10 Best Probiotic Gummies (2024) Compared and Reviewed

Your digestive system is like a bustling metropolis. This might sound like a weird analogy, but it really is full of life and activity.

It’s home to trillions of live microorganisms, known as the gut microbiome, each with unique functions and roles. In fact, you’re always carrying around a couple of kilograms of bacteria. While it might sound creepy, these critters are essential for your body to function well – they do a lot of good. Your gut microbiome influences many areas of health, from digestion, nutrient absorption, and skin health to mood, immunity, and body composition.

That said, like any busy city is affected by external factors, numerous environmental factors work against your microbiome. Excess alcohol, high sugar diets, fluoridated tap water, chronic stress, antibiotics, and hormonal birth control all mess with the balance of bacteria in the gut. Plus, we encounter symbiotic bacteria in our environment less frequently than ever before.

This is where probiotic supplements can help to repopulate your gut by reintroducing live beneficial bacteria into your body.

Probiotic gummies are a tasty alternative to capsules and powders.

Today, we’ll walk you through some of the health benefits of probiotics. Plus, we’ll list the 10 best probiotic gummies based on potency, purity, quality, and taste.

What are Probiotic Gummies?

Probiotic gummies are chewable supplements containing live colonies of “friendly” bacteria.

These tasty soft chews come in natural fruit flavors. Many are vegan-friendly and use pectin, a dietary fiber that helps healthy bacteria to thrive. Plus, the pleasant taste and texture make you actually want to take your supplements.

But how do probiotics work?

Probiotics (meaning “for life”) contain clinically studied beneficial bacteria that pass through your digestive tract and support your indigenous gut microbes.

These critters munch on pathogenic bacteria and form colonies, helping to diversify your gut microbiome. Probiotic bacteria may also support digestion by breaking down certain hard-to-digest carbohydrates and producing vitamins, neurotransmitters, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as byproducts.

What Are the Health Benefits of Probiotic Gummies?

Research on the gut microbiome and the role of probiotic supplements in health and disease has exploded in recent decades.

Let’s look at the potential health benefits of using probiotic gummies.

May Support Digestive Health

A healthy gut microbiome is the cornerstone of good digestion. The most obvious benefits of probiotic gummies are better gut health and more regular elimination (yes, I’m talking about poop).

There’s also evidence that soil-based probiotics, including bacillus coagulans and bacillus subtilis, improve digestive discomfort. 

Bacillus coagulans is the most well-researched strain for improving abdominal pain and diarrhea in those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Plus, it may improve gut motility in people with mild constipation.

This meta-analysis of 11 studies also found probiotics may halt “travelers’ diarrhea.” If you’ve ever had the runs while traveling in a foreign country, you understand what a big deal this is!

We need more research on which of these tiny microbes help which specific conditions. However, research suggests probiotics provide digestive support.

May Minimize Antibiotic Side Effects

There’s no doubt that antibiotics are one of the greatest life-saving inventions of the 20th century. That said, we can’t deny that antibiotics demolish good bacteria with the bad. Taking frequent antibiotics allows pathogenic bacteria to grow out of control and cause digestive issues.

Fortunately, probiotics may reduce common side effects associated with frequent antibiotic use. This systematic review and meta-analysis found probiotic supplements reduced antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

May Boost Your Mood and Reduce Stress

Did you know the GI tract is called the “second brain”?

A fascinating connection exists between your gut microbiome and your brain. In fact, your gut has its very own nervous system, the enteric nervous system. It consists of a network of 100 million neurons that send messages to your brain and vice-versa. This bidirectional line of communication is called the gut-brain axis.

This connection explains why anxiety gives you a knot in your stomach (or makes you run to the bathroom). It’s also why you get a “gut feeling” when something isn’t right.

In addition, spore-forming bacteria in the microbiome produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (the hormone associated with mood regulation).

Studies show probiotics may support a healthy mood and reduce depression in people under the age of 60. This meta-analysis of a handful of studies found Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotics may also reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even OCD.

