The 10 Best Probiotics of 2026: Tested and Reviewed

If you’re looking to boost your digestive support or reduce symptoms like bloating by taking a daily probiotic supplement, selecting the right product can make a real difference in how you feel. We worked with a registered dietitian to test and evaluate the best probiotic supplements of 2026.

With gut health impacting your mental state and productivity, prioritizing your digestive health may be just the thing you need to feel better and perform better in the office.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.

Best Probiotics of 2026

• Best Probiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Transparent Labs Gut Health
• Best Probiotic for Women: Perelel Daily Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Men: Biotics8
• Best Budget Probiotic: Nutricost Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Bioma
• Best Value Probiotic: Swolverine Probiotix
• Best Probiotic with Prebiotics: Luma Nutrition Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Bloating: AG1 Next Gen
• Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic

Holiday Sale Top Deals

Right now, you can score deals on products from many of our favorite brands during their holiday sales season.

• Ritual Synbiotic+: Save 20% on any single item subscription and 30% on bundles
• Transparent Labs Gut Health: Subscribe and get 10% off
• Swolverine Probiotix: Subscribe and get up to 15% off

Best Probiotics Comparison Table

Best Probiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic+

Our Thoughts on Ritual Synbiotic+

Ritual’s Synbiotic+ is our pick for the best overall probiotic because of its inclusion of two of the most clinically researched strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, as well as its pre- and post-biotic support. It’s a great 3-in-1 supplement with a hint of mint, making it pleasant to ingest. 

Kate tested this probiotic, rating it a 5 out of 5 for her first impression. “I love Ritual’s packaging: it’s a matte, gray bottle with clean and classy font,” she wrote. “The font is in white on a light gray background, so it could be hard for some people to read.”

Our tester noted that the supplement facts and instructions are clearly labeled and easy to understand. “The bottle is easy to open, and the pills are easy to get out of the bottle. Someone with dexterity issues shouldn’t have too much of a problem opening it,” she said.

Of the pill itself, Kate says, “It’s a typical double encapsulated pill that’s enterically coated. The coating helps protect the second capsule when traveling through the stomach, so that the second capsule can break down in your body.” She rated the ease of taking the capsule as a 3 out of 5.

“The second, inner capsule almost looks like gold flakes that is broken down powder,” Kate explained. “You need one pill per serving.” We like that a single pill gets the job done, rather than having to swallow multiple pills to get the probiotic effects. 

Kate rated the taste and flavor of this supplement as a 3, saying: “It tastes minty. There is also an overwhelming mint smell when you open the bottle, and there’s a mint aftertaste when you take it, as well.” She noted that the mint flavor is pleasant to her, but if you are considering a probiotic and would prefer to avoid any flavors, we recommend Transparent Labs Gut Health.

Our tester rated the side effects of Ritual’s Synbiotic+ as a 3 out of 5, including the aftertaste as a notable side effect from taking this pill. She experienced no discomfort after taking it, but she also noted: “Looking at the reviews, it seems like some people had temporary side effects. After consistent use, it goes away.” So, we recommend being cautious during the first month of adding this supplement to your routine. If you have any concerns, though, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Transparent Labs Gut Health

Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Gut Health

Transparent Labs Gut Health is our choice as the best probiotic for supporting gut health and relieving constipation because it provides a multi-strain, high-CFU probiotic blend that targets regularity and bowel movement comfort. Studies have shown that certain strains of Bifidobacterium (like B. lactis) and Lactobacillus (such as L. casei Shirota) may help improve constipation symptoms by increasing defecation frequency and softening stool. Multi-strain, high-potency products were found to be as helpful as single-strain supplements.

Pete, our resident dietitian, tested this probiotic. He rated it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions: “It’s a small white plastic container that’s travel-friendly. The bottle is easy to open and close, and has a white metallic label with blue lettering.”

He rated the directions a 5, finding them clear and easy to follow. “Take two capsules daily with a full glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach, or as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.”

When taking the capsules, Pete didn’t notice any taste. “They’re clear capsules with white powder, about the length of a quarter and half a centimeter in width,” he wrote. However, he did rate the capsules a 3 out of 5 for swallowability, as they can be a little large for some folks.

Pete didn’t experience any side effects after taking Transparent Labs Gut Health probiotic, giving the supplement a 5 out of 5 in this category. Overall, he noted that this product contains a probiotic blend of 10 strains of probiotic bacteria. “The combined dose is 100 billion CFU, which is considered a strong probiotic supplement,” he said. “Multi-strain probiotics are generally better than single strain options, as they can have a more robust effect on the gut microbiome.”

