Top Probiotic Foods Ranked: How They Compare to Soil-Based Probiotics

 Discover the top probiotic foods—from yogurt to natto—and how they compare to soil-based probiotics like SCD Essential Probiotics®.

 Top Probiotic Foods Ranked: How They Compare to Soil-Based Probiotics

We’ve all heard the buzz around probiotic foods. From yogurt commercials to kombucha bottles lining grocery store shelves, probiotics are everywhere. But how do your favorite probiotic foods compare to more advanced supplements—like SCD Essential Probiotics, a powerful blend of soil-based microbes?

In this blog, we’ll explore top probiotic foods, what they bring to the table, and why some supplements may offer even more. 

What Are Probiotic Foods?

Probiotic foods are fermented foods that contain live beneficial bacteria. These microbes can help improve digestion, support your immune system, and keep your gut healthy. But not all probiotic foods are created equal. Let’s break them down: 

1. Yogurt
   • What it is: Fermented milk with live cultures, typically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
   • Pros: Tasty and accessible.
   • Cons: Often low in diversity and may contain added sugars.
2. Kefir
   • What it is: Fermented milk with live cultures, typically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
   • Pros: Tasty and accessible.
   • Cons: Often low in diversity and may contain added sugars.
3. Sauerkraut & Kimchi
   • What it is: Fermented cabbage packed with Lactobacillus plantarum and others.
   • Pros: High in fiber and flavor.
   • Cons: Store-bought versions may be pasteurized (and thus less potent).
4. Miso
   • What it is: A Japanese paste made from soybeans fermented with koji (Aspergillus oryzae).
   • Pros: Rich in umami and probiotics.
   • Cons: Often cooked, which can kill the live cultures.
5. Sourdough Bread
   • What it is: Made with wild yeast and bacteria for fermentation.
   • Pros: Easier to digest than regular bread.
   • Cons: Baking kills live microbes, so benefits are limited.
6. Natto
   • What it is: Fermented soybeans popular in Japan, rich in Bacillus subtilis.
   • Pros: Supports bone health and contains vitamin K2.
   • Cons: Strong smell and texture may be off-putting.
7. Aged Cheeses (e.g., Gouda, Swiss, Cheddar)
   • What it is: Cheeses that still contain live cultures after aging.
   • Pros: Delicious and rich in calcium.
   • Cons: High in fat and salt; microbial diversity varies.
8. Kombucha
   • What it is: A fermented tea made with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).
   • Pros: Slightly fizzy and refreshing.
   • Cons: High acidity may not suit everyone. 

 How Soil-Based Probiotics Compare 

Foods are a great starting point. But for consistent, targeted support, supplements like SCD Essential Probiotics® can take your gut health to the next level. Here’s why: 

✅ More Diverse

While foods like yogurt may have 1–3 strains, SCD Essential Probiotics® contains 11 live, synergistic strains, carefully selected for gut health support. 

✅ Prebiotics + Postbiotics

Our formula is bio-fermented with organic molasses and antioxidant-rich fruit juices like cherry, blueberry, and pomegranate. This fermentation process produces:

Prebiotics: Fuel for probiotics

Postbiotics: Powerful compounds like short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and enzymes 

✅ Better Survival

Unlike some food-based strains that die in stomach acid, SCD Essential Probiotics® is designed to survive and reach the gut.

✅ No Fridge Required

It's shelf-stable, making it easy to take daily, whether you’re at home or on the go.

The Power of Postbiotics 

Postbiotics help:

• Strengthen your gut lining
• Calm inflammation
• Boost your immune system
• Support brain-gut communication 

Probiotic CFU Comparison: Fermented Foods vs. SCD Essential Probiotics

 Note: CFU counts can vary based on preparation methods, storage, and product formulations

Stomach Acid Survival: Fermented Foods vs. EP11 

Many fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir, have a low pH due to lactic acid fermentation, which can help some probiotic strains survive stomach acidity. However, survival rates can vary:

• Yogurt: While it contains beneficial bacteria, some strains may not survive the acidic stomach environment, reducing their efficacy (Harvard Health).
• Kefir: Its diverse microbial content and acidic nature may offer better survival rates, but variability depends on the specific strains and preparation.

In contrast, SCD Essential Probiotics® is formulated with soil-based organisms (SBOs) and utilizes a fermentation process that enhances the resilience of its probiotic strains. According to the manufacturer, these probiotics are designed to survive stomach acid 16 times better than leading brands.

Which One Should You Choose?

There's no need to pick one over the other. For everyday support, mix and match:

• Add sauerkraut to salads
• Enjoy kefir in your smoothies

Take SCD Essential Probiotics for robust, research-backed microbial diversity and postbiotic benefits. 

 Want Better Gut Health?

Explore the benefits of SCD Essential Probiotics—a fermentation-based, multi-strain supplement designed to work with your body, naturally.

Learn more about SCD Essential Probiotics®.