For the best probiotic yoghurts in Australia, look for brands like Danone Activia, Jalna (Biodynamic/Greek), Vaalia, Five:Am Organic, and YoPRO for high protein, with options offering specific strains like Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, focusing on low added sugar for maximum gut health benefits. The "best" depends on your goal (protein, specific strains, no sugar).
Kefir generally has the most probiotic strains and diversity, often containing dozens, while Greek yogurt and Icelandic Skyr offer high protein and concentrated probiotics due to straining, and brands like Activia are specifically formulated with billions of live cultures like Bifidobacterium lactis for digestive health, but always check labels for "live and active cultures" and specific strains for the best probiotic punch.
Australia's #1 probiotic brand is Life-Space, consistently marketed as such and supported by market data, offering a wide range of products for different life stages (baby, kids, adults, pregnancy) and specific health needs like immune support, digestive health, and skin balance.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein, ideal for muscle building and weight management. Plain yogurt retains more calcium, making it great for bone health. Both types contain probiotics for gut health. Choose Greek yogurt for protein or plain yogurt for minimal processing and calcium.
While the research is a bit on the older side, it has shown that Activia's combo of probiotics may alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Studies have shown that consuming Activia for two to four weeks may help reduce the frequency of digestive issues like gas, bloating, stomach rumbling and abdominal discomfort.
We've all seen the catchy commercials, but Activia is not your best bet when it comes to Greek yogurts, purely based on its sugar to protein ratio. In fact, this little pot packs more sugar than you'll find in a Double Chocolate Glazed Cake Donut from Dunkin'.
Probiotics have a multitude of beneficial effects in human health, including immune system enhancement [24,25], treating diarrhea [26,27], treating inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis [28,29], relieving from the symptoms of irritable bowel disease [30], preventing cancer [31,32], ...
Yes, you can generally eat probiotic yogurt every day, as one to two servings (about 4-6 ounces) can support gut health, digestion, and provide nutrients like calcium, but it's best to choose plain, unsweetened varieties to avoid excess sugar, and listen to your body, especially if you have health conditions. Starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing can help your body adjust, and for specific concerns, consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian is recommended.
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.
The healthiest yogurt is typically plain, unsweetened Greek or Icelandic (skyr) for its high protein and probiotics, but always check labels for low added sugar (under 10g/100g), live cultures, and minimal ingredients. For dairy-free, soy yogurt is often the best alternative, while non-dairy options like coconut or cashew can be higher in fat and lower in protein.
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.
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.
Some of the most frequently studied and recommended probiotics include:
Picking yogurts labeled with “live and active cultures” is the best way to confirm that yogurt contains probiotics. The ingredient label may also list additional types of bacteria cultures. You should select a yogurt that is low in sugar and doesn't contain additives.
BEST: Aldi
Not only did it contain the most amount of protein - 10.4g (0.1g more than Fage), but it was excellent value at £1.89 for a 500g tub - the cheapest alongside Lidl. It tasted nice and contained just 57 calories per 100g. I would highly recommend Aldi's fat free Greek yoghurt.
Probiotics tested
Yakult, a yogurt drink, contained the amount of bacteria claimed, but failed the other two stages, and its rival Actimel fell short on the number of bacteria surviving in the stomach. The only product to pass all three tests was Symprove, a water-based barley drink.
What are the best probiotic strains for older adults?
Signs of bad gut health include digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn; skin problems such as acne or eczema; mood changes like anxiety or depression; fatigue; sugar cravings; and unintentional weight changes, all stemming from an imbalance in your gut microbiome (dysbiosis). These symptoms can signal that your gut isn't processing food and eliminating waste effectively, impacting overall well-being, notes Healthdirect and GoodRx.
The 7 Day Gut Reset is a clean-eating and lifestyle-based plan designed to: Eliminate common gut disruptors. Introduce healing, nourishing foods. Support your digestive system with hydration and rest. Improve the diversity of your gut bacteria.
People with very weak immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, should not take probiotics due to risk of infection. Your provider or a nutritionist can help identify a probiotic containing the bacteria strain based on the condition you wish to address.
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.
When blueberries are added to yoghurt, the combination creates a food that is both tasty and has potential health benefits. Greek yoghurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar compared to regular yoghurt, making it a better choice for blood sugar control.
Don't mix probiotics with heat or acidity
The same applies again for anything hot! We don't recommend sprinkling your probiotics into a hot bowl of porridge as the heat may also kill off some of that good bacteria.
The question of how long it takes probiotics to work depends on the desired effect. Typically, digestive system improvements are seen in as little as 2-3 weeks, while shifts in hormones, metabolism, and body composition may require 3 months of consistent supplementation.