Love Your Guts! 10 Great Probiotic Foods For A Better Body

Love Your Guts With These Probiotic Powerhouses

Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the most common, convenient sources of probiotics. Make sure the container says "live and active cultures." Scoop some onto your breakfast granola, stir some fruit into it for a snack, use it to replace sour cream at dinner time, or eat it straight from the container.

Sauerkraut

Fermented vegetables – like sauerkraut and kimchi – can be even higher in probiotic bacteria than yogurt. Put it on your sandwiches, toss it with some noodles, or add it to a salad for a tart and tasty meal.

Miso

Miso, a fermented food popular in Japan, is becoming more and more popular in the US. While most of us might know it from miso soup, it can also be used to make delicious dressings, added to burger meat, or stirred into your favorite sauces.

Kombucha

This fermented drink brewed from tea may be "the next big thing" in probiotics. Drink it straight or add it to dressings, sauces, or marinades.

Kefir, like yogurt, is a cultured dairy product chock-full of probiotics. Drink it, put it in smoothies, soups, or dressings. Or use it as a substitute for buttermilk or yogurt in baked goods. You can even make kefir ice cream if you're feeling particularly adventurous!

Pickles

Naturally fermented pickles (either cucumbers or other veggies) are a simple way to add probiotics. Eat them straight from the jar or alongside salads, soups, or sandwiches. Just be sure you're getting naturally fermented pickles!

Tempeh

This fermented soy product binds soy into a patty. Use it as a meat substitute in burgers or sandwiches, crumble it into soups and stews, or marinate it and toss it on the grill.

Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses, like brie and gouda, can also be great sources of probiotics. Spread it on crackers or add it to savory tarts and pies.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is made from fermented dough – where good bacteria can live and thrive. Use bread to make sandwiches (spread with probiotic cheese!) or whip up sourdough pancakes for breakfast with your own fermented dough.

Dark Chocolate

While probiotics may not naturally occur in dark chocolate, researchers have been hard at work combining the two and testing whether or not dark chocolate enhanced with probiotics can effectively increase the good bacteria in your gut. The results have been successful!