7 Essential Tips When Buying Probiotics

With so many probiotics on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Not all probiotics are created equal—and the differences in quality, strains, and packaging can matter.

Here are 7 key things to look for when selecting a probiotic for you or your child.

1. Look for Quality Manufacturing Standards

Where and how a probiotic is manufactured can impact its quality.

Products made in facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are subject to regulatory oversight—such as those in the U.S.—are generally held to strict safety and quality standards.

That said, high-quality probiotics can be produced globally, so it’s best to look for:

• Third-party testing

• Clear labeling

• Reputable brands

2. Packaging Matters for Potency

Probiotics are living organisms and can be sensitive to heat, moisture, and oxygen.

Different packaging methods can help protect them:

• Individual packets or sachets can help maintain freshness and stability

• Bottled probiotics may include desiccants (moisture absorbers) to extend shelf life

• Advanced bottle designs (such as desiccant-lined bottles) can further protect potency

Both formats can be effective when designed properly—what matters most is how well the product protects the live cultures until consumption.

The potency of bottled probiotics can be improved by adding an “oxygen & moisture remover” also called a desiccant. They are the small packets you sometimes find in vitamin and prescription drug bottles which can significantly extend shelf life. They are made of natural minerals which can be completely degraded and are safe for food contact. New bottle technology such as desiccant lined bottles also helps preserve the potency of probiotics by also absorbing moisture and oxygen. The inside of the bottle is lined with natural desiccant polymers.

All FloraTummys bottled capsules and chewables incorporates both of these technologies to help maintain potency and freshness.

3. Choose the Right Strains

Not all probiotic strains work the same way. Many products include well-studied groups such as:

• Bifidobacterium (common in infants and children)

• Lactobacillus (widely used for digestive support)

Some research suggests that multi-strain probiotics may offer broader support for gut health, though the effectiveness can depend on the specific strains used.¹

4. Look for Prebiotics

Prebiotics are fibers that help feed beneficial bacteria.

Common prebiotics include:

• FOS (fructooligosaccharides) 

• Inulin 

They are often derived from plant sources like chicory root and may help support digestive balance. Some probiotic formulas include prebiotics to help support the survival and activity of beneficial bacteria.

5. CFUs: More Isn’t Always Better

Probiotics are measured in CFUs (colony-forming units), which indicate the number of live bacteria.

Typical ranges:

• Children: oin the billions (e.g., 1–5 billion CFUs) 

• Adults: often higher but not necessary

There is no universal standard for the “perfect” dose. The effectiveness of a probiotic depends more on:

• The specific strains

• Product quality

• Individual needs

6. Check for Allergen-Friendly and Clean Ingredients

If you or your child has sensitivities, look for probiotics that are:

• Non-dairy

• Gluten-free

• Free from common allergens

• Non-GMO

Also, consider products with a clean label—meaning:

• Minimal ingredients

• No artificial flavors or preservatives

7. Refrigerated vs. Shelf-Stable Probiotics

Refrigerated probiotics claim better potency, but I personally think this is a marketing gimmick. Room temperature stable probiotics can also be refrigerated. Just be sure not to leave them out too long once you start refrigerating them. Moving probiotics in and out of the refrigerator can expose them to temperature change and as I mentioned earlier, probiotics are sensitive to extreme temperature changes.

Room temperature stable probiotics like FloraTummys are freeze dried and will maintain their potency as long as you store them in a room temperature stable environment of (25°C or 77°F). This also makes it convenient when you travel especially if you or your children get diarrhea when traveling overseas.

FloraTummys Probiotic for Kids are made in the USA, contains only 5 ingredients: 2 friendly bacterial strains, prebiotic (FOS), silica (natural mineral absorbs toxins in GI tract), and maltodextrin (powder). That’s it! You will not find many probiotics with only 5 ingredients.

Reference

1. National Institutes of Health, “Probiotics: What You Need to Know,” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, updated 2023.