Probiotics are everywhere now — especially in drink form — but two brands still dominate the UK market: Actimel and Yakult.. But how do they actually compare? And is one better than the other?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Probiotic Drinks?
Probiotic drinks are dairy-based beverages that contain live, beneficial bacteria (probiotics). These bacteria help balance your gut microbiome — the trillions of microbes in your digestive system that influence everything from digestion to immunity and mood.
The idea is simple: drink a daily shot, and you give your gut a regular boost of “good” bacteria.
Actimel: What’s Inside?
Actimel is made by Danone and contains a mix of:
- Lactobacillus casei Danone (L. casei DN-114 001)
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Streptococcus thermophilus
Each bottle also contains:
- ~10 billion live cultures
- Vitamins D and B6 (for immune support)
- Added sugar (around 10g per 100g bottle)
Flavours range from plain to fruity, and it’s sold as both dairy and dairy-free versions.
Yakult: What’s Inside?
Yakult, developed in Japan, is based around one strain:
- Lactobacillus casei Shirota — one of the most researched probiotics in the world
Each small bottle contains:
- 6.5 billion live L. casei Shirota
- No added vitamins
- Also ~10g of sugar per bottle (more than 12g per 100ml)
Yakult has a distinctive taste, and some people prefer it for its simplicity and research pedigree.
How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Actimel | Yakult |
|---|---|---|
| Probiotic Strains | 3 strains, including L. casei | 1 strain (L. casei Shirota) |
| CFUs (bacteria count) | ~10 billion per bottle | 6.5 billion per bottle |
| Added vitamins | Yes (D & B6) | No |
| Sugar | ~10g per 100g | ~12g per 100ml |
| Dairy-free option | Yes (Coconut-based version) | No |
| Research backing | Good (especially for L. casei strain) | Very strong (L. casei Shirota is well studied) |
Which One Is Best?
It depends on what you’re looking for:
✅ Choose Actimel if:
- You want added vitamins (D and B6)
- You prefer more strains
- You want a dairy-free option
✅ Choose Yakult if:
- You want a proven single strain with decades of research
- You prefer a smaller serving size
- You like a more traditional probiotic drink
Both are good choices — but Actimel edges ahead for overall value if you want extra nutrients with your probiotics.
Do You Actually Need Probiotic Drinks?
Not everyone needs a daily probiotic drink — but many people can benefit from them, especially if your gut health isn’t in top shape. If you’re experiencing bloating, irregular digestion, frequent antibiotics, or low energy, these could be signs that your gut microbiome is out of balance. Your gut houses trillions of bacteria that help regulate everything from your immune system to your mental clarity, and when that balance is disrupted, your whole system can feel off.
People with conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), food intolerances, or recurring digestive discomfort may benefit most from probiotic support. Additionally, if you’ve recently taken a course of antibiotics, introducing beneficial bacteria through diet or supplements can help restore balance faster.
Probiotic drinks like Actimel and Yakult offer a convenient, tasty way to get those helpful microbes back into your system. However, not everyone needs them daily. If you’re eating a well-balanced diet rich in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or miso, you may already be giving your gut plenty of support.
If you’re unsure whether probiotics are right for you, it’s always worth speaking with a GP, nutritionist, or dietitian — especially if you’re managing a health condition or taking medication. Ultimately, the decision to take probiotic drinks regularly comes down to your body’s needs, how you feel, and what fits best into your lifestyle.
Are There Better Options?
Yes — especially if you’re trying to cut sugar. Look for unsweetened probiotic capsules or powders that offer more strains and higher CFUs without the added sugar or dairy.
But if convenience is key, a daily bottle of Actimel or Yakult is still a solid place to start.
✅ Want to compare probiotic drinks to capsules? Check out our full Probiotics & Prebiotics Guide for the best science-backed options available in the UK.
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