According to Manaker, there are four main types of probiotic drinks: kefir, kombucha, probiotic shots, and certain sodas. That said, one in particular is a standout favorite for the registered dietitian when it comes to maximum microbiome-boosting benefits.
“When I think of a drink that is a powerhouse source of probiotics, the first one that comes to mind is kefir, which is a fermented dairy beverage,” Manaker says. “There is data suggesting that consuming kefir regularly may. Plus, opting for a choice, like kefir, that generally contains no added sugar is going to be your best bet,” she says. Of course, if you're dairy-free or simply don't enjoy the taste of kefir, you can certain reach for one of the other three drinks.
When you do go for the probiotic drink route, Manaker says you'll reap the most gut health perks with these guidelines in mind: “Some options can contain large quantities of added sugar, which, in large quantities, can be linked to negative health outcomes,” she says. Indeed, scientific studies have shown that added sugar can lead to chronic inflammation that can affect heart, brain, and gut health. “When it comes to added sugar and gut health, there's still a lot we don't know.