Innovative Dairy-Free Probiotic Foods That Aren’t Yogurt

In decades past, the only easy way to get probiotics from food was cultured dairy yogurt. That is unless you immersed yourself in Asian cuisine, and discovered the wonders of kimchi, miso, and natto. But today there are literally dozens of dairy-free yogurts, and new dairy-free probiotic foods seem to be hitting the market every year.

All of the dairy-free probiotic foods in this post are sold in the United States, and most are also available in Canada. Some of them can be purchased in the U.K. and Australia, but comment below if we missed one of your local favorites!

Probiotics in Packaged Snacks – How is This Possible?

A proprietary probiotic called GanedenBC³⁰ (also known as Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is the magic ingredient in many of the dairy-free probiotic foods that follow. Unlike most probiotics, it’s highly stable through processing, shelf life, heat (including baking), and stomach acids. This specific strain of Bacillus coagulans has proven effective for digestive health, immune support, muscle recovery, and reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

But it isn’t the only game in town. As you will see in the dairy-free probiotic foods below, there are other shelf-stable strains that can hold their own.

The Best Dairy-Free Probiotic Foods Money Can Buy (that aren’t yogurt!)

Based on our taste tests, we’ve listed these dairy-free probiotic foods in order of deliciousness (our favorites listed last!). We also took ingredients and overall goodness into account.

Yofiit Bars

You might recall the release of Yofiit Chickpea Milk by this Canadian company. Well their chickpea milk has a new image, and they now make these probiotic-packed bars. The flavors have functional properties – one is higher in fiber, another in protein, and the other one boasts energizing ingredients.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Lemon Coconut, Apple Cinnamon, Goji Choco
• Other Pros: Each bar contains quite a bit of protein, fiber, and Omega 3, plus 1 billion probiotics. They’re also pretty low in sugars and are made without gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy.

Brad’s Crunchy Kale with Probiotics

Kale chip fans will love this product. Brad has several crunchy veggie products, but a couple are infused with prebiotics and probiotics. This is a “green” snack indeed, but they have a loyal following.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Original, Radical Ranch
• Other Pros: Each crispy bite is made with real kale, nuts, and natural seasonings that you could find in your own pantry. They’re also air-dried to avoid depleting nutrients and certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free.

Welo Probiotic Bars

These come in “grown up” and Kids varieties. And unlike many tot bars, the flavors aren’t just smaller versions of the original bars. They’re flavor formulations specifically for kids! Welo is a Canadian company, but they sell throughout North America.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Matcha Almond, Coconut Cashew, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Kids Chocolate Chip, Kids Cocoa Banana, Kids Apple Cinnamon
• Other Pros: These are low sugar and snack sized with a nice little balance of fiber, protein, and fats. And the Kids versions appear to be made in a facility that does NOT process milk.

Sunbiotics Organic Probiotic Chocolate Bars

This is raw, super-good-for-you chocolate. So if you’re used to sugary “milk” or semi-sweet chocolate, this might be a little intense for you. But if you are a hardcore dark fan who likes the deeper, rustic taste of coconut sugar, then I recommend giving these bars a try.

• Bacteria Strains: L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, B. lactis, B. longum
• Varieties: Original, Ginger Spice, Pure Peppermint
• Other Pros: It contains 10 billion active probiotics per bar, includes prebiotic yacon root, and is sweetened with low-glycemic coconut sugar. It’s also vegan and made without top allergens (yes, no soy lecithin!).
• Availability: This brand is mostly sold in the U.S., but they will ship worldwide.

Yumbutter Plant Protein + Probiotic Almond Butter

Yumbutter makes nutritious nut and seed butters and packages them in unique squeeze pouches. Most of their products have some nutritious goodness added, and this specialty almond butter is no exception. We love this product for its functionality, but would love just a pinch of salt added.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Original
• Other Pros: They don’t tell us how many probiotics per serving, but they do state that this good bacteria is “allergen-free.” And this organic, vegan, gluten-free nut butter contains 10 grams of protein per serving from almonds, sunflower seeds, and sprouted brown rice protein. It also contains some prebiotic inulin.

Sunbiotics Organic Probiotic Almonds

I usually lean toward sweets, but these almonds are delicious. The one caveat is that the powder – which I’m assuming holds much of the probiotics – tends to settle in the package. I recommend sprinkling that leftover powder on rice, pasta, popcorn, whatever, so that you don’t waste a speck of that flavorful nutrition.

• Bacteria Strains: L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, B. lactis, B. longum
• Varieties: Original, Chocolate, Cheesy, Truffle
• Other Pros: Each package contains 1 1/2 servings of perfectly crisp sprouted almonds and 8 billion active probiotics. The almonds are also also vegan and free of wheat, soy, and corn. If you can’t do nuts, try their pumpkin seed line!

Vegan Rob’s Probiotic Puffs

These crunchy whole grain sorghum puffs come in several dairy-free flavors, but two varieties are also infused with probiotics. We taste-tested them at a tradeshow, where crowds were gathered around. And the consensus was “pretty darn good.” We only wish they were more specific about the amount of probiotics in a serving. The packaging simply states that they are “loaded with probiotics.”

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Cauliflower, Dragon
• Other Pros: This snack is certified kosher pareve, certified gluten-free, and certified vegan.

Linwoods Milled Flaxseed with BioCultures & Vitamin D

Flax sprinklers, this one is for you. This ground flaxseed blend contains dairy-free probiotics and vitamin D and is perfect atop your morning oatmeal. And since the Omega 3s in ground flaxseed and the probiotics used in this product are heat stable, you can use it for baking too!

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Original
• Other Pros: It is labeled as suitable for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, and each serving contains a whopping 9 grams of fiber.

Purely Elizabeth Probiotic Granola

Purely Elizabeth has made a popular gluten-free granola line for years. But did you know they now have some probiotic-infused varieties? They’re crunchy and a little indulgent with a delicious balance of flavors.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Honey Almond, Chocolate Sea Salt
• Other Pros: Everything this company makes is certified gluten-free and these granolas are also certified vegan. The granola is sweetened with coconut sugar, and baked with coconut oil for a wholesome, dairy-free touch. It also contains a little prebiotic inulin to help those probiotics get busy. 

Melt Organic Vegan Probiotic Buttery Spread

I’ve always been a fan of buttery spreads, yes even back in the day of “bad for you” margarine (we all have our guilty pleasures!). So this is my top pick. It’s also one of the most versatile options in this dairy-free probiotic foods list since you can spread it on, cook with it, or bake with it.

• Bacteria Strains: Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086
• Varieties: Original
• Other Pros: Two tablespoons of this buttery spread delivers 1 billion active cultures, and as mentioned above, you can heat it without sacrificing the probiotic goodness. It also contains prebiotics (organic inulin), is vegan, and is made without top allergens.

Which One Do You Want to Try First? What Are Your Favorite Dairy-Free Probiotic Foods?

Know Your Needs! By ingredients, all of the products listed above were dairy-free at the time of our review. Nonetheless, check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. All products are at some degree of risk for cross-contamination with allergens, but you must determine if the protocols are safe for your needs. Also processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.

If You Like What You Read, Then Check Out My Newly Revised Best-Seller for More Dairy-Free Living Goodness!