Our bodies host a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms. One type of microorganism found in our bodies is probiotics. Also known as “good bacteria,” these organisms aid digestion and play an important role in our overall well-being. If the balance of microorganisms in your body is not maintained well, it can result in various health issues.
Probiotic supplements can help to support the balance of the “good bacteria.” However, not all probiotic supplements align with a vegan lifestyle. In this article, we will provide you with a list of some of the best vegan probiotic supplements to explore.
Best vegan probiotic: a shortlist
- Ritual — best prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotic complex for vegans
- Yourbiology — best probiotics for vegans overall
- Future Kind — best multi-strain probiotics for vegans
- Unbloat — best vegan probiotics for digestive health support
- Routine — best vegan probiotic for women
- HUM — best budget-friendly probiotic for vegans
How we compiled our list of the best vegan probiotics
For our best vegan probiotics article, we used the criteria below when selecting products.
| Diet compatibility | CFU | Safety measures | Other active ingredients |
| Vegan | 10–52 CFU per serving | Third-party testing, GMP-certified facilities | Prebiotic fiber |
- Diet compatibility. The brand clearly states that the product can be incorporated into the vegan diet.
- CFU amounts. We picked products that contain adequate amounts of live bacteria per serving.
- Safety measures. As the FDA does not supervise dietary supplements, consumers must be extremely diligent when choosing the most suitable product. For our list, we looked for products that are made in GMP-certified facilities and have been tested by third-party laboratories.
- Other active ingredients. Although we favored products that have clear and minimalist ingredients, the addition of some active ingredients were considered to be an advantage, e.g., prebiotic fiber that may help to foster gut health.
Best vegan probiotic: an overview
Veganism does not end in the kitchen. Strict followers will advocate for being diligent in choosing cosmetics, clothing, and household products as they may contain ingredients derived from animals. This does apply to supplements as well.
For instance, the widespread use of gelatin capsules is one of the reasons why some supplements may not align with vegan lifestyles, as gelatin is sourced from animals.
If you are on the lookout for the best vegan probiotic supplements, we have prepared a list of products that are worth exploring.
1. Ritual — best vegan-friendly synbiotic supplement
Containing 2 of the most scientifically studied probiotic strains, Ritual is a vegan-friendly supplement that may help foster the “good” bacteria in the gut. For some extra support, this supplement includes pre and postbiotics.
The total amount of CFU one serving of Ritual delivers is 11 billion.
The quality of Ritual is defined not only by its formula but also by various other factors that are worth considering.
Firstly, Ritual is strict about their products’ quality and will test each batch for label accuracy. Secondly, the brand also completes third-party testing for any potential contaminations and only uses active ingredients that are traceable. Lastly, Ritual employs a delayed-release capsule and packs the product in a moisture-controlled bottle.
This premium quality supplement is currently priced at $54 per 30-day supply bottle, making one serving come to $1.80.
2. Yourbiology — best vegan probiotic for vegans overall
Made from vegan capsules, Yourbiology offers a great solution for anyone looking for plant-based probiotic supplements. Boasting 20 billion CFUs of beneficial bacteria, this product can be incorporated into your routine to help support digestive health and overall well-being.
For further support in digestion, Yourbiology features digestive enzymes and prebiotics.
Moreover, this supplement includes vitamin D — an important micronutrient to monitor for those who are following a vegan diet. Due to limited plant-based food options, veganism can increase the risk of developing a deficiency in this micronutrient.
Yourbiology undergoes rigorous production in a GMP-certified USA facility. In addition, each batch goes through testing for label accuracy.
With all ingredients being of vegan origin, Yourbiology can become a valuable addition to your routine for $79.99 per bottle ($2.67 per serving).
3. Future Kind — best vegan-friendly multi-strain probiotics
Made by Future Kind, a supplement brand that specializes in vegan and cruelty-free products, this probiotic complex is designed to support one’s digestive health. It contains 10 strains of bacteria and delivers 30 billion CFU per serving.
The product has been tested by a third-party laboratory, and the results are available on the official website.
Future Kind uses eco-friendly packaging and offers carbon-neutral shipping. Moreover, the brand is actively donating to various animal sanctuaries around the world.
If you opt for Future Kind, you can purchase this supplement for $29.99 (or $1.00 per serving) without a subscription. The product is also covered by a 30-day refund policy.
4. Unbloat — best vegan-friendly probiotic supplement for digestive health support
Unbloat is a vegan probiotic supplement designed to support digestion. Containing 25 billion CFU per serving, this product delivers 7 strains of the “good” bacteria. Moreover, it features a wide range of plant-based ingredients for gut health, including fennel seed, turmeric, ginger, milk thistle, spirulina, and many others. The total amount of active ingredients used for the Unbloat formula is 40.
According to the brand, the product adheres to a wide range of diets: vegan, vegetarian, ketogenic, gluten-free, and paleo.
Right now, you can purchase one bottle of this supplement for $65.95 (or $2.20 per serving).
5. Routine — best probiotic complex for women
Crafted with vaginal health in mind, Her by Routine is a vegan-friendly probiotic complex containing 5 strains of beneficial bacteria. One serving of this product delivers 24 billion CFU in total. The product also contains chicory root extract as a prebiotic.
The supplement is also boosted with ashwagandha root extract, which may increase resilience to stress and improve sleep quality.
The first-time buyers of this product will receive a free reusable glass container.
You can get this supplement as a one-time purchase for $39.95 (or $1.33 per serving).
