What is Probiotic Yogurt?

Probiotic yogurt: what is it & what are the health benefits?  

Yogurt is by no means a new food and yogurt-making is an art that goes way back into the Neolithic age around 5000 - 10000 years ago. It has a long (and interesting!) history of existence – considered as food for the gods in ancient India and consumed as lavish Oxygala in ancient Greece and Rome. And then there’s a whole array of different milks for crafting yogurts - from ewe to goat to buffalo and cow.

With yogurts recently becoming synonymous with “probiotic”, it’s important that we ask, “What is probiotic yogurt?” Well, it is a yogurt that contains probiotics, which are live micro-organisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host (WHO/FAO). But beware, while all yogurts are made using live bacteria cultures, not all of them can be considered as ‘probiotics.’


Let’s talk about probiotics

What comes to mind when you think of bacteria? Probably nothing pleasant! So, you may find it surprising that many types of bacteria are actually good for you, and there’s about a trillion of them living in your gut right now!

Some of the bacteria that are good for you are known as probiotics, and these comprise different strains of bacteria that have proven health effects when consumed in adequate quantities. 

A yogurt with probiotic is simply one that contains an adequate quantity of certain living bacteria strains such as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These live cultures in yogurt or fermented milk improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose, helping us feel more comfortable on the inside. So “YAY!” to yogurt with probiotics becoming a part of your daily health support choices and balanced diets – let’s reap those benefits of yogurt with probiotics!

Are ALL yogurts probiotic?

All yogurt is made using friendly bacteria that help ferment the milk – Streptococcus
thermophilus
and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Fermentation of the milk into yogurt occurred naturally for centuries, with different sets of lactic acid bacteria present in each environment. Nowadays, the process is controlled, and exact quantities of ferments are inoculated into each production batch.

To classify a yogurt as yogurt with probiotics, the quantity of these two cultures is pivotal. Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus must reach a minimum quantity of 108 CFU/g to attain the probiotic status. Some products don’t meet these quantities and are therefore not classed as probiotic-containing products. But Activia is crammed with billions of live probiotics in every pot and is undoubtedly a yogurt with probiotics [1]


The easiest way to enjoy yogurt with probiotics

Activia is easily the tastiest way to enjoy a yogurt with probiotics. Activia is lusciously creamy, thanks to the slow fermentation at a gentle 37°C for hours on end and Danone’s expertise of more than three decades. You can enjoy it directly from the pot or add it to a wide variety of recipes, including delicious smoothies and granola bowls!

If you’re always on-the-go, you can still pump up the probiotics with Activia’s Breakfast Pots. These are convenient mixes of cereals and yogurt with probiotics. 


The bottom line
 

If you’re looking for a yogurt with probiotics, Activia ticks all the boxes, offering great taste and probiotics. Just remember, to reap those benefits of yogurt with probiotics, you have to make it a regular part of your diet: so, whether it’s a delicious way to start a day or a tasty dessert to sweeten your evening, our yogurts are a great option for flavour with billions of probiotics. Bon Appetit! 

*Yogurts that contain at least 108 CFU/g of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

[1] Activia contains live cultures in yogurt or fermented milk that improve lactose digestion of the product in individuals who have difficulty digesting lactose.

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2021 Danone Ltd. All Rights Reserved. *Activia contains calcium which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

†Contains naturally occurring sugars.

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