Best Probiotic for Women: Perelel Daily Probiotic

Our Thoughts on Perelel Daily Probiotic

We chose Perelel Daily Probiotic as our best probiotic for women because it contains probiotic strains that can benefit the gut health of all women—and are particularly noted to be safe for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

But those aren’t the only benefits. Women tend to experience constipation more than men, likely due to estrogen slowing muscle contractions in the colon. In particular, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14 has been shown to support vaginal health, too. When that strain is combined along with Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12, the two together have helped to reduce abdominal pain and symptoms in folks with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Our tester Kate tried this probiotic and was immediately drawn in by Perelel’s packaging. She liked the pastel coloring and the “easy-to-read, but classy font.” “It’s a smaller bottle so it’s something you could keep in a purse or backpack easily, which was appealing to me!” she noted.

After taking the probiotic, Kate said she didn’t experience any side effects, digestive or otherwise. But her biggest qualm was with the taste, and she gave the probiotic a 3 out of 5 in this category. “They have the classic pungent-earth smell—I think due to the vitamins that are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding,” she said. “It definitely tastes like how it smells.” 

But beyond that, Kate had an overall positive view of Perelel’s probiotic. “It has vaginal microbiome support as well as gut health support all wrapped up into one supplement,” she said. “For only $1.05 per serving, it’s also less expensive than some of the other options out there. This product is also soy free, gluten free and non-GMO as advertised.”

Best Probiotic for Men: Biotics8

Our Thoughts on Biotics8

Biotics 8 is formulated specifically for men, containing multiple strains of probiotics, prebiotic fibers, Vitamin D, and digestive enzymes. We like the inclusion of both Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which help to optimize your gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolism. The inclusion of Vitamin D may also help to support men’s testosterone production. 

Pete tested Biotics 8, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impressions. The product comes in a black plastic container with a matte black label and has orange and white lettering. “It’s easy to read, easy to open and close, and is travel friendly,” Pete said.

He found Biotics8 instructions relatively easy to follow, rating them a 3 out of 5 in this category. “For adults, it says to take one capsule per day for the first four days. Then for days five to nine, take two capsules per day. Then, after this you take three capsules per day going forward. The gradual introduction allows time for your gut to adjust,” Pete said. We like this initial ramping up phase, finding it helpful to avoid potential side effects. 

Pete didn’t experience any side effects or digestive issues when taking Biotics8, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category. Of the experience, he noted that the capsules are “small and clear, with white powder. The capsules are relatively small and easy to swallow. There was no taste or aftertaste to them,” he said.

Best Budget Probiotic: Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules

Our Thoughts on Nutricost Probiotic Complex Capsules

We chose Nutricost’s Probiotic Complex Capsules as our pick for the best budget probiotic; they cost less than 50 cents per serving and each bottle includes 60 days’ worth of servings. These probiotics have a fantastic value and include ten different strains of gut-supporting bacteria.

Pete tested Nutricost’s probiotics, rating them a 5 out of 5 for first impression. “The bottle is easy to open and close, and the label is easy to read. It’s a white plastic container with a simple white, blue, and orange label. It would be very travel friendly,” he said. Pete also rated the instructions as a 5, as they’re straightforward and quite easy to follow—take one capsule a day with eight to 12 ounces of water. 

Of the capsules, Pete said, “They’re normal in size, about the length of a quarter and half a centimeter wide.” He rated them a 3 out of 5, noting that they’re easy to swallow. There was no taste to the capsules, he said. He didn’t notice any side effects or digestive issues after testing out Nutricost’s Probiotic Complex, rating it a 5 out of 5 in this category.

If you’re planning to purchase this probiotic, Pete recommends choosing one of the higher potency CFU options available. “Probiotic bacteria that are associated with a healthy gut flora have a combined dosage of greater than 50 billion CFUs,” he said. “This is generally a good sign for probiotics, though high CFU numbers don’t always correlate with the quality of the products. If you’re taking a probiotic to help with gut health, it’s generally recommended to have at least 10 billion CFUs.”

Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Bioma

Our Thoughts on Bioma Probiotics

Plenty of probiotic formulas boast a high CFU count and a wide variety of bacteria strains. Bioma stands out for its targeted ingredient list, which contains a three-strain combination of akkermansia muciniphila, bifidobacterium infantis, and bifidobacterium lactis—clinically researched strains that have been linked to metabolic and intestinal health benefits. 

