The International Scientific Association
for Probiotics and Prebiotics defines probiotics as “live microorganisms that,
when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”
These microorganisms, primarily bacteria but also including yeasts, are found in
some fermented foods (like yogurt), added to certain food products, and available
as dietary supplements. However, not all foods and dietary supplements that are
labeled as probiotics have proven health benefits.
According to TechSci Research report “Probiotics
Dietary Supplements Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends,
Opportunity & Forecast,
Segmented By Form (Chewables & Gummies, Capsules, Powders, Tablets &
Softgels, Others), By End-use (Infants, Children, Adults, Geriatric), By
Applications (Sports Fitness, Energy & Weight Management, General Health,
Bone & Joint Health, Gastrointestinal Health, Immunity, Cardiac Health,
Diabetes, Anti-cancer, Skin/Hair/Nails, Brain/Mental Health, Others), By
Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F” Global Probiotics Dietary Supplements
Market was valued at USD 8.76 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to project impressive
growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 10.75% through 2030.
Probiotic dietary supplements can
contain a single strain or multiple strains of live microorganisms. The number
of viable cells in a probiotic supplement is indicated by the number of
colony-forming units (CFU) listed on the label. However, it can be difficult to
determine which products offer verifiable health benefits due to the wide
variety of probiotic strains and doses found in probiotic products and
inconsistent labeling practices and recommendations for use.
Probiotics are offered as dietary
supplements in various forms, such as capsules, powders, liquids, and more, containing
a wide variety of strains and doses. These supplements may feature either a
single strain or a combination of multiple live microorganisms. The effects of
many commercial products that contain probiotics have not been examined in
research studies, and it is difficult for people who are not familiar with
probiotic research to determine which products are backed by evidence. However,
some organizations have systematically reviewed the available evidence and
developed recommendations for using specific probiotics, including the
appropriate product, dose, and formulation, to prevent or treat various health
conditions.
Probiotics are measured in CFU, which
stands for colony-forming units, which is just a way of counting how many live,
active microorganisms are in the product. You’ll often see numbers like 1 x 10⁹
(which means 1 billion CFU) or 1 x 10¹⁰ (10 billion CFU) on the label. Most
supplements contain somewhere between 1 and 10 billion CFU per serving, though
some go as high as 50 billion or more. But more is not always better, a higher
CFU count does not necessarily mean the product will be more effective.
Current labeling regulations only
require manufacturers to list the total weight of microorganisms on the
Supplement Facts label of probiotic products. However, this weight includes
both live and dead microorganisms, so it does not reflect how many viable
microbes are present. Some manufacturers choose to include the CFU count, the
number of live microorganisms, in addition to the total weight. Since
probiotics need to be alive to provide health benefits and can lose potency
over time, it is best to choose products that list the CFU count based on the
amount present at the end of the product’s shelf life, not just at the time of
manufacture.
Top 10 Probiotics Dietary Supplements
Companies:
1. BioGaia
Establishment
|
1990
|
Headquarters
|
Sweden
|
Website
|
https://www.biogaia.com/
|
BioGaia is a world leader in probiotic
research and development. Its clinically proven probiotics have been supporting
the health and well-being of people everywhere, throughout every stage of life,
since 1990. With a strong foundation in science and over 200 clinical studies
backing its products, BioGaia specializes in strain-specific solutions,
particularly Lactobacillus reuteri. The company offers targeted
formulations for digestive health, immunity, oral care, and colic relief in
infants, trusted by healthcare professionals in more than 100 countries.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
BioGaia Gastrus – Probiotic Chewables
BioGaia Osfortis – Probiotic Capsules
BioGaia Prodentis – Probiotic Lozenges
BioGaia Protectis MUM – Probiotic
Capsules
2. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
Establishment
|
1874
|
Headquarters
|
Denmark
|
Website
|
https://www.chr-hansen.com/en
|
Hansen Holding A/S is a leading global
bioscience company headquartered in Hørsholm, Denmark. The company specializes
in developing natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional,
pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. Its product portfolio includes
microbiological cultures, enzymes, probiotics, and natural colors, which play a
crucial role in creating a resilient food system that minimizes climate impact.
Hansen offers a comprehensive range of probiotic solutions, encompassing both
human and animal health applications.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus)
BB-12 (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.
lactis)
LA-5 (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
DDS-1 (Lactobacillus acidophilus)
L. CASEI 431 (Lactobacillus paracasei)
F-19 (Lactobacillus paracasei)
UREX
ASTARTE
LRC (Lactobacillus reuteri)
UABla-12
DSM 33361 (Bifidobacterium infantis)
PPLP-217 (Lactobacillus plantarum)
3. Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.
