Did you know that your gut contains trillions of bacteria, more than the number of stars in the Milky Way? This complex ecosystem, known as the gut microbiota, plays a crucial role in everything from digestion to immune function and even mood regulation.
As more people recognize the importance of a healthy gut environment, probiotic supplements have surged in popularity. Two brands that have captured significant attention in this space are Seed and Ritual.
Seed and Ritual are considered cutting-edge probiotic supplement companies that promise to support digestion and overall well-being. While they both aim to support gut health, these brands have distinct approaches, formulations, and marketing strategies that set them apart in the crowded probiotic market.
In this article, we delve into the key features, benefits, and differences between Seed vs. Ritual probiotics. By examining their ingredients, scientific backing, pricing, and user experiences, we aim to help you make an informed decision about which probiotic supplement might be the best fit for your health goals and lifestyle.
Head-to-head comparison: Seed vs. Ritual
| Product | Probiotic strains and AFU/CFU | Prebiotic inclusion | Additional active ingredients | Price | Target benefits | Subscription |
| Seed | 24 strains, 53.6 billion AFU total | Yes | Prebiotic | $49.99 | Digestive, gut, and immune health | Yes |
| Ritual | 2 strains, 11 billion CFU total | Yes | Prebiotic, postbiotic | $54.00 | Digestive and gut health, bowel regularity, bloating, and immune support | Yes |
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How and why we chose these products
Our selection criteria were designed to identify products that not only promise but also deliver on supporting gut health and overall wellness.
We chose to compare Ritual vs. Seed probiotics because several key factors set these brands apart in the crowded market of digestive health supplements.
- Strong scientific backing. Both Seed and Ritual have invested heavily in research and development, utilizing clinically studied probiotic strains in their formulations. Commitment to science ensures that these supplements are more likely to provide the potential health benefits associated with a gut microbiome in balance.
- A holistic approach to gut health. Rather than simply providing probiotic bacteria, these brands consider the entire ecosystem of digestive health. This includes factors like gut barrier function, the role of prebiotics, and the importance of a healthy gut environment for immune system support and beyond.
- Probiotic strains and formulations. We looked for products that offer a diverse probiotic blend, understanding that different strains can have varied effects on gut microbiota and may support digestive health in unique ways. This diversity is essential for addressing a range of gut-related issues, from supporting regular bowel movements to potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Customer reviews. Both Seed and Ritual have garnered significant attention and praise from users who have incorporated these supplements into their wellness routines. Real-world experiences provide valuable insights into the potential effectiveness and tolerability of the products.
What is Seed probiotic?
Support your gut and overall health with Seed DS-01® probiotic and prebiotic formula: 53.6 Billion AFU for adults 18+.
Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic stands out for its innovative approach to probiotic supplementation, combining both prebiotics and probiotics in a unique two-capsule format designed to protect the beneficial bacteria from harsh stomach conditions.
The brand emphasizes using clinically studied bacterial strains and a proprietary prebiotic outer capsule to nourish the microbiome and support gut barrier integrity. Seed differentiates itself with a focus on digestive health, gut barrier function support, gut immunity support, and potential benefits for skin health and cardiovascular health, backed by its commitment to scientific research and transparency.
Ingredients and usage
Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic contains a proprietary blend of probiotic strains and prebiotic compounds. Here's a breakdown of its ingredients and usage:
Probiotic strains. Seed's probiotic blend consists of 24 clinically studied strains, totaling 53.6 billion AFU (active fluorescent units). Some of the key strains include (note: this is not an exhaustive list of all 24 strains):
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus casei SD-CECT-4292
- Bifidobacterium breve SD-BR3-IT
Prebiotic ingredients. The capsule contains organic Indian pomegranate as microbiota-accessible polyphenolic precursors.
Recommended daily dosage. Seed recommends taking 2 capsules daily as a serving. They suggest taking both capsules on an empty stomach or at least 10 minutes before a meal. It's important to note that Seed emphasizes consistency in usage for optimal results.
Seed aims to maintain gut health and promote a balanced gut microbiome with its supplement formulation. The combination of diverse probiotic strains and prebiotic ingredients is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to gut health, skin health, and more. The delayed-release capsule technology is intended to protect the supplemental bacteria from stomach acid, ensuring they reach the colon intact.
Pros
- Ongoing research. Seed is actively involved in clinical research, demonstrating a commitment to scientific advancement in the field of probiotics and gut health.
- Third-party tested. Seed's products undergo rigorous third-party testing for purity and potency, enhancing consumer confidence in the quality of the supplement. They are also tested for major allergens.
