Key differences: Probiotic supplements and fermented foods

Both fermented foods and probiotic supplements offer unique benefits for gut health and overall well-being. Although there are big differences between the two, both are a fantastic choice to add to your daily routine. 

Probiotic or fermented foods contain a variety of microorganisms. Some common examples of fermented foods include: 

• Natural Yogurt
• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Kimchi

The specific live cultures in these foods can vary significantly from batch to batch due to differences in growing and fermentation conditions. 

This variability makes the microbial content of fermented foods less predictable compared to probiotic supplements, which are manufactured to contain specific strains and quantities of bacteria as stated on the packaging. 

Probiotic supplements have been formulated to provide precise strains and amounts of beneficial bacteria, with some products supported by clinical trials demonstrating specific health benefits. 

In contrast, the microorganism content in commercially available fermented foods is often not quantified and can be lower than that found in probiotic supplements; it’s often of unknown composition as well. Consequently, to achieve similar doses of beneficial bacteria as those found in high-quality probiotic supplements, large quantities of fermented foods would need to be consumed. 

Both probiotic and fermented foods are excellent additions to a healthy diet. Here's a closer look at what sets them apart and how they can complement each other. 

There’s no need to choose; enjoy both!

While fermented foods offer a delicious way to introduce gut-friendly sources into our diet, probiotic supplements provide targeted strains with consistent dosages.