Establishment
|
1935
|
Headquarters
|
Japan
|
Website
|
https://www.yakult.co.jp/
|
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. is a Japanese
multinational company known globally for its probiotic dairy products,
especially the Yakult drink. Yakult operates in over 40 countries and regions,
with a significant presence in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. The
company employs a unique home-delivery system through its network of
approximately 83,000 "Yakult Ladies," who contribute to about 45% of
its probiotic drink sales volume globally.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Yakult for Happy Gut & Immunity
Yakult Light Mango Flavour
Yakult Light with Reduced Sugar
4. Danone S.A.
Establishment
|
1919
|
Headquarters
|
France
|
Website
|
https://www.danone.com/
|
Danone S.A. is a French multinational
food and beverage company headquartered in Paris. Founded in 1919 by Isaac
Carasso in Barcelona, Spain, Danone has grown into a global leader in
health-focused food products. The company operates in over 120 countries and
employs approximately 96,000 people worldwide. Danone is renowned for its wide
range of dairy and plant-based products, including probiotic yogurts and
supplements designed to promote digestive health and overall wellness. Its
flagship probiotic brand, Activia, is trusted by millions globally and
supported by extensive scientific research. Committed to sustainability, Danone
actively pursues environmental initiatives and aims to support healthier eating
habits through innovation and responsible sourcing.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Activia
Actimel
Alpro
YoPRO
5. Lifeway Foods
Establishment
|
1986
|
Headquarters
|
United
States
|
Website
|
https://lifewaykefir.com/
|
Lifeway Foods, Inc. is a leading
U.S.-based producer of probiotic and cultured dairy products, best known for
popularizing kefir in the American market. Headquartered in Morton Grove,
Illinois, the company was founded in 1986 by Ukrainian immigrant Michael
Smolyansky, who began producing kefir in his basement to introduce the
traditional Eastern European fermented milk drink to the U.S. Its primary
product is drinkable kefir, a cultured dairy product. Lifeway kefir is tart and
tangy, high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Plain
Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Tropical
Fruit
Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Matcha
Latte
Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen Berry
Blast
6. Probi USA Inc.
Establishment
|
1994
|
Headquarters
|
United
States
|
Website
|
https://www.probi.com/
|
Probi USA Inc. is the North American
subsidiary of Probi AB, a Swedish biotechnology company specializing in the
development, manufacturing, and delivery of clinically proven probiotics for
dietary supplements and functional foods. Its operations cover the entire value
chain, from research and development to sales.
Probi USA Inc. has recently launched
Weizmannia coagulans GX-1, a resilient spore-forming probiotic ideal for
high-temperature and high-moisture applications in food, beverage,
confectionery, and dietary supplements. In collaboration with Clasado
Biosciences, Probi introduced two new synbiotic solutions combining the proven
prebiotic Bimuno GOS with its clinically studied Probi Defendum and Probi
Digestis strains.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Probi Sensia
Probi Digestis
Probi Defendum
Probi Osteo mode of action
BLIS by Probi
Probi LiveBac
7. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
Establishment
|
1999
|
Headquarters
|
United
Kingdom
|
Website
|
https://www.reckitt.com/
|
Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc offers
probiotic dietary supplements under its Digestive Advantage brand. These
supplements are formulated with the patented BC30 probiotic strain (Bacillus
coagulans GBI-30, 6086), designed to support digestive and immune health. The
BC30 strain is notable for its resilience, surviving stomach acid 100 times
better than yogurt, ensuring that more live bacteria reach the gut.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Daily Probiotic Capsules
IBS Probiotics
Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies
8. Nestlé Health Science
Establishment
|
2011
|
Headquarters
|
Switzerland
|
Website
|
https://www.nestlehealthscience.com/
|
Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) is a global
leader in nutritional science, focused on advancing health through innovative
nutrition and science-based solutions. It was created to pioneer a new approach
to the management of health by integrating nutrition and therapeutic solutions.
Nestlé Health Science offers a diverse range of probiotic products across
various brands, catering to different health needs and life stages.
Nestlé Health Science offers a wide
range of probiotic products through several brands, including Garden of Life,
which provides high-potency, whole-food-based probiotics for various health
needs; Nature’s Bounty, known for accessible probiotic gummies and capsules;
NAN CARE, focusing on infant probiotics to support early gut health; Vital
Proteins, which combines collagen with probiotics for gut support; Pure
Encapsulations, offering professional-grade targeted probiotic formulas; and
Persona Nutrition, delivering personalized probiotic and vitamin subscriptions
tailored to individual health profiles, together reflecting Nestlé’s commitment
to science-backed probiotic solutions across all life stages.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Garden of Life
·
Dr.
Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Women
·
Dr.
Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Men
·
Dr.
Formulated Probiotics Mood+
·
Raw
Probiotics Ultimate Care
·
Dr.
Formulated Probiotics Prenatal
Nature’s Bounty
·
Nature’s
Bounty Probiotic Gummies
·
Nature’s
Bounty Probiotic Capsules
NAN CARE
·
NAN
OPTIPRO 3 with Probiotic Drops
Vital Proteins
·
Vital
Proteins Collagen Peptides with Probiotics
Pure Encapsulations
·
Probiotic
50B
·
Probiotic
GI Balance
Persona Nutrition
·
Personalized
probiotic supplements tailored per customer (names vary per formulation)
9. Kerry Group PLC
Establishment
|
1972
|
Headquarters
|
Ireland
|
Website
|
https://www.kerry.com/
|
Kerry Group plc is a global leader in
taste and nutrition innovation, headquartered in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.
Established in 1972 as North Kerry Milk Products, the company has evolved from
a regional dairy cooperative into a multinational corporation. Today, Kerry
Group operates in over 140 countries, employing approximately 23,000 people
worldwide.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Bio-K+ Daily Care Probiotic Capsules
Bio-K+ Extra Strength Capsules
Bio-K+ Fermented Probiotic Drinkable –
Original
Bio-K+ Fermented Probiotic Drinkable –
Organic
Bio-K+ Fermented Probiotic Drinkable –
Non-Dairy (Soy or Rice-based)
10. Amway
Establishment
|
1959
|
Headquarters
|
United
States
|
Website
|
https://www.amwayglobal.com/
|
Amway Corp. (Amway), a subsidiary of
Alticor Global Holdings Inc, is a manufacturer, retailer and distributer
of nutrition, beauty and body and bath products. Nutrilite is Amway’s flagship
health and wellness brand. It offers a wide variety of products to support
immunity & overall health of individuals. Nutrilite is the world's number
one selling vitamins & dietary supplements brand.
Its Probiotic Offerings:
Nutrilite Balance Within Probiotic
Nutrilite Stress Relief Probiotic
Nutrilite Begin Daily GI Primer
Nutrilite Pre and Probiotic Capsules
How to Choose a Good Probiotic
Supplement?
Not all probiotics are created equal.
With countless options on the market, it is important to know how to evaluate
quality before making a purchase.
Strain Diversity: A quality probiotic
should list specific strains (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, not just
“Lactobacillus”). Multiple strains may offer broader health benefits—like
improving digestion, boosting immunity, or balancing mood—because different
strains perform different functions in the gut.
CFU Count (Colony Forming Units): More
is not always better. A good probiotic typically contains 1 to 10 billion CFUs
per serving for general health, though higher doses may be helpful for specific
conditions. What matters more is whether the strains survive and thrive in your
digestive tract.
Delivery Method: Probiotics come in
capsules, tablets, powders, gummies, and even drinks. Look for options that
suit your lifestyle—and protect the bacteria. Delayed-release capsules or
enteric coatings help probiotics survive stomach acid and reach your gut alive.
Refrigeration & Shelf-Stability: Some
probiotics require refrigeration, while others use shelf-stable technology
(like freeze-drying or spore-forming strains). Choose according to your storage
situation and travel needs—but always check the label for expiration details.
Conclusion:
The top ten probiotic supplement
companies featured in this blog include industry leaders like BioGaia, Chr.
Hansen Holding A/S, Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., Danone S.A., Lifeway Foods, Probi
USA Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Nestlé Health Science, Kerry Group PLC,
and Amway. These companies offer a wide range of probiotic supplements in
various forms—including capsules, powders, drinks, and gummies—designed to
support gut health, immunity, and overall wellness.
Backed by extensive research and
clinical trials, many of these brands focus on delivering specific probiotic
strains targeted at improving digestion, enhancing immune response, and even
supporting mental well-being. With growing consumer awareness about gut health,
these companies continue to innovate by developing personalized probiotic
solutions, incorporating prebiotics and postbiotics, and expanding into
dairy-free and vegan-friendly formulations to cater to diverse dietary needs.
In addition, these companies emphasize
quality control, using advanced manufacturing processes and third-party testing
to guarantee potency and purity. As consumer demand grows for natural and
sustainable products, many are also incorporating organic, non-GMO, and
plant-based ingredients. Together, these top probiotic supplement companies
play a vital role in advancing gut health awareness and providing trusted
solutions to millions worldwide.