Yes, most Coles yoghurts contain live cultures, as they are essential for making yoghurt, but some products like Vaalia, Rokeby, and Table of Plenty have specifically added probiotic strains for gut health, which you'll find listed in the ingredients as "Live Yoghurt Cultures" or specific bacterial names like L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, etc.. Always check the ingredient list for "Live Cultures" or probiotic claims to be sure, as it's common in both dairy and dairy-free options.
Ingredients. INGREDIENTS: Skimmed Milk, Cream (Milk), Milk Solids, Live Cultures (Milk).
The LAC seal is the only widely recognized, independent verification that a yogurt, frozen yogurt, or other cultured dairy product contains significant levels of live and active cultures and the benefits they bring to consumers.
Here are the best probiotic yogurts you can buy, according to nutritionists and the WH Test Kitchen.
Best Probiotic Yogurt in Australia
Danone Activia is an excellent choice for those with easily upset stomachs and includes the most probiotics out of all the yoghurts we've analysed. Vaalia is another fantastic option, containing three different probiotics in every 150g serving. Not bad!
ww-brand--woolies-brands
While no preservatives have been added to our delicious full cream plain yoghurt, we have added millions of live Bifidobacterium cultures. These cultures, as a regular part of a balanced diet, contribute to a balanced digestive system.
The healthiest yoghurts in Australia are typically plain, natural, or Greek-style varieties with no added sugar, with top brands often cited as Chobani, Yoguri, Jalna, and Farmers Union, focusing on high protein, low sugar/fat, and live cultures, with options like Jalna BioDynamic Organic and Brooklea also praised for being low-cost and nutritious. Always check the label for added sugars (aim for <6g/100g in plain) and opt for whole ingredients for the best nutritional value.
However, it's important to check the label, as not all yoghurts contain live and active cultures; some may have been heat-treated after fermentation, which can kill the beneficial bacteria.
Cardiologists warn against probiotics for heart patients due to risks like infections (endocarditis) in vulnerable individuals, potential negative interactions with heart medications, and the lack of strong human data proving consistent cardiovascular benefits, with some early concerns even showing increased mortality in critically ill patients. While probiotics show promise for gut-heart axis health, they pose risks, especially for immunocompromised patients or those with underlying heart conditions, necessitating doctor supervision.
I consulted five dietitians and food scientists, who revealed that the healthiest yogurts are Greek yogurt and skyr. Recommended brands include Fage, Chobani, Icelandic Provisions, and Siggi's.
Check for:
If you want a warm, savory breakfast that offers lasting fullness and nutrients like vitamin D and choline, eggs may be your best bet. If you're looking for a high-protein breakfast with probiotics, calcium and a gut-health boost, yogurt is an excellent option.
Greek yogurt's disadvantages include lower calcium/potassium than regular yogurt, potential histamine/inflammatory issues for some, high added sugar in flavored versions, and potential interactions with certain antibiotics, though plain, low-fat options minimize risks, making moderation and label-checking key.
Coles - Master your pantry with Tamar Valley's Greek style yoghurt – made from 100% Australian milk. | Facebook.
Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is a dietitian's No. 1 snack choice at Aldi for better gut health. It's high in protein, low in sugar and contains live cultures for better gut health.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
There's a small risk of adverse side effects for people with weaker immune systems. This includes people taking immunosuppressant drugs, people with critical illnesses and infants who've been born prematurely. The risk is that a probiotic product might contain a harmful type of microbe along with the helpful types.
Signs probiotics are working include improved digestion (less bloating, gas, regularity), better mood and mental clarity, stronger immunity, clearer skin, and potentially fewer infections, with initial digestive changes often seen in 1-2 weeks, while other benefits may take 1-3 months. Consistent use and matching the probiotic strain to your needs are key to noticing these benefits, from normalized bowel movements to better energy levels.
Signs you might need probiotics include frequent digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation), frequent infections (colds, sore throats), skin problems (acne, eczema), mood changes (anxiety, brain fog), and fatigue, especially after taking antibiotics or when your gut health seems off despite a healthy lifestyle. These symptoms often point to an imbalanced gut microbiome, which probiotics can help restore by introducing beneficial bacteria.
Overview. Many yogurts have “live cultures,” but that doesn't automatically make them true probiotics. Scientific probiotics require specific strains, precise amounts, and proven health outcomes. “Live Dietary Microbes” (LDMs) are more accurate for most fermented foods—including yogurt.
The healthiest Greek yogurt brands focus on Chobani (Plain Nonfat/Zero Sugar), Fage (Plain), and Stonyfield Organic, prized for high protein, low sugar (especially plain versions), and minimal ingredients (milk & cultures), with options like Chobani Zero Sugar offering high protein with zero sugar/fat, while traditional Fage and Organic Stonyfield excel in pure, creamy taste and quality, but always check labels for "no added sugar" for the best nutritional choice.
The dietitians have spoken: Greek yogurt came out on top in terms of health and nutrition, but Icelandic yogurt and kefir also received honorable mentions. When shopping for a healthy yogurt, opt for yogurts that are high in protein, low in sugar, and contain live and active cultures (probiotics).
Health experts often recommend that adults consume one to two servings of yogurt per day to maintain gut health. This translates to about 250 to 500 grams of yogurt daily. However, the ideal amount may vary based on personal factors, including dietary habits, health conditions, and specific wellness goals.
The unhealthiest dairy yoghurts
Verdict: Overall, the dairy yoghurts to avoid are Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean and Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt because the fat and/or sugar content per serve is higher than recommended.