17 products we’ve reviewed list probiotics as a key ingredient. Here’s what it does, what the research uses — and how much each product actually contains.
What it is
Live microorganisms whose effects depend on the specific strain — results for one strain don’t carry over to another.
What the research uses
Doses are listed in colony-forming units (CFU). Many products contain 1–10 billion CFU per dose, but higher counts don’t necessarily mean better results. Look for strains listed by name and a count guaranteed through the expiration date.
People who are critically ill or immunocompromised should talk to a doctor first.
Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication.
1 billion CFU at manufacture; 10 million CFU guaranteed through the best-by dateBifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 35624™ (formerly B. infantis 35624)
Amounts are per serving as printed on each label. “Not disclosed” usually means the ingredient sits inside a proprietary blend.
Questions people ask
How much probiotics do studies use?
Doses are listed in colony-forming units (CFU). Many products contain 1–10 billion CFU per dose, but higher counts don’t necessarily mean better results. Look for strains listed by name and a count guaranteed through the expiration date.
Which probiotics supplement scores highest?
In our reviews, Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides scores highest at 8.2/10, followed by Vega Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein) (8.1) and Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein (8.1). Scores weigh efficacy, quality, value, experience and transparency — not just the dose.
How much probiotics is in these products?
It varies by product and serving size — for example Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides (250 million CFU (2.5 mg)), Vega Performance Protein + Recovery (formerly Vega Sport Premium Protein) (2 billion CFU), Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein (2 billion CFU). The table above lists the amount per serving for every product we've reviewed.
Probiotic benefits depend on the exact strain and dose. How to read strain names and CFU claims, where the evidence is solid or mixed, and who should skip them.