Neither is universally "better"; both Greek and regular yogurt offer probiotics, but Greek is higher in protein and lower in sugar/carbs, while regular yogurt can have more calcium and potassium, making the best choice dependent on your specific nutritional goals, with unsweetened versions of either being ideal for maximizing benefits. Choose Greek for protein and satiety, or regular for more minerals, but always check labels for "live and active cultures" and no added sugar for maximum probiotic impact.
Is yogurt good for you? Both yogurt and Greek yogurt are sources of probiotics and nutrients. Greek yogurt comes out on top for protein content and has fewer carbs and sugar, while plain yogurt typically provides more potassium and calcium.
Here are our picks for best yogurt for probiotics.
The consumption of probiotic yogurt was found to improve metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious outcomes of pregnancy. Studies on the consumption of probiotic yogurt appear to have many positive benefits, ranging from improving metabolism to decreasing preterm births.
Eat yogurt (or any probiotic-containing food, for that matter) whenever you want, but remember to take advanced gut health probiotics everyday.
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.
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.
With the four times mentioned above, the best time for eating yogurt is breakfast or when you are hungry because good bacteria and probiotics must go to the colon to maintain the effectiveness of digestion and health.
Additionally, while yogurt typically contains live bacteria, not all yogurts provide bacteria that are considered probiotics. It will be clearly indicated on the label of the yogurt if it is probiotic.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid tablets, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, are particularly beneficial for promoting healthy skin development and fair complexion for the baby during pregnancy.
Some of the most frequently studied and recommended probiotics include: The Lactobacillus genus, including L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. casei and L. plantarum.
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.
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.
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.
Chobani is one of the best probiotic yogurts in the Greek-style category. Some varieties are enriched with fiber from chicory root, which can help increase fiber intake and may promote satiety in certain people.
Studies have also shown that consuming probiotic-rich yogurt can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 6% and fight belly fat, as belly fat increases the risk of heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol fluctuations and breathing problems. Benefit Skin Health.
Conclusion. In summary, both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are excellent sources of probiotics, offering unique nutritional profiles and health benefits. While Greek yogurt tends to be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, both types can contribute positively to your gut health and overall wellness.
Greek Yogurt: Thick, Protein-Rich, Gut-Friendly
Full-fat Greek yogurt has the optimum level of protein, healthy fats, and live cultures. It can also lower belly fat over the long term, some studies have shown.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certain strains of probiotics may lead to headaches for some people. Fermented dairy products, such as kefir or yogurt, often contain the bacterial strains Lactobacillus helveticus, L. buchneri, L. hilgardii, and Streptococcus thermophilus.