While researchers are still exploring this link, most accept that the microbiome impacts mental health.

May Regulate Immune Function

I wasn’t kidding when I said a lot happens in your gut. Your gut hosts a whopping 70% of the immune system. Plus, your microbiome is the first line of defense of your immune system. The critters are like an army ready to fight of foreign invaders seeking to enter your body.

This systematic review and meta-analysis found taking Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics may reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory infections in children and adults.

Furthermore, studies on Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis have found these strains may improve immune responses to common respiratory infections.

May Promote Glowing Skin

You may be surprised to learn that your skin also hosts a complex ecosystem of symbiotic microorganisms.

Interestingly, your skin microbiome communicates with your gut microbiome via metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The two ecosystems are intimately connected and impact one another. It explains why study after study links digestive conditions and poor microbiome diversity to skin problems like acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Research shows using probiotics may soothe skin conditions like acne. Plus, repopulating your microbiome with oral and topical probiotics may reduce the damaging effects of UV rays.

Overall, research shows probiotics may support digestion, mood, immune function, and skin health. However, always choose a high-quality product from a reputable brand to ensure you get a product tested for live strains of bacteria.

What are the Best Probiotic Gummies on the Market?

Here is our list of the 10 best probiotic gummies. The majority include Bacillus strains that survive the harsh pH extremes of the digestive tract.

We only selected supplements made according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards and thoroughly evaluated for potency and purity.

*Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you buy from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.

1) Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotic Gummies

 

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Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotic Gummies contains two strains of shelf-stable, soil-based organisms found in plants and the natural environment.

Two berry-flavored gummies contain 10 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis. These probiotic strains are naturally resistant to heat, humidity, and acidity, making them more likely to survive digestion. Plus, there’s no need to refrigerate these gummies – the cultures are dormant and stable at room temperature.

The gummies are kosher, vegan, gelatin-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. They are naturally sweetened with tapioca syrup and cane sugar, avoiding artificial ingredients. 

A bottle of 60 gummies sells for $25.46. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Ancient Nutrition is the brainchild of natural health sensation Dr. Josh Axe. All products are tested for efficacy, safety, and transparency.

2) Goli Nutrition Probiotic Gummies

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Goli® are the experts when it comes to innovative nutritional gummies. Their vegan, non-GMO, gluten- and gelatin-free, 3-in-1 gummies are a world first. There’s no doubt they take the #1 spot.

Goli Probiotic+ Gummies contain a synergistic combination of prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and postbiotics to promote a balanced gut microbiome.

Firstly, they use 50 mg of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) as a prebiotic to fuel the probiotic bacteria and ensure their survival and proliferation. Clinical research suggests XOS improves microbiome health in humans.

The probiotic portion includes 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of Bacillus Subtilis DE11. CFU refers to the number of live bacterial cells with the potential to multiply and form a colony in your gut microbiome. Bacillus subtilis is a resilient spore-based probiotic that survives the harsh digestive environment.

Finally, they include 20 mg of a heat-resistant stable postbiotic in the form of Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 to support gut and immune health.

Goli doesn’t skimp by using cheap gelatin from beef or pork to create the gummies. Instead, they use plant-based pectin, a natural binder. The gummies are also free of synthetic colors, instead using fruit and vegetable juices.

Goli gummies use organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup for sweetness. They come in a fruity flavor that many describe as a mix between cherry and berry. The great taste and texture make adding gummies to your daily routine easy and fun. The only challenge is not eating the whole bottle!

This product is reasonably priced at just $17 per bottle. Each bottle contains 60 gummies, only a 20-day supply. However, you can make a saving if you order multiple bottles or subscribe to their auto-ship program. If you change your mind, Goli accepts refunds on unopened bottles for 30 days.

Finally, we should mention that Goli produces supplements in FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facilities that are kosher and allergen-free. You can understand why Goli Probiotic+ Gummies are #2 on the list.