Our tester Kate tried this supplement and gave the product a pair of 5s for first impression and ease of instructions. “I like the design and branding of Bioma’s bottles,” she said. “There were clear instructions on the back with small icons to show what this product is there to support.” 

The dose is listed as two daily capsules, and Kate described the pills as “regular-sized” and “squishy,” not hard. She appreciated that the supplement is extended release, which makes the nutrients easier to absorb, and noted that they didn’t taste like anything. “It was easy to swallow both, but someone who does not like to take pills may not like the sensation of having both go down at once,” she said. 

Kate said she had no side effects after taking Bioma, digestive or otherwise, and gave the probiotics a 5 for this category. This seemed generally in line with online reviews. “Some people online have noticed slight digestive comfort when first introducing this supplement to their body, but nothing that was super noticeable or long lasting,” she said. 

Overall, her only qualm about recommending Bioma is that it’s pricey. (Also note that Bioma doesn’t disclose its CFU amounts.) However, Kate noted that it might be worth it if you’re looking to gain the potential metabolic benefits of akkermansia muciniphila. “This product would be a good choice for someone who doesn’t mind spending a little bit more than for a typical supplement to get some great benefits,” she said. “It says this not only supports gut health, but also bacteria balance and weight loss. That’s a good addition to your daily lineup if you are also on a weight loss journey.”

Best Value Probiotic: Swolverine Probiotix

Our Thoughts on Swolverine Probiotix

We chose Swolverine Probiotix as our top value probiotic because it packs a mix of seven different probiotic organisms for gut health into one inexpensive daily capsule. Each Probiotix serving offers a blend of 5.75 billion CFUs, which is in line with most wellness supplements, at a price just over 50 cents. After taking the product, both our testers and online reviews pointed to a high ratio of effectiveness to price. 

Our tester Kate had a great first impression of Swolverine Probiotix and liked the “super-classic and simple, but rugged” branding on the bottle. She also appreciated the clear and easy instructions, which state that you take one to three capsules daily, preferably with food. Kate chose to take one a day and rated both the ease of these instructions and swallowability at a 5 out of 5. “You only need to take one pill per serving so it was very easy to swallow with a sip of water,” she said.

Kate also gave the supplement a 5 for taste, reporting that “it has a slightly earthy taste” that doesn’t linger. “I didn’t notice any taste left in my mouth or any on my breath either, which was a huge plus,” she said. “As long as you don’t mind the initial taste, it won’t be an issue.” 

Kate reported zero side effects, which seems to be the consensus among online reviewers as well. Ultimately, she gave the product high scores across the board, including a 5 for price. While it has only a moderate CFU count, the numbers are within a typical range for probiotic supplements designed for general health and not a specific condition. It’s also a convenient choice. 

“This product would be a great, cost-effective choice for someone looking to boost digestive and immune health,” Kate said. “It is only one pill, and each bottle has 60 servings for only $34.99. The bottle is small enough that it could fit in a purse or backpack.”

Best Probiotic With Prebiotics: Luma Nutrition

Our Thoughts on Luma Nutrition

We chose Luma Nutrition as our top choice of probiotics with prebiotics because it packs a powerful dose of the two into a synbiotic formula for ultimate gut health. 

Prebiotics are a type of indigestible fiber that helps lay the groundwork for healthy gut flora to thrive. Probiotics are live organisms, like yeast and bacteria, that then feed on the prebiotics and produce more healthy microbes. In every two-capsule dose of Luma, the two work together to create and maintain a healthy digestive system. The brand also makes a version with a slightly tweaked formula for women who are looking to optimize vaginal flora, as well. 

Our tester Pete tried the standard version of this probiotic and found the container to be convenient and portable. He found them equally easy to consume, and gave Luma a 5 in both categories. “The capsules are slightly smaller than average, a little less than an inch in length and about 1/2 cm in diameter,” he said. He gave them just a 3 for flavor, which isn’t uncommon for probiotics. “The capsules have a slight earthy taste to them,” he said. “That said, they are small in size and you can swallow them quickly.”

Pete didn’t experience any negative side effects or digestive reactions to the capsules and ultimately came away with a positive view of the formula. “At 60 billion CFUs, this would be considered a strong probiotic supplement,” he said. “It contains four well-studied strains of probiotic bacteria, which have been shown to support digestive health. It’s also manufactured in a GMP-certified facility and independently third party tested.”

Best Probiotic for Bloating: AG1 Next Gen

Our Thoughts on AG1 Next Gen

AG1’s new Next Gen formula takes the brand’s original recipe of 75 vitamins, minerals, and more, and adds five researched-backed probiotics to the mix, including forms of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Together these nutrients have been “shown to enrich key probiotic species in the gut” and increase healthy bacteria by over 10 times, according to three randomized trials touted by the brand. Thanks to the added enzymes in AG1, we also didn’t notice any bloating with these digestive benefits. 