6. HUM — best affordable vegan probiotic supplement
Certified by Vegan Action, Hum is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for vegan-friendly probiotics. The company also has the Clean Label project certification that ensures the product has been tested for label claim accuracy and does not contain contaminants.
One serving of this supplement contains 25 billion CFU from 10 strains of probiotics. The daily serving of this product is one capsule taken at any time on an empty stomach, as recommended by the manufacturer.
HUM probiotics are made in a facility that follows GMP requirements.
If you opt for this HUM product, you can purchase one bottle for $26.00 (or $0.87 per serving).
Comparing the best vegan probiotics
| Brand | CFU per serving | Strains | Prebiotics | Price | Price per serving |
| Ritual | 11 billion | 2 | + | $54.00 | $1.80 |
| Yourbiology | 20 billion | 10 | + | $79.99 | $2.67 |
| Future Kind | 30 billion | 10 | - | $29.99 | $1.00 |
| Unbloat | 25 billion | 7 | + | $65.95 | $2.20 |
| Routine | 24 billion | 5 | + | $39.95 | $1.33 |
| HUM | 25 billion | 10 | - | $26.00 | $0.87 |
Are probiotics vegan?
Probiotics are vegan.
Probiotics are so-called “good” bacteria that live in various organisms, including humans. Although they are alive, bacteria are non-sentient — just like any other source of nutrition for vegans, e.g., plants and mushrooms.
However, some probiotic supplements may not tick all of your boxes if you are following a strict plant-based diet. This is mostly due to the fact that supplement capsules are often made using gelatin or other by-products from meat industries.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to gelatin. For instance, cellulose is often used in the supplement industry to make vegan-friendly products. Cellulose itself is a fiber that is found in all plants.
Health benefits of probiotics for vegans
Below, we have selected a few benefits that are associated with probiotic supplementation and analyzed them in more detail.
Reduce the risk of dysbiosis caused by antibiotics
It is commonly said that taking probiotics alongside or after antibiotics could help lessen the side effects. Antibiotics can kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria, potentially causing imbalances in gut microbiota.
Research studies also indicate that probiotics may be beneficial for individuals taking antibiotics. For instance, according to a meta-analysis, probiotic supplementation may reduce the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Support vaginal health
The vagina, just like our guts, is colonized by a diverse community of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria. If you are experiencing disbalance in your vaginal microbiome, you may start experiencing various recurrent infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotic supplementation, especially with strains from the Lactobacillus genus, may help to reduce the risk of infections by reducing the risk of the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Support immune system
Probiotics are involved in our immune system function. For instance, some of the “good” bacteria in our bodies contribute to mucus production required for innate immunity. In general, probiotic supplements for immune function may help enhance response to pathogens such as viruses.
However, it is generally not recommended to take probiotics if you have a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy, organ transplant, or other factors.
Incorporating vegan probiotics into your diet
You can incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet by choosing various fermented foods such as kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and sauerkraut. However, if you have decided to opt for probiotic supplements, examine the product to ensure the supplements are vegan-friendly and free from animal-derived ingredients like gelatin.
After you have found the best vegan probiotics for you, it is important to read the label to understand the best storage practices. For instance, some probiotic supplements may require refrigeration, while others are stable at room temperature.
For the best results, take your probiotic supplement consistently.
Potential side effects and considerations of vegan probiotics
While vegan probiotics are generally well-tolerated by most individuals, some people may experience certain side effects, including:
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Bloating
These side effects, if they occur at all, are usually mild and temporary as your body adjusts to the new supplement.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe side effects, please discontinue using probiotic supplements and consult your healthcare provider.
Individuals who have a weakened immune system or are critically ill should not start taking any probiotics before consulting a healthcare professional.
Top vegan foods high in probiotics
There are some vegan sources of probiotics in food. Among these choices, fermented products take center stage. This is because the fermentation process creates conditions that support probiotic growth.
Among the most popular probiotic-rich and vegan products, you will find kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
Another option is to opt for fortified dairy alternatives such as plant-based yogurt. However, not all vegan alternatives will be fortified with probiotics, thus, it is essential to read the label.
Keep in mind that using hot temperatures can kill probiotic bacteria. For this reason, if you are including products rich in probiotics in your routine, it is best to avoid exposing them to high heat during preparation.
Best vegan probiotic — conclusion
Vegan probiotics offer a way to support one’s gut health while adhering to a plant-based lifestyle. If you have decided to purchase probiotics, consider factors like CFU count, safety measures taken by the company, and additional active ingredients.
Also, keep in mind that not every probiotic supplement on the market is vegan-friendly. Pay close attention to the label to ensure that no ingredients, such as gelatin, are derived from animals.
Find out other vegan wellness products
Support your heart health with the best vegan omega-3 supplements.
Find out about Future Kind, one of the best vegan-friendly supplement manufacturers.
Moreover, to support your diet, you may also want to look into vitamin B complex supplements.
FAQ
What's the best vegan probiotic?
Choosing the best vegan probiotic depends on various factors such as the specific strains you are looking for and any health considerations you may have. Our team has picked Yourbiology to be the best probiotic for vegans.
Are vegan probiotics effective?
Vegan probiotics can be as effective as their non-vegan counterparts. Vegan probiotics may help to balance the gut microbiota, support digestion, and boost immune function.
What vegan foods are probiotics?
Kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut are examples of vegan foods that contain probiotics.
4 resources
- Medicina. Nutritional Status and the Influence of the Vegan Diet on the Gut Microbiota and Human Health.
- Frontiers in Microbiology. Fermented Foods as a Dietary Source of Live Organisms.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
- Polish Gynecology. The role of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in adolescent girls and non-pregnant women.
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