3) Olly Extra Strength Probiotic Gummies

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Olly Extra Strength Probiotic Gummies are probably the best in terms of taste. The juicy apple-flavored gummies get the stamp of approval from their team of culinary and food science experts.

Each 2-gummy serving contains 1 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans and 5 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis.

Olly is committed to never using artificial ingredients. The gummies are non-GMO and naturally colored, flavored, and sweetened. However, the product contains gelatin and is not vegetarian-friendly.

A bottle contains 50 gummies, a 25-day supply, and costs $17.99 once-off.

Olly is an NSF and FDA-audited cGMP-compliant brand. They uphold stringent standards for safety, transparency, traceability, and documentation.

4) Culturelle Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies

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Culturelle® Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies are among the best for taste, texture, and potency.

The mixed berry flavor gummies contain 2 billion CFU in their patented proprietary blend of Bacillus subtilis DE111® and Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. Plus, it contains prebiotic chicory root extract, which feeds the bacteria and helps them thrive in the gut.

The gummies are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Instead of gelatin, Culturelle Gummies contain fruit pectin. Plus, they have less than 1 gram of sugar per serving.

The only downside is that a bottle lasts 26 days if you take the suggested dose. 

Culturelle also has Kids Probiotic + Veggie Fiber Gummies containing 1 Billion CFU of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans. It’s ideal for your littlest family members.

Culturelle is an FDA-approved cGMP-assured brand for cleanliness, quality, and potency.

5) Vitafusion Probiotic Gummies

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Vitafusion Probiotic Gummies contain 4 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans and 1 billion CFU of Bacillus subtilis per serving.

You can choose between super tasty natural raspberry, peach, and mango flavors. I’m more of a peach girl myself, but all the flavors are yummy.

The gummies are gluten and dairy-free and contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners. A bottle will last you 35 days if you take 2 gummies per day.

6) Nature’s Bounty Probiotic Gummies

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Nature’s Bounty has quality probiotic gummies available in pineapple, raspberry, and orange flavors.

Each 2-gummy serving contains 4 billion CFU of Bacillus coagulans Unique IS-2™. This strain is clinically studied to improve constipation. As a bonus, the gummies contain 400 IUs of vitamin D for added immune support.

While this product isn’t vegetarian-friendly (it contains gelatin), it is non-GMO and free from artificial flavors and sweeteners, dairy, soy, gluten, yeast, and seafood products. The sweetness comes from glucose syrup, sugar, and fruit juice concentrate.

Nature’s Bounty has 50 years of experience making cGMP-quality assured health supplements. The products are subject to numerous quality tests to verify purity and potency – but I’m not sure whether the testing is by a third party.

7) Elm & Rye Probiotics Gummies

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Elm & Rye is a cGMP quality-assured brand offering strawberry-passion fruit-flavored probiotic gummies developed by their world-class Scientific Advisory Board.

One gummy delivers 2 billion CFU of three strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

This product is gelatin-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. However, it contains sucralose, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial food color yellow 6. The amount used is unlikely to impact long-term health, but these ingredients may scare some users.

Elm & Rye products are regularly third-party tested to ensure potency, purity, and high-quality ingredients. Plus, they post the results online for full transparency.

8) Jarrow Formulas Probiotic Duo

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Jarrow Formulas has a 37 year history of developing proprietary probiotic blends with excellent safety profiles. Their Probiotic Duo Gummies contain 3 billion CFUs of two strains of spore-forming probiotics: Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis.

The gummies are vegetarian-friendly, gelatin-free, and free of major allergens such as gluten, soy, and dairy. They are also non-GMO and don’t contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The gummies contain tapioca syrup, organic cane sugar, potato flour, and rice flour. Overall, they have 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving. However, this may not suit people on sugar-free, Keto, or Paleo diets.

As for dosage, 2 gummies per day with a meal is the recommendation. A bottle contains 60 gummies, which should last a month.

