Ten Best Probiotic Drinks Available in the U.S

Probiotic means "for life." The World Health Organization defines probiotics as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."
Personal disclaimer: I recommend talking to your doctor before adding probiotic drinks and supplements to your diet.

DanActive from Dannon, perhaps the most popular probiotic dairy drink in the U.S. Available in strawberry, vanilla, pomegranate berry, peach, blueberry and light pomegranate berry or mixed berry, I have tried this drink and it does taste good. It says on the front of the bottle it will "help strengthen your body's defenses." Dannon's website provides 'scientific evidence,' (study results from specific target groups) that their probiotic dairy drink increases resistance to infections. Available in grocery stores everywhere. $4 for 4 - 3.1 oz. bottles.

It seems Dannon has been made an example of - be careful how you market products! A class action lawsuit for false advertising of its Activia and DanActive products was settled in September, 2009. "Dannon admits no wrong-doing and will set aside $35 million in a fund for 'victims,' and individual consumers will be able to file claims for refunds of up to $100 worth of yogurt." Dannon agreed to make changes to the labeling and advertising of Activia and DanActive by increasing the visibility of the "probiotic" cultures in their yogurts. They also agreed to remove the word "immunity" from DanActive products. DanActive labels that previously read "a positive effect on your digestive tract's immune system" will be reworded to "interact with your digestive tract's immune system."

Kyo-DophilusPowder by Kyolic recommend taking this during and after a cycle of medication, when you travel, and everyday. Probiotic benefits, according to Kyolic include: boost immunity, digestive system and general well-being. Perfect for all ages. The probiotic powder is free of preservatives, sugar, sodium, milk, yeast, gluten, and artificial colors or flavors. "Unique human strains selected specifically to adapt to the human intestinal tract." Sprinkle onto food or add to drinks. Available at your local health food store for $8-12 - 3.1 oz. bottle.

Goodbellyby Nextfoods offers a vegan probiotic juicy fruit drink that comes with a money-back guarantee if you take the Goodbelly challenge. Produced with organic and all natural ingredients. Dairy-free, soy-free, wheat-free and entirely vegan. Probiotic benefits, according to Nextfoods:Improve digestive system and immunity, with clinically proven live and active probiotic cultures. "When the microflora balance tips in favor of harmful bacteria due to lifestyle and environmental factors, you may experience pain, gas, bloating, and other illnesses. But, if you've got a belly full of beneficial bacteria, you're probably feeling pretty good." Goodbelly Multi flavors -- Blueberry Acai, Strawberry Rosehips and Peach Mango -- available at Whole Foods Market nationwide and select natural products and grocery chains in the U.S., such as HEB, Publix, Wegmans and Giant Eagle for around $4.49 for a package of four - 2.7 oz.

Beyond Berry by Protein Drink - Student Formula is a powdered protein drink made with organic berries, GMO free and low in calories. It includes antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics & more. Beyond Berry claims to help protect cells from oxygen damage, help prevent excessive inflammation, improve response to stress by supporting your adrenal glands, increase energy, improve mental clarity and focus, provide nutrients for healthier skin, strengthen your immune system, healthy digestive system (from stabilized probiotics), and is rich in antioxidants to protect against free-radical damage. Priced around $20 + $7 s/h - 1.5 lb (on Amazon).

Click here for Beyond Berry Smoothie Recipes.

PRE Probiotic Enhancer by Pre is an organic juice, available in a variety of flavors, enhanced with a proprietary prebiotic blend developed by Jarrow Formulas. Pre is said to be for all ages and helps digestion by working with the body to promote healthy digestive balance. It triggers the growth of beneficial bacteria called probiotics already present in your digestive system. As the good bacteria increase so does resistance to harmful bacteria. This causes a boost in your immune system. Available for $21.50 + $6 s/h (from Amazon). Go to their store locator for a location near you.

PHD 2 Go Probiotic Drink by PHD Probiotic Health Daily comes in* berry balance and citrus boost flavors. The probiotic drink mix benefits, according the company's website include: strengthened immunity, balanced digestive system and improved overall health. It contains six probiotic strains, 20 billion CFUs* (10 times the amount found in yogurt) and 3g Prebiotic Fiber per packet. Available in 8 oz. bottle with a cap that protects the probiotics or in powder packs. Look for the bottle probiotic drink in grocery or health food stores near you. The powder packs are available on their website - 10 packs for $18 (order 3 and get free shipping) *Powder only contains 10 billion CFUs, Orange Detox available in powder packs only.

Cocobiotic by Body Ecology is naturally-fermented and is made from young coconuts. I am a fan of coconut and would love to try this refreshing probiotic drink! It is gluten-free and probiotic benefits claimed by Body Ecology are: improved digestion, reduced sugar cravings, improved liver cleansing and greatly increased energy. Body Ecology recommends drinking 4 ounces (1/2 cup) with each meal. 1 - 42 oz. bottle (on Amazon) is $31 + $6 s/h. Reviews from Amazon of the probiotic drink boast increase in energy, tasty and cleansing but be careful when you open it - fizz factor.

Yakult by Blisstree (headquartered in Torrance, CA) claim good health and proper nutrition begin in your digestive system and by drinking Yakult daily, you may help balance your digestive system by increasing the amount of 'good bacteria' in your digestive system. Probiotic benefits may also be improved nutrient absorption, to keep you 'regular' and boost your natural defenses. For those watching their suger - each 2.7 ounce bottle contains 11 grams of sugar. 5 bottle packs were around $3 in 2006. Available 'around the world' for over 70 years, the probiotic drink has a citrus taste. You can find Yakult in some major grocery stores and Asian food stores or go to their website store locator.

Doc's Friendly Flora Enhanced Microbial Liquid Probioticsbenefits include aiding in detoxification, weight lose and enhance well-being. The company's website states, "Enhanced well-being may benefit those affected by autism, ADHD and cognitive disorders." Doc's Probiotic Drink contains a number of different probiotic strains as well as a phototropic. Expensive - $50 for 16 oz (with one million colony-forming units per ml.)

Adverse effects of probiotics:
"There is no published evidence that probiotic supplements are able to completely replace the body's natural flora when these have been killed off; indeed bacterial levels in feces disappear within days when supplementation ceases. Some hospitals have reported treating lactobacillus septicaemia, which is a potentially fatal disease caused by the consumption of probiotics by people with lowered immune systems or who are already very ill."

*The specific probiotic cultures that are in the above listed probiotic drinks should be on their website and product.