- Diverse prebiotic and probiotic strain profile. Seed Daily Synbiotic contains 24 clinically studied strains, which may provide a broader range of potential health benefits.
Cons
- Potential digestive discomfort. Some users may experience transient digestive side effects when starting Seed Daily Synbiotic, like bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements. While these effects are often mild and transient, they can be uncomfortable for some individuals.
- Higher price point. Seed Daily Synbiotic is relatively more expensive compared to many other similar supplements on the market.
- No postbiotics. While the bacterial strain list included in DS01 is comprehensive, the supplement focuses only on the prebiotics and probiotics, completely forgoing any postbiotic short-chain fatty acids.
Effectiveness and safety
Seed's synbiotic DS-01 is composed of bacterial strains with comprehensive scientific backing. For example, when it comes to intestinal health, Seed includes strains B. longum and L. plantarum, among others, as these have scientific evidence of effectiveness, demonstrated in clinical trials.
Other bacterial strain benefits are less well described in the literature, and evidence of effects comes from in vitro studies or from studies with infants and children. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that all bacterial strains in the supplement capsule are safe and non-pathogenic.
Additionally, Seed's DS-01 is subject to two clinical trials to assess the synbiotic product's potential to better inflammatory bowel disease symptoms and support gut health during post-antibiotic recovery. These clinical studies began recruiting participants in 2020 and are likely underway currently.
How much does Seed cost?
Seed’s DS-01 supplement costs $49.99 for a 30-day supply.
Buying for two users, a $10 discount is offered at the checkout.
What users are saying about Seed
Amazon rating — 3.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Many users report positive experiences with this probiotic supplement, noting improvements in their overall gut health and supporting digestion. Customers appreciate the potential health benefits, including better bowel regularity and a more balanced gut microbiome. The ease of incorporating this probiotic into their daily wellness routine is frequently mentioned, along with the quality of the product and its digestive enzymes.
Some users highlight the supplement's role in supporting their immune system and maintaining a balanced gut environment. The advanced-release capsule technology is praised for its ability to protect the beneficial bacteria from stomach acid, potentially enhancing probiotic efficacy.
However, opinions are mixed regarding the supplement's value proposition. While some customers feel the probiotic blend offers potential benefits for digestive health and immune function, others question whether the price justifies the results they've experienced. A few users report no noticeable difference in their gut microbiota or relief from digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Ritual probiotic?
This powerful 3-in-1 blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics supports optimal digestive function and overall wellness.
Ritual's Synbiotic+ is a product aimed at fostering gut health. The product stands out for its targeted approach to gut health, combining probiotics, prebiotics, and a postbiotic in a delayed-release capsule designed to withstand stomach acid. Ritual emphasizes transparency and traceability, providing detailed information about the source and purpose of each ingredient in its formula.
The brand differentiates itself with its focus on scientifically backed ingredients and commitment to third-party testing. Through a simplified daily supplement routine, it aims to aid digestive health, support immune function, and maintain gut barrier integrity.
Ingredients and usage
Ritual's Synbiotic+ contains a focused blend of probiotic strains, prebiotics, and a postbiotic. Here's a breakdown of its ingredients and usage:
Probiotic strains. It consists of two clinically studied probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) — 10 billion colony-forming units
- Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12®) — 10 billion colony-forming units
Prebiotic ingredients. Included is PreforPro® (bacteriophage prebiotic blend) 15 mg
Postbiotic ingredients. Tributyrin, 300 mg
Ritual recommends taking 1 capsule daily. They suggest taking the capsule at any time of day, with or without food. According to the brand, the capsules are designed to be easy to swallow and gentle on the stomach.
Ritual's Synbiotic+ formulation is intended to support digestion and promote a balanced gut microbiome. The combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and a postbiotic aims to provide a comprehensive approach to gut health. The delayed-release capsule technology is intended to protect the beneficial gut bacteria from stomach acid, ensuring they reach the colon intact.
The PreforPro® prebiotic is a unique bacteriophage blend that selectively feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut. Tributyrin, the postbiotic, is one of the key components — a form of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports the gut lining and the overall digestive system.
Pros
- Third-party tested. Ritual subjects its supplement to third-party testing to verify that it is major allergen-free and that there are no harmful substances within the Synbiotic+ capsules.
- Positive customer reviews. Online platforms, like Amazon, offer a glimpse into user satisfaction. Most users are pleased with Ritual’s Synbiotic+ and its ability to support gut health tangibly.
- Comprehensive gut support formula. Ritual’s Synbiotic+ includes specific strains such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Such an approach may help foster a healthy gut microbiome and support gut lining.
