You’ve probably seen them by now.
Probiotic drinks, in shiny cans or tiny bottles, promising better digestion, less bloating, and all-round gut goodness. Kombucha, kefir, live sodas... they’ve gone from niche to normal.
But are they actually doing anything for your gut? Or is it just fizzy health-flavoured PR?
Let’s break it down.
First Things First, What Is a Probiotic Drink?
Probiotics = live microorganisms that support the balance of bacteria in your gut.
You’ve got trillions of bacteria living inside you, and when that mix gets thrown off — from stress, antibiotics, lack of fibre — you can end up with:
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Bloating
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Irregular poos
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Low energy
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Skin flare-ups
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Even mood swings
Probiotic drinks aim to top up your supply of good bacteria. But spoiler alert, not all drinks actually deliver.
What’s The Difference Between Fizzy and Yoghurt-Based?
You’ve got two main types on shelves:
🥛 Yoghurt-style probiotic drinks
Think Actimel or Yakult. Dairy-based. Slightly sweet. Often tiny.
🥤 Fizzy probiotic drinks
Kombucha, kefir soda, or "living sodas", more refreshing, less milky, and becoming the go-to for people wanting a soft drink swap with benefits.
This post is all about the fizzy ones.
What Strains Should You Actually Look For?
If you want a probiotic drink that’s more than just good branding, keep an eye out for proven strains like:
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Lactobacillus plantarum — can help reduce bloating and gas
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus — studied for immune and gut health
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Bifidobacterium lactis — supports digestion and regularity
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Bacillus coagulans — a tough little strain that survives stomach acid
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Saccharomyces boulardii — a probiotic yeast, great for gut recovery
Tip: if the label just says “live cultures” without naming the strain or dosage (measured in CFUs), it's usually not a great sign.
Best UK-Sold Fizzy Probiotic Drinks That Are Actually Doing Something
Here’s your go-to list of brands that are sold in the UK, have actual live cultures, and don’t just taste like fancy squash.
1. Remedy Kombucha
🛒 Available in: Sainsbury’s, Holland & Barrett, Amazon
🔬 Contains: Live cultures (strain can vary)
💬 What we like:
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Zero sugar (thanks to full fermentation)
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Flavours that slap (Raspberry Lemonade, Mango Passion…)
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Proper fizz that feels like a treat
Not the most strain-specific, but a decent daily drink for the gut-curious.
2. Trip Gut Health
🛒 Available in: Boots, Holland & Barrett, Ocado
🔬 Contains: Bacillus coagulans (1 billion CFU)
💬 What we like:
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Clearly states strain & dosage
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Added prebiotics and botanicals (think chicory root, apple cider vinegar)
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Lemon Basil or Raspberry Wild Mint? Chef’s kiss
More functional than your average can. Tastes good and tells you what’s inside.
3. Fix8 Kombucha
🛒 Available in: Planet Organic, Ocado, Amazon
🔬 Contains: Live kombucha cultures incl. Lactobacillus strains
💬 What we like:
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Small-batch brewed in the UK
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Flavours like Strawberry Basil or Ginger Tumeric
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Slightly tart, low sugar, and packed with fizz
It’s got edge for when you want something that feels healthy.
4. Equinox Organic Kombucha
🛒 Available in: Waitrose, Ocado, Holland & Barrett
🔬 Contains: Kombucha cultures (exact strains not listed)
💬 What we like:
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Made in Yorkshire
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Certified organic
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A great ‘starter’ kombucha if you’re new to it
More classic kombucha taste which means it's not too sweet, not too vinegary.
5. Lo Bros Living Soda
🛒 Available in: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Planet Organic
🔬 Contains: Live cultures (not always strain-named)
💬 What we like:
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Kombucha-based fizzy drink
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Lower sugar than traditional fizzy drinks
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Super accessible, soda-like flavours (Cola, Lemon, Ginger Beer)
A solid gut-friendly upgrade to a regular fizzy drink especially if you're not vibing with tangy kombucha.
So… Are Probiotic Drinks Worth the Hype?
Here’s our honest take on it:
✅ Yes — if it’s the right drink
✅ Yes — if it contains proper strains in proper doses
✅ Yes — if you’re consistent with it
❌ No — if it's just flavoured water with buzzwords
❌ No — if you think it’ll fix your gut overnight
If you’re replacing sugary fizzy drinks with a probiotic one? That’s a win. But if your gut needs a reset or ongoing support? A quality probiotic supplement with clinical doses might be the better route.
The Bottom Line
Probiotic drinks are a good support act — not the whole show.
Pair one with:
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Daily fibre (hello, plants)
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Less ultra-processed food
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Better sleep
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And maybe a top-up from a personalised supplement (👋 that’s where ALYVE comes in)
That’s when the real gut glow-up happens.