Our tester Kayla had a great first impression of the product and liked the transparent labeling on the packaging. “The ingredient profile is impressive with a focus on covering a broad range of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens in one formula,” she said. Once she mixed a scoop into a glass of water, Kayla had similar positive feedback on the taste and mixability and gave both a 5 out of 5. 

“The taste of AG1 is mild and earthy, with subtle hints of sweetness of vanilla that help soften the greens flavor,” she said. “It’s not overly sweet and I can taste the stevia slightly but it’s not overwhelming. I honestly love the taste of the new formula and think it has improved overall. There’s no strong bitterness and the drink feels really well balanced. The mouthfeel is smooth and light, with a thin frothy layer on top from shaking. It’s not gritty or chalky. The texture is closer to a light juice than a thick smoothie, making it easy to drink quickly.”

Kayla encountered zero side effects after consuming the drink, though she noted that someone sensitive to stevia might have a different experience. “Overall I felt pretty light overall, my stomach didn’t feel full or bloated,” she said. In that regard she felt that the Next Gen version was an improvement over the regular AG1. “The new formula keeps the great taste and convenience I love, but now packs in clinically studied probiotics, more bioavailable vitamins, and extra minerals to close nutrient gaps,” she said.

Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic

Our Thoughts on O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic

O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic is our top pick for vaginal health due to the four strains of probiotics it includes: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and  Lactobacillus fermentum. These strains, taken alone or combined, may help restore healthy vaginal flora, maintain ideal vaginal pH, and combat odor-causing bacteria. 

Kayla tested O-Positiv’s Vaginal Probiotic, rating it a 5 out of 5 for first impression. “The packaging is a very cute aesthetic with pink branding and trendy fonts,” she says. The container itself is plastic, has a matte finish, and isn’t very large. Kayla thinks it’s good for travel, saying, “It would be easy to throw in your bag.” She notes that the product name is a little misleading, because it could sound like a suppository rather than a pill you take orally. 

Our tester rated this probiotic as a 3 for being easy to swallow, saying, “The pills seem to be standard sized, and even with two pills as the serving size, it’s very manageable.” Kayla noted that the pill is a capsule, and the powder inside is pink in color. “Even the pills themselves seem to go with the girly pink aesthetic,” she says. “I could take the serving size without water if I needed to.” These are a great option for folks who may have difficulty swallowing pills.

Kayla rated the side effects of O-Positiv’s Vaginal Probiotic as a 5, as she experienced no side effects from taking these capsules. Overall, Kayla likes that this product has a 60-day money back guarantee and finds the price point to be solid. 

Another tester on our team, Gwen, has taken O-Positiv for nearly a year. She loves that Amazon allows you to subscribe to monthly deliveries, so it arrives on her doorstep as soon as she finishes a container.

“I have been taking this probiotic consistently for about a year and I definitely think it’s worthwhile,” Gwen writes. “I’m an athlete who spends long periods of time in sweaty gym clothes. You can probably deduce that I experience some personal discomfort, but I have noticed this decrease after consistently taking O-Positiv. As with other probiotics, you probably won’t notice any immediate improvements but over time, I think this can be beneficial. I’m not a doctor, though, so it’s always best to chat with your gynecologist or OB-GYN in advance, especially if you have any reproductive health conditions.”

What Is a Probiotic?

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and yeasts that, when eaten in the right amounts, help keep your gut healthy. They’re found naturally in certain fermented foods—like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut—or can be taken as supplements.

These beneficial microbes help restore balance in your digestive system, crowding out harmful bacteria, while helping support normal body functions. By keeping your gut in check, probiotics may ease digestive discomfort, help your immune system, and support your overall well-being, especially when things like stress, poor diet, or antibiotics disrupt your gut’s natural balance.

Probiotics vs. Prebiotics

How We Tested and Selected the Best Probiotics

We tested and evaluated greens powders and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as first impressions, swallowability, formula, third-party testing, and price per serving. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Formula

We work with a registered dietitian (RD) during testing to find the most effective and safely formulated probiotic supplements. We look for probiotics that clearly list the specific strain of bacteria on their labeling, since different strains provide different benefits. We also check that the probiotics have at 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving. This is the dosage needed for effectiveness but we still recommend working with your doctor or a registered dietitian to find the best formula for your body.