Cons
- Limited strain number. Only two bacterial strains are included in Ritual’s Synbiotic+.
- Relatively expensive. There are other similar supplements that introduce the beneficial bacteria in the gut with a friendlier price tag.
Effectiveness and safety
According to the brand, Ritual's Synbiotic+ formulation is based on scientific research. The probiotic strains of healthy bacteria used, LGG® and BB-12®, are among the most studied strains worldwide. LGG® has been shown in various studies to maintain digestive health and immune function. A 2021 meta-analysis found that Lactobacillus, including LGG®, may help with the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. BB-12® has been associated with improved bowel function and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms in several studies. Lastly, the prebiotic PreforPro® has shown promise in supporting the growth of certain beneficial bacteria.
While these individual components have scientific backing, more research on Ritual's specific formulation is needed to fully substantiate all claims. As with most probiotics, Synbiotic+ is generally considered safe for healthy adults, but individual responses may vary and may result in mild stomach upset while the body adjusts.
How much does Ritual cost?
Ritual’s Synbiotic+ supplement costs $54 for 30-day supply.
A welcome offer includes a 20% off your first order.
What users are saying about Ritual
Amazon rating — 4.1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Based on customer feedback, Ritual's Synbiotic+ has garnered praise for its perceived quality and effectiveness in supporting gut health. Out of over a thousand reviews on Amazon, many users report it as one of the more effective probiotic supplements they've tried, noting improvements in their digestive well-being and whole-body health. The overall experience of taking this supplement seems positive for many, readily added to numerous daily health routines.
Seed and Ritual vs. other probiotics
| Brand | Probiotic strains and AFU/CFU | Prebiotic inclusion | Additional ingredients | Price | Target benefits | Subscription |
| Seed | 24 strains, 53.6 billion AFU | Yes | Prebiotic | $49.99 | Digestive, gut, and immune health | Yes |
| Ritual | 2 strains, 11 billion CFU | Yes | Prebiotic, postbiotic | $54.00 | Digestive, gut health, regularity, bloat, immune support | Yes |
| Routine | 5 strains, 24 billion CFU | Yes | Prebiotic, ashwagandha | $39.95 | Digestive and feminine health | Yes |
| Bioma | 3 strains, 9 billion CFU | Yes | Prebiotic, postbiotic | $63.99 | Digestive, gut health | Yes |
| YourBiology | 10 strains, 20 billion CFU | Yes | Prebiotic, digestive enzymes, vitamin D3 | $79.99 | Mood, body, skin support | Yes |
| Unbloat | 7 strains, 25 billion CFU | Yes | Prebiotic, folic acid, magnesium, digestive enzyme complex, herbal extract blend | $44.99 | Bloat relief, digestive support, gut health | Yes |
Final verdict: which probiotic is right for you?
Both Seed and Ritual offer high-quality supplements with unique approaches to supporting gut health.
Seed Daily Synbiotic provides a diverse array of 24 probiotic strains, potentially offering a broader range of gut health benefits. It's best for those seeking comprehensive gut health support and don't mind a higher price point. Seed is a good choice if you're interested in cutting-edge microbiome science and prefer a product with ongoing clinical research.
Ritual's Synbiotic+, with its focused blend of scientifically studied prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, is a good choice if you prefer a streamlined approach to gut health. It's ideal for those who value ingredient transparency and are looking for a simpler daily routine.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific health goals, budget, and personal preferences. Remember to seek health advice from your healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions.
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FAQ
Is Seed or Ritual a better probiotic?
Both Seed and Ritual offer high-quality probiotic products, but they differ in approach. Seed provides a diverse 24-strain formula, while Ritual focuses on two scientifically studied strains plus pre- and postbiotics. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which best suits your health goals.
What is considered the best probiotic on the market?
Determining the "best" probiotic is challenging as its effectiveness varies per individual. Look for brands known for clinical research backing and products with diverse strains, high CFU count, and targeted benefits. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
What is the best probiotic to reduce gut inflammation?
For anti-inflammatory effects in the gut, research suggests probiotics with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may be beneficial. Strains like L. rhamnosus GG and B. infantis 35624 may also help. Consult a doctor for personalized advice, as effectiveness can vary.
Are Seed and Ritual probiotics FDA-approved?
Seed and Ritual probiotics are not FDA-approved, as the FDA doesn't approve dietary supplements before reaching the market. However, both comply with FDA regulations for supplement manufacturing and labeling. They're marketed as dietary supplements, not drugs. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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