The Best Probiotic Supplements for Women (2025): Worth the Cost? Our Experts Weigh In

Why We Like It

For a quick effective solution on how to improve your gut health, we recommend Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic. These impressive capsules contain 10 different strains of probiotics at 100 billion CFUs per serving for a range of benefits to support your digestive tract, immune health, vaginal microbiome, and more.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, registered dietitian and BarBend expert reviewer, scores the formulation at 4.75 out of 5, stating, “I really appreciate the clear, concise supplement facts that are free of artificial sweeteners or colors. Third-party testing is also a major plus, similar to the brand’s array of best protein powders and pre-workouts.” Additionally, we appreciate the inclusion of key microbiota — strains like Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococci support regular bowel movements, immune health, vaginal health, and an overall balanced gut. (1)(3) Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve can both help clear your skin, especially with conditions like eczema, according to studies. (2)

While the formulation is top notch, we also appreciate this daily probiotic for its simple swallowability. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, states, “These are very easy to swallow and I like how each serving is kept to just two capsules.” While we rate the ease of consumption at 5 out of 5, though, we do note that Transparent Labs recommends taking these capsules on an empty stomach. With 100 billion CFUs per serving, this may be a bit much for those new to probiotic supplements.

Value-wise, you do pay a bit of a premium for this supplement targeting digestive health, immune support, and more. At roughly $1.53 per serving, this is one of the more expensive probiotic products we’ve had in testing. We rate the cost per serving at a modest 2 out of 5 and recommend the likes of Sports Research Probiotic and Future Kind Vegan Probiotic Gummies for those wanting a budget-minded option.

Why We Like It

In addition to their health benefits for your digestive and immune systems, many athletes turn to probiotics for weight loss, as well. For women interested in seeking support across their weight loss journeys, Legion’s Biome probiotic can be a great supporting tool. Each capsule contains four strains of probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, which studies have linked to improved body composition over extended use. (4)

While the weight-loss-promoting strains are definite standouts with this supplement option, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, states these capsules rendered no unwanted side effects during trials. “I had no digestive issues or challenges while testing these probiotic capsules,” she adds in reference to her 5-out-of-5 side effects rating.

That said, though, multiple online reviews note that while these pills were easy on the stomach, they weren’t exactly game changers when it came to proven results over extended time. It may be best to speak to your healthcare provider to ensure your probiotic of choice is aligned to your body’s wants and needs.

Swallowability also scores high with Legion Biome. Meier rates the capsules at 5 out of 5 for the category, noting, “I was able to take an entire serving’s worth (two capsules) in one fell swoop — a convenient addition to my morning breakfast routine.” Naturally, though, not every athlete is willing to consume capsules on the regular. For such needs, consider a gummy probiotic such as Future Kind Vegan Probiotic Gummies or a bacteria-containing greens powder like AG1.

Finally, Legion Biome costs are relatively high at roughly $1.67 per serving, earning a 1-out-of-5 rating from Meier. Thankfully, though, Legion does offer a ‘Subscribe & Save’ service that can unlock potential discounts for repeat orders. We’ve also been able to track down some Legion Athletics discount codes for even more savings prior to check-out.

Why We Like It

Not all capsules are vegan-friendly, as they often contain gelatin made from animal collagen. For female athletes following a vegan diet, Sports Research Probiotic can be an excellent choice. These capsules pass the animal-friendly test as they are made with hypromellose and gellan gum — both approved for vegan consumption. Plus, the formulation is non-GMO and third-party tested, although we rate these capsules at 4 out of 5 for the category since there is no further information on the accrediting lab.

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, also appreciates this probiotic’s formulation, scoring the capsules at 4.5 out of 5. “Each serving of Sports Research Probiotics provides 60 billion CFUs of a daily probiotic blend, more than what research has established as the recommended minimum,” she states. “Plus, it also contains a fiber inulin blend, which may support a healthy metabolism, blood sugar control, and the fight against inflammation.” (5)

While the formulation is noteworthy, we do want to point out that Sports Research does not break down each probiotic strain by included CFUs, leading to clarity issues surrounding how much you’re actually consuming in a given serving. For a more refined supplement facts sheet, consider a probiotic option like Legion Biome.

Another benefit to this vegan-friendly probiotic supplement? Cost! Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, scores these capsules at 4 out of 5, adding, “I also like that you can sign up for a subscription through Amazon, which can be helpful for keeping costs low and stocks in-check over time.” Just be sure to stick your container in the fridge after popping the seal — Sports Research recommends refrigerating these capsules once opened in order to preserve the potency of the included live microorganisms.

Why We Like It

OK, so Ritual Synbiotic+ is not the cheapest probiotic we recommend for women. However, the value lies in the completely transparent formulation that’s approved by the Clean Label Project with traceable notes for every included compound. Plus, this 3-in-1 formula works together to create a well-rounded capsule with prebiotics serving as essential food for the probiotics — which enhances their effectiveness — along with postbiotics to help reinforce the gut barrier and reduce inflammation. (6)

Ritual Synbiotic+ earns a rare 5-out-of-5 from Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, too. “Ritual knocked it out of the park with this one,” she states. “Each capsule features traceable, research-backed ingredients that have been proven time and time again to be beneficial for the gut microbiome. After all, what’s good for the gut is good for overall health.”