Swallowability

When testing and selecting probiotics, we also check the ease of swallowing the supplements. Many adults have difficulty swallowing pills, which may lead to skipping doses or quitting your daily supplement routine. A probiotic that’s easier to swallow can mean better consistency, ensuring that you get the full gut-health benefits from the product.

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing. Third-party testing also checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety. 

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate supplements, so it’s vital to have independent testing done to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality.

Value

When considering value, we place a premium on brands that source their ingredients in America and have certifications, such as Informed Choice.

• Best Probiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic+
• Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Transparent Labs Gut Health
• Best Probiotic for Women: Perelel Daily Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Men: Biotics8
• Best Budget Probiotic: Nutricost Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Bioma
• Best Value Probiotic: Swolverine Probiotix
• Best Probiotic with Prebiotics: Luma Nutrition Probiotic
• Best Probiotic for Bloating: AG1 Next Gen
• Best Probiotic for Vaginal Health: O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic

How to Find the Best Probiotics for You

Everyone has different reasons for taking a probiotic, depending on your goals, dietary needs, allergies, and any health conditions you manage.  

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best probiotic supplement for you.

Your Body’s Needs

Not all probiotics work the same way; their effects are strain-specific. Your body type, immune system, digestive environment, genetics, and sex can all help determine your response to a particular probiotic strain. To optimize your benefits, choose a probiotic based on the health condition you are managing, along with any dietary needs or goals.

That said, if you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your day-to-day tasks, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements.

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and bloating: Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, Bacillus coagulans LBSC
• Diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 
• Constipation: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum

Formula

We recommend talking with your doctor about the best probiotic for your body. Since probiotics can vary by strains included, your doctor or gastroenterologist can help with suggestions on the best kind for your dietary needs, health goals, and conditions you are managing.

Cost

Supplements can be expensive, so it’s important to think about your budget when considering adding a new supplement to your daily routine. Some probiotics require you to take multiple capsules per day, which means you may need to buy the probiotics more frequently than once every few months. 

Third-Party Testing

Third-party testing independently verifies the safety, purity, and label accuracy of probiotics since the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements. This process helps protect you from mislabeling, contamination, and banned substances, building trust and ensuring you can use products with confidence. Independent testing is essential for confirming product quality and safeguarding your health.

Benefits of Probiotics

Taking probiotics can help keep your digestive system balanced, boost immunity, and may even have effects that reach beyond your gut. Here are some of the benefits:

• Improved gut health: Probiotics can help balance your gut microbiome, supporting regular digestion and easing issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Lower risk of GI diseases: Regular use of probiotics may lower the risk or severity of gastrointestinal problems, such as IBS
• Immune support: Some probiotic strains can help strengthen the immune system by supporting a healthy gut barrier
• Cardiovascular and metabolic health: Some probiotics have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and better regulation of blood sugar, though they don’t create a direct cause and effect 

When to Take Probiotics

There’s no best time of day to take probiotics—what matters most is taking them regularly at a time you’ll remember. With probiotics, consistency is key, as it can take several weeks or months before beneficial effects set in.

We suggest checking the label of the supplement you choose to see if there are directions for when the probiotic is best taken. If not, we recommend taking your probiotic along with your breakfast each day.

What to Avoid

When selecting a probiotic, there are some aspects to avoid:

• Artificial sweeteners, fillers, or other additives, as these can cause stomach upset or possible allergies
• Products that don’t clearly list the specific strains or count
• Products that don’t include directions on storage—refrigeration is often needed
• Products that don’t guarantee live bacteria by the expiration date

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective probiotic on the market?

Our team selected Ritual’s Synbiotic+ as our pick for the best overall probiotic because of its inclusion of two of the most clinically validated strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, as well as its pre- and post-biotic support. It’s a great 3-in-1 supplement with a hint of mint, making it pleasant to ingest.

What are signs you need a probiotic?

Signs that you might benefit from using a probiotic include:

• Frequent digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation
• If you’ve recently taken antibiotics or are experiencing diarrhea because of taking antibiotics 
• If you’ve had repeated infections or feel your immunity could be stronger

If you’re experiencing these symptoms or thinking about starting a probiotic regimen, we recommend speaking with your doctor.

Is there a downside to taking probiotics?

While most people tolerate probiotics well, some potential downsides may include bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort within the first few weeks of starting a probiotic.

Is it better to take probiotics in the morning or night?

There isn’t a best time to take probiotics, necessarily. Experts have said that it’s best to take probiotics consistently, every day, rather than at a certain time.