Top 10 Best Probiotic Drinks in the UK 2021 (Yakult, Activia and More)

Before we dive into our top 10 list, let’s first consider what exactly you should look for. Many products are labelled as "health" drinks when they’re actually full of unhealthy sugars and additives that provide no benefits whatsoever for your gut. So, it’s important to know precisely what goes into making a good probiotic drink!

You might think probiotic drinks are all dairy-based, but there are actually a plethora of vegan gut-friendly options out there too for you to explore. Let's check them out and run through their health benefits!

Probiotics appear naturally in fermented dairy products such as yoghurt or kefir, which is why these are such common options in terms of probiotic drinks. Yoghurt drinks are made by using bacteria to ferment cow's milk into a more viscous consistency. They're usually thinner than the kind of yoghurt that you eat with a spoon, so they're easy to sip on.

Kefir is made in a similar way by mixing milk with kefir grains and allowing it to ferment. Rather than just using bacteria, kefir uses both bacteria and yeast, resulting in a drink that’s much thinner than yoghurt and that has a tart, sour taste. Traditionally, kefir is made using cow, goat, or sheep’s milk, but it can also be made using plant-based alternatives or even water.

What people tend to enjoy the most about dairy-based drinks is their tangy tartness. If you don’t like the way plain yoghurt tastes though, there are plenty of drinks with sweeter flavours nowadays. 

If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or you just don’t like dairy, you might want to consider a water-based drink instead. These are usually easier to drink, as well as being lower in calories and sugar if these are important considerations for you. 

Kombucha would be the obvious choice if you wish to avoid dairy. This fizzy, fermented tea drink has gained popularity in the past couple of years due to its health benefits, in addition to its delicious and refreshing taste. A great alternative to regular fizzy drinks, it's not too sweet and has a slightly sour kick.

Switchel is a similar-tasting drink that's usually made with a combination of water, vinegar and ginger, instead of fermented tea. The addition of fermented vinegar is actually what makes this drink full of healthy probiotics. Although it may sound like the start of a savoury recipe, it actually makes a surprisingly tasty beverage!

The most common type of friendly bacteria around is lactobacillus acidophilus. This bacteria lives in your intestines and helps produce lactic acid by breaking down the lactose in your body. It’s the active ingredient found in fermented drinks such as kombucha and if you’re buying a probiotic drink, chances are it’ll contain this type of bacteria.

Another type of friendly bacteria found in probiotic drinks is bifidobacterium, which lives in your intestines and stomach. Not only does it assist you with digesting dietary fibre, but it helps to prevent infections by staving off harmful bacteria. This kind of bacteria is typically found in dairy products such as kefir and yoghurt, as well as miso paste.

Of course, there are many other types of healthy bacteria that can be found in probiotic drinks. While they all essentially do the same thing, it’s still best to check the ingredients before you buy to make sure your drink will provide your body with lots of gut-friendly goodness!

Now we get to the fun bit - which flavours do you like? There’s often a stigma with healthy things not tasting very good, but that's definitely not the case here! If you can’t shake off that mindset though, something like a chocolate flavoured drink would be a great option for you. It’ll feel like a tasty treat, rather than a health food you’re "supposed" to have!

If you think that sounds a little too sickly sweet, why not opt for a lighter flavour? Whether it’s a traditional British fruit like blackcurrant or a tropical hit of mango and pineapple, you’re sure to find something to tickle your tastebuds!

If you’re vegetarian, you don’t have to worry about your options as all probiotic drinks are naturally meat-free. Those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, however, will need to tread carefully in order to avoid drinks made with cow's milk. Luckily, as we mentioned earlier, there are many dairy-free alternatives out there such as water and tea-based drinks.

It should also be noted that due to the brewing process of kombucha, there may be trace amounts of alcohol present. As it's usually is less than 0.05%, it won't always be mentioned on a product's label. If you're underage or trying to avoid all alcohol, be sure to take this into consideration!

Now you’ve learnt about what goes into a probiotic drink, it's time to take a look at our ranking list of the best ones in the UK. Read on to find out more about our top 10 delicious favourites!

Probiotic drinks are generally safe to consume during pregnancy and have been said to even contribute to supporting the immune system in a small way. However, probiotic drinks do not carry the same levels of bacteria as supplements so won’t have as great an effect. Always consult your doctor if you’re unsure.

Probiotic drinks are great immune system boosters, but as with most things, moderation is key. Up to two drinks a day for an adult and one a day for a child should suffice in improving gut health. You should also not expect to see changes right away, so give them time to work their magic.

If you're looking to improve your gut health, you're in luck! There are plenty of other delicious products online that are teeming with good bacteria to boost your microbiome. Here are more of our favourite probiotic foods and drinks to buy online in the UK.

By now you should be able to distinguish between kefir and kombucha; maybe you've even picked out a few new probiotic drinks to try after reading through our list? Here’s to improving your gut bacteria - bottom’s up! 

Author: Dodo Wang