Speaking from experience, I really enjoy the makeup of this convenient daily probiotic. The taste earns a 5 out of 5 thanks to the slight hints of mint that tickle the palate with enjoyable notes, while swallowability also scores a 5 out of 5 given the single capsule serving size. However, I did experience some initial side effects as my stomach grew accustomed to the newly introduced gut bacteria, so be sure to plan accordingly before adding this supplement to your daily regimen. “I had a bit of an upset stomach during my first few days taking Synbiotic+,” adds Kate Meier, BarBend expert contributor and certified personal trainer, “But the symptoms do subside rather quickly.”

Cost-wise, the $2 per serving is significantly higher than other probiotic supplements we’ve tested. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of Ritual promo codes online to help you score a deal at check-out, and we do like Ritual’s subscription-based plans offering lower rates in exchange for repeat orders. If you’re still hesitant, though, there are more wallet-friendly options out there such as Sports Research Probiotic.

Why We Like It

Looking for a probiotic supplement that goes beyond your gut microbiota? AG1 is packed to the gills with key vitamins and minerals catering to multiple nutritional needs, creating a well-rounded profile as one of the best greens powders on the market today. Plus, the new formulation — AG1 Next Gen — features an upgraded dairy-free probiotic blend containing 10 billion CFUs per serving.

“AG1 can be a great form of concentrated vitamins, nutrients, and minerals,” states Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD. “I also appreciate the NSF Certified for Sport accreditation since the current clinical trials on greens powders are lacking.” However, we do still score the formulation at a conservative 3 out of 5 since there are some proprietary blends across the supplement facts. For example, while AG1’s revamped formula contains six probiotic strains, there is no true way of telling how the 10 billion CFUs per serving are constructed from the parts.

In terms of taste, AG1 retains that “earthy” sensation similar to other greens powders, but our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the flavor at 4 out of 5 thanks to the underlying hints of pineapple and vanilla. “It’s a smooth sipper and a nice reprieve of the ‘grassy’ notes that overwhelm other greens supplements,” they add. For a different flavor profile, consider Ritual Synbiotic+ and its mint-forward profile across each single capsule serving.

With so many ingredients along with third-party testing approval, AG1 is unsurprisingly expensive when compared to other probiotic supplements. At roughly $3.33 per serving, it’s one of the highest price tags in this round-up. While we rate the value at 1 out of 5, you do need to consider what you’re getting from the robust makeup. Additionally, AG1 does offer subscription services for a lower rate — a possible consideration if you’d like to start your day with some probiotic strains and a cornucopia of other compounds designed to boost your well-being.

Read our full AG1 Review.

Why We Like It

When it comes to probiotics for athletes targeting gut health, you need to remember that these live microorganisms need fuel, too. As such, some probiotic supplements will pair their strains with beneficial prebiotics to serve as food for these additions to your gut microbiota. (6)(7) Routine Gut for Her can be an excellent option for female athletes looking for this helpful duo in a convenient, single capsule each day.

Admittedly, we’ve yet to personally test this pre- and probiotic formulation. That said, as a certified nutrition coach, I like that each strain in Routine Gut for Her addresses a particular benefit providing a digestive aid, immunity boost, support with vaginal health, and weight management all in one capsule. Bifidobacterium lactis has been shown to help with weight loss and weight management. (8) Lactobacillus acidophilus supports vaginal health and balances your pH levels. (9) The other strains support gut and immune health. I rate the formulation at 4.5 out of 5, though, since the makeup does include ashwagandha, which may be less than ideal for pregnant athletes. (10)

In terms of Routine’s overall value, the cost per serving earns a modest 3 out of 5 given the roughly $1.33 price tag. There are more budget-friendly options such as Sports Research Probiotic. However, I do like how Routine offers multi-month order quantities in addition to a ‘Subscribe & Save’ model. These practices can help ensure that your stocks are well-maintained across extended weeks without fear of missing a re-order. Plus, the shelf-stable packaging can allow for convenient keepings in your cabinet or on a countertop — no need to crowd your fridge.

Swallowability also earns a 4 out of 5 since each serving is contained to just a single capsule. Naturally, this may be to the dismay of pill-averse individuals, but it is a smaller dosage than other probiotic supplements we’ve tested.

Why We Like It

When you’re with child as a mother-to-be, you need to be mindful of what’s going into your body. Like the best protein powders for pregnancy, Seed Synbiotic features an array of mother-friendly compounds that can help you feel great and stay healthy during these life-changing times.

Seed is a solid blend of probiotics and prebiotics that can help balance the gut microbiome. Seed’s website is chock full of research, too, about the exact strains of each microbe and what each supports whether it’s digestive health, gut barrier integrity, gut immune function, cardiovascular health, skin health, and micronutrient synthesis.

