Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms — most commonly strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — that are taken to support the balance of bacteria naturally found in the gut. They're one of the most widely researched categories in everyday wellness, and one of the most confusing to shop for, simply because there's so much variation between products in terms of strains, potency and formulation.

If you've started looking into probiotics, you've probably already come across the term CFU — colony forming units. This is the standard measurement used to quantify the number of viable, living microorganisms in a probiotic supplement, with each CFU representing a single cell capable of dividing to form a colony. You'll see this number printed prominently on most packaging, often in the billions, and it's one of the first things customers compare. But CFU count is only part of the picture — the specific strains a product contains matter just as much, if not more, particularly if you're looking for a probiotic to support a specific aspect of your routine.

Many people turn to probiotics as part of a daily wellness routine, to support digestive comfort, or following a course of antibiotics when gut bacteria may need rebuilding. Others choose formulations aimed at specific life stages or needs, such as women's health-focused blends. Whatever your starting point, the products in this collection range from everyday multi-strain capsules through to higher-potency, targeted formulations from established UK and international brands.

This collection includes capsules, sachets and powders, with options across a wide range of CFU counts and strain combinations — from accessible daily-use formulas to higher-strength multi-strain blends. Many products also include prebiotic ingredients such as inulin, which provide a food source for beneficial bacteria already present in the gut.

If you're new to probiotics or unsure which type of formulation suits your needs, the buying guide below explains the practical differences between products — including what CFU actually means, why strain matters, and what to look for on the label — so you can compare products with confidence rather than relying on the headline numbers alone.