9) Rainbow Light Probiolicious Probiotic Gummies

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Rainbow Light Probiolicious Gummies deliver a shelf-stable blend of live probiotics with prebiotic support. The gummies have a natural protective coating, helping the probiotics make it to your gut in one piece.

Two gummies give you 1 billion CFU of ProbioActive Bacillus coagulans. You also get 3 grams of a prebiotic blend containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylitol, and inulin. Lastly, the formula is sweetened with natural stevia leaf, making it ideal for blood sugar balance. It also contains a small amount of cane sugar, but the amount per gummy is negotiable.

These gummies are suitable for children aged 4-12 – but cut the serving size to one gummy per day for the little guys.

The product contains gelatin and isn’t vegetarian-friendly. However, it’s free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.

10) Schiff Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotic Gummies

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Schiff Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotic Gummies contain 500 million CFUs of BC30, a unique patented blend of Bacillus coagulans. The lower dose per serving makes it ideal for people who want to start slow (and it’s suitable for children).

What makes this product special is its natural protein shell. It protects the probiotics and allows more live cultures to survive digestion.

Digestive Advantage Daily Probiotic Gummies are gluten-free and come in a superfruit blend. However, this product contains gelatin and soy. A bottle contains 90 gummies, which should last 45 days.

What to Look for In the Best Probiotic Gummies

We ranked these probiotics, but we want you to decide on the best product for your needs. To do that, you should understand what we considered when researching the best probiotic gummies on the market.

Strict Testing Standards

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements as it does pharmaceuticals. For this reason, we list reputable companies known for producing high-quality supplements.

Brands adhere to cGMP regulations, and most use independent testing to confirm purity and levels of active bacteria.

Bacterial Strains

We found gummies containing clinically studied strains of bacteria like Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis. These spore-forming strains are generally resistant to gastric acid and harsh digestive enzymes. Plus, they’re non-competing and are more likely to form colonies in your microbiome.

Some products contain Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis – lactic acid-producing bacteria with plenty of research to support their health benefits.

CFU

We’ve included products with CFUs between 500 million – 10 billion per serving. Ideally, experts recommend adults take products with CFUs in the billions. However, children and some adults may benefit from slightly lower CFUs.

Clean Ingredients

Not all probiotic gummies on the market are created equal. We look for products that don’t use additives, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs.

Supporting Ingredients

We prioritized products with additional ingredients that support digestion and microbiome health.

This is the case for Goli Probiotic+ Gummies, Culturelle® Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies, and Rainbow Light Probiolicious Gummies.

Taste

Let’s face it; most people use probiotic gummies because they taste good. If it tastes like crap, no one is going to take it. We look for gummies with the best flavors.

Value

It’s important to choose a product within your budget – especially as you get the best results when taking probiotics regularly.

We weighed the cost of each product against the number of servings, dose per serving, potency, and overall quality to find the best value.

Probiotic Gummies FAQs

Do Probiotic Gummies Help with Weight Loss?

One of the emerging areas of probiotic research surrounds obesity and weight management. Researchers believe overweight people have less diverse microbiomes compared to their lean counterparts.

A 2021 review study found the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic strains may reduce body weight in overweight and obese people. On the other hand, an older systematic review and meta-analysis showed probiotics did not affect body weight.

We don’t yet know why probiotics promote a healthier body composition in some people. The research is in its infancy. However, it’s likely a side effect of better digestion, appetite regulation, and overall metabolic health.

That said, probiotics are not a standalone weight loss intervention. Sustainable weight loss depends on regular exercise, a calorie-controlled diet, and quality sleep. Coincidentally, these habits also promote gut microbiome diversity.

Do Probiotics Help Lactose Intolerance?

Probiotic gummies may reduce lactose intolerance symptoms by fermenting and breaking down lactose, the sugar in dairy products. According to a 2016 study in the Nutrition Journal, Lactobacillus acidophilus may alleviate diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting in people with lactose intolerance.

However, not all probiotics can reduce lactose intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, consult your healthcare professional to find the right product for your needs.

How Do I Know If I Need a Probiotic?

