The probiotic aisle is a wall of big numbers competing for your attention: 10 billion, 50 billion, more. Here's the thing most of those labels won't tell you: the number on the front matters far less than whether the bacteria survive to reach your gut. Here's how to choose a probiotic that does its job.
It's the strain, not the size of the number
CFU (colony-forming units) is the count of live bacteria per serve. It's the figure brands compete on, but bigger isn't automatically better. A huge CFU count is no use if most of those bacteria never survive the trip to your gut. What matters more is the strain, and how well it holds up along the way.
Survivability is the real test
Your stomach is a harsh, acidic place, and many of the popular probiotic strains, the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium you'll see everywhere, are fragile. A lot of them are destroyed by stomach acid before they reach your intestines, which is where you want them.
Spore-forming strains are the exception. Bacillus coagulans, for example, travels wrapped in a tough protective shell that lets it survive stomach acid, then wakes up once it reaches the gentler environment of your gut. Those same spores also make it shelf-stable, so it doesn't need refrigeration. That resilience is exactly what you want in a probiotic.
What to look for
- A hardy, well-studied strain like Bacillus coagulans, over the biggest CFU headline.
- Shelf-stability. If it doesn't need refrigerating, that's usually a sign of a robust, spore-forming strain.
- A CFU that suits you. More isn't automatically better, but some people simply prefer a higher daily count, and that's fine.
- A form you'll take daily. Consistency matters more than format, so pick the one you'll keep up.
- Where it's made. Look for products made in Australia to a recognised standard. Ours are made here, in a TGA-licensed facility.
Does a higher CFU mean a better probiotic?
Not on its own. Once the bacteria reach your gut alive, the strain and your consistency do more than the raw number. A massive CFU count of a fragile strain that doesn't survive your stomach is worth less than a smaller count of a hardy one that does.
Our probiotic gummies
Both use the same spore-forming Bacillus coagulans, on a pectin base, with no added sugar, both vegan-friendly, and both made in Australia in our TGA-licensed facility:
- Probiotic Gummies provide 500 million CFU per serve (two gummies) in a pineapple flavour. An easy everyday option.
- Triple Strength Probiotic Gummies provide 3 billion CFU per serve in a blueberry and grape flavour. For when you want a higher daily count of the same hardy strain.
How to take them
Take them daily, since probiotics are passing visitors rather than permanent residents and need topping up. Feed your gut alongside them with plenty of fibre and prebiotic foods, and give it time, gut health is a slow-and-steady habit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a probiotic? Look at the strain and its survivability before the CFU number. A hardy, spore-forming strain like Bacillus coagulans that reaches your gut alive matters more than a big headline figure.
Does a higher CFU mean a better probiotic? No. Once the bacteria arrive alive, the strain and taking it consistently matter more than the raw count.
Do probiotics need to be refrigerated? Many fragile strains degrade at room temperature, but spore-forming Bacillus coagulans is shelf-stable and doesn't need refrigeration.
Standard or Triple Strength? Both use the same strain. The standard provides 500 million CFU per serve, the Triple Strength 3 billion, so it comes down to the daily count you prefer.
How long do probiotics take to work? Gut health is gradual, so take them consistently and give it time rather than judging after a day or two.
Learn more
Written by the Haircarebear team. Reviewed by Katie van der Mye, Innovations Manager (BA, MPRA, MM).
This article is general information only and isn't medical advice. Please speak with your health professional about your individual needs.
Sources: research on Bacillus coagulans as a spore-forming, acid- and heat-resistant probiotic; reviews on probiotic strain survivability and gut health.