If you’re a regular mindbodygreen reader, you’ve likely gleaned some answers to your questions around both of these popular topics. Still, there’s one important question that falls at the intersection of both these realms: Are probiotics vegan? As it turns out, the answer isn’t so cut-and-dried. To clear things up, we chatted with experts to get their take on what makes a probiotic vegan or not, where to get a trusted supplement that fits the bill, along with vegan foods that offer some probiotic benefits. Probiotics are live microorganisms (namely, healthy bacteria) that can benefit your digestive system.* So, are they vegan? “Probiotics consist of fermented vegan sources and fermented dairy-based sources (animal-based),” says Colorado-based dietitian Lauren Mitchell M.S., R.D.. They may or may not be animal-free depending on the probiotic source you choose, so it’s important to read the ingredients carefully and select accordingly. For example, if there is dairy in the mix or the pill’s capsule is made of gelatin (i.e., gelcap/softgel), the probiotic is not vegan. Certain vegan supplements will be certified vegan and labeled with a circular “certified vegan” logo and/or a green vegan certification. “Not only is mbg’s probiotic+ shelf-stable and includes four strains backed by clinical research, but we also made sure it was vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and free of all major food allergens,” says mbg’s vice president of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN. “Even the capsule that our premium probiotic strains are encased in is vegan.” probiotic+, mindbodygreen ($69) PureProbiotic, Pure Encapsulations ($21.20) Plant Probiotic Protein, The Nue Co. ($35) Glow Inner Beauty Essential, Beauty Chef ($69) Mitchell and Cohen both suggest reaching for fermented plant foods, which are fantastic sources of good bacteria. Mitchell also notes that it’s important to eat “prebiotic food sources, such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, beans, and whole-grain foods,” which help feed the probiotics in your gut. Here are seven of the best vegan foods with probiotics, according to the experts: Try this recipe for kimchi noodle soup. Try this recipe for simple tempeh breakfast quesadillas. Try this Mediterranean dish featuring olives. Try this healthy homemade yogurt and granola bowl. Try this hibiscus ginger fizz cocktail, featuring kombucha. Try this delicious miso soup recipe at home. Try this probiotic guacamole. Whether you are adding a probiotic powder to your daily smoothie or taking it as a daily supplement—there are options to suit just about anyone’s needs. She is passionately plant-based, an art lover, avid reader, and an Achilles International guide. She began running several years ago and is now hooked on the sport, having run the New York City, London, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Sacramento Marathons, and an ultra-marathon—completing a 50K in the North Face endurance series. Danielson currently resides in Aspen, CO, by way of New York City.
