The Birth Of Our Favourite Bifidus | Activia (UK)

The birth of our favorite Bifidus

How babies inspired the discovery of our exclusive live cultures

1980s

Scientists discover bifidobacteria in the bellies of newborn babies
Promising data in the scientific literature linked the presence of a specific species of bacteria – Bifidobacteria, in the intestinal flora of babies with the reduction of their digestive disorders.
A breakthrough idea is conceived: to create the world’s first Danone functional yogurt 
Inspired by bifidobacteria, our scientists decide to combine them to others strains creating an exclusive mix of live yogurt cultures.
We research and test for the most appropriate bifidobacteria strain
From in vitro screenings to depth studies, 100s of strains go under the microscope to see which ones can survive and grow in milk.

1985

Eureka! Introducing the ultimate combination of strains
We cultivate a milk-loving mix of strains. Bifidus can make it alive all the way through the digestive tract. 
Oops…our Bifidus can’t take the heat of standard yogurt making process
Traditional yogurt fermentation temperatures of 43° were just too high and conditions were too acidic for our Bifidus to survive.
Necessity proves the mother of invention for a fresh new take on fermentation 
To create the perfect conditions for our Bifidus to thrive, we crafted a special blend of live yogurt ferments that like to work at lower temperatures. 

1987

Activia is born
Thanks to a fermentation of our Bifidus & other strains at approximation 37°C, we create a uniquely mild and creamy yogurt packed with billions of live cultures.

2000

Activia enters the bacteria hall of fame
Our Bifidus gets registered in the world-famous Pasteur institute strains bank.

2019

We are now the first yogurt brand worldwide
At Activia we’ve always been passionate about gut health*. We now have over 1,000 different products sold in over 70 countries across 5 continents, spreading the love of gut health* wordwide.