Some signs that you may benefit from a probiotic include digestive discomfort, stress, regular antibiotic use, skin problems, and frequent sinus, yeast, or urinary tract infections. If you’re experiencing these signs, consider adding probiotic gummies to your routine.

However, there aren’t always noticeable signs, and it may help to take a probiotic to avoid digestive issues associated with antibiotics and chronic stress.

Can I Get Probiotics from Food?

Probiotic bacteria exist in fermented foods, including cheese, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented pickles, miso, and tempeh.

That said, it’s tricky to know the level of active cultures present in these foods. Plus, food processing methods and storage conditions destroy bacteria across the board. Finally, most Americans don’t consume probiotic-rich foods regularly.

While consuming probiotic foods is good for overall health, an independently tested probiotic supplement is more reliable.

What Is the Best Way to Consume Probiotic Gummies?

In general, it’s most effective to take probiotic gummies with a meal for optimal absorption. This may protect the bacteria from stomach acid.

However, other products, like Elm & Rye, recommend taking probiotic gummies on an empty stomach, either when you wake up or before bed. Always follow the instructions on the supplement packaging for the best results.

When is the Best Time to Take Probiotic Gummies?

There is no “best” time of day to take probiotics. It depends on when it’s most convenient for you (and when you remember) to take them.

Can I Take Probiotic Gummies with Antibiotics?

Probiotic gummies are safe (and recommended) for those on antibiotics to reduce side effects like diarrhea.

Antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut. So, probiotics may restore the natural balance of bacteria that get wiped out after taking antibiotics.

However, space out the doses by taking probiotic gummies at least two hours before or after your antibiotics.

Are Probiotic Gummies Safe for Kids?

Many probiotic gummies are formulated for (and marketed to) kids because the pleasant flavors make them more enjoyable for kids to take.

However, not all probiotic gummies are appropriate for all children. Children have different needs and sensitivities, especially those with existing health conditions. In addition, children typically need a lower dose of beneficial bacteria. Speak to a pediatrician before giving your child a probiotic.

Are Probiotic Gummies Gluten-Free?

Most probiotic gummy supplements are gluten-free and suitable for people with different dietary restrictions. After all, probiotic gummies should make your tummy happier, not grumblier. There are plenty of gluten-free options on our list.

What’s the Best Way to Store Probiotic Gummies?

Probiotic gummies contain live bacteria that are sensitive to light and temperature changes.

Store probiotic gummies in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigeration storage may help your probiotics last longer. There’s no point in taking probiotics if they die off before you take them.

Are Probiotic Gummies Better Than Capsules?

If you pick a high-quality product, probiotic gummies and capsules are effective. Whether one is better than the other depends on your individual preferences.

Probiotic gummies may be easier (and a lot tastier) to consume, especially for those who can’t or won’t swallow capsules.

On the other hand, it may be easier to fit more CFUs into capsules. In addition, encapsulation increases the likelihood of the live cultures making it to your lower digestive tract intact.

Overall, choose a dietary supplement that works best for you.

Is It Safe to Take Probiotic Gummies Every Day?

Probiotic gummies are safe to take daily to maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome. That said, some people may only need probiotics for short periods. For example, while taking antibiotics.

As always, consult your healthcare provider to see if probiotic gummies suit your situation.

Do Probiotic Gummies Have Side Effects?

Quality probiotics containing clinically studied strains are safe for most people. That said, introducing a bunch of new microorganisms to your gut is bound to cause side effects in some users.

Possible side effects include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach aches. These symptoms typically last a few days before your gut adjusts to the new bacteria.

However, everyone is unique and responds differently to probiotic gummies. Some products may be too weak or too strong for your digestive system. In addition, side effects may vary depending on the bacterial strains in the supplement. Finally, people with immune deficiency conditions should avoid consuming live bacteria in probiotic supplements.

What Other Supplements May Support Gut Health?

For a more all-encompassing supplement, a high-quality greens powder may help your gut.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking a new dietary supplement.