotics with high CFUs aren’t necessarily the best. It’s the quality of these bacteria, the quality of the packaging, and the mode they are delivered that matters.

In the end, no probiotic will magically improve your digestive health overnight or cure inflammatory bowel disease. But consumed regularly alongside probiotic-rich foods, probiotics can improve digestion and provide immune support.

Ultimately, the best probiotics are easy to take and deliver good bacteria where they are needed most in the body – to the digestive system.

HR_author_photo_Edna
Written by
Edna Skopljak, MD, is a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, a general practitioner who also worked as a medical doctor at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology. In addition to clinical work, she has years of experience in medical research as an editor at a prestigious medical journal.
The article was checked by Donika Vata, MD
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