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD also notes, “Each serving of Synbiotic contains 53.6 AFU of various bacteria, each offering research-backed benefits.” Studies report that active fluorescent units (AFUs) may be a more precise measurement of viable microbes when compared to the common CFU metric. (11) We rate the formulation at 4.5 out of 5, though, since there’s limited information on the suggested third-party testing these capsules undergo.

Our tester, a USAW weightlifting coach, also appreciates the manageable taste and swallowability of these capsules, scoring Seed Synbiotic at 5 and 4 out of 5 for the respective categories. “There weren’t any unpleasant taste and I could conveniently consume the two-capsule serving with an accompanying glass of water.” Plus, Seed Synbiotic is shelf stable, meaning there’s no fear of your probiotic supplement spoiling quickly when left on the kitchen counter.

Ordering a container of Seed does call for a subscription to the brand, which may be less than ideal for some budgets and preferences. The cost is also above average at roughly $1.67 per serving. We score the value at 2 out of 5 and recommend supplements like Sports Research Probiotic or Legion Biome for more wallet-minded individuals (or those that prefer to avoid additional subscription services each month).

Why We Like It

Supplements in gummy form have become quite popular in recent years — just take a gander at the best creatine gummies. For those interested in a gummy probiotic supplement, we recommend Future Kind Vegan Probiotic Gummies. In addition to the fun gummy format, these probiotics feature a vegan makeup that’s free of any GMOs, wheat, yeast, or soy.

Admittedly, we’ve yet to run this Future Kind offering through extensive trials, but we do have a good bit of experience in rating a supplement from afar. As a certified nutrition coach, I do appreciate the simplified formulation that contains just 5 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis. Studies link this specific probiotic strain to improved gut health and digestive well-being. (12) However, those looking for extra perks brought on by multiple live bacteria strains may prefer a more robust makeup like you’d find in Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic or Legion Biome.

We score the formulation at 3 out of 5, too, since these gummies contain 4 grams of added sugars. Sure, this does help the servings achieve that sweet, tasty sensation, but it can be less ideal for those looking to lessen their sugar intake each day. Plus, while Future Kind lists these vegan-friendly probiotic gummies as third-party tested, there’s little information online surrounding the accrediting lab. As such, I rate the third-party testing at 3 out of 5, as well.

One area that definitely stands out with these gummies is the overall value, which I rate at 5 out of 5. At less than $1 per serving, these are some of the more affordable probiotic supplements available today. Granted, the formulation is less diverse than other pills, capsules, and powders, but a bargain is a bargain — especially when you find out that Future Kind offers discounted rates for autoship order subscriptions.

Why We Like It

Interested in experiencing the effects of probiotics from an all-natural supplement source? Kylea Total Living Drink Greens is a multifaceted greens powder with three probiotic strains alongside up to 10 servings of raw fruits and vegetables per serving. What separates this greens drink from competitors, too, is the inclusion of 11 grams of protein sourced from some of the top plant sources of protein.

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD, scores the formulation at 4.5 out of 5, noting, “The inclusion of plant-based protein is a nice touch and brings some appreciated convenience to this well-rounded supplement option. However, I do not rate the makeup as perfect given the presence of proprietary blends.”

In addition to the proprietary blend for fruits and vegetables, the available probiotic strains are also less detailed when it comes to serving sizes. Kylea does not list the total CFUs per serving, which does lead to some questions surrounding dosages. For more concrete metrics, consider a greens powder like AG1 with a listed 10 billion CUFs per single-scoop serving.

Speaking of AG1, Kylea Total Living Drink Greens is listed at roughly the same cost at over $3 per serving. This does come in as a more expensive option when compared to other probiotic supplements, but does begin to make sense when adding up the other comprehensive vitamins and minerals in each serving. As such, we rate the value at 2 out of 5, but do get why Kylea charges such a premium.

Finally, as a certified sports nutrition coach, I score the convenience of this all-in-one powder at 4 out of 5 since you can address a range of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies with a single scoop each day. However, I do not recommend using this greens drink as a dedicated meal replacement — there are only 120 calories per serving which barely equates to some of the best protein bars out there.

Read our full Kylea Total Living Drink Greens Review.

Why We Like It

Probiotics can also play a pivotal role in hormone balance, which can be helpful when managing a menstrual cycle. (9) Of the probiotic supplements we’ve tested, HUM’s Gut Instinct capsules are our favorite for such needs thanks to a roster of different types of probiotic strains designed to promote a healthy gut and more.

One standout strain from HUM’s offering is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health by producing lactic acid. This can help keep vaginal pH levels balanced while also promoting a stable vaginal flora. A healthy vaginal pH and balanced microbiota are essential for preventing infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. (3)(9)

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD also scores the formulation at 4.5 out of 5 since HUM utilizes registered dietitians to craft this probiotic supplement’s makeup. “I also appreciate that third-party testing is involved, but I would prefer to see detailed servings of each included strain rather than a general proprietary blend.” We’ll also point out that there’s little information on the accrediting third-party lab, which may still pose some questions from those seeking as many details as possible.

In terms of effectiveness, our tester scores the experience at 4 out of 5. “I didn’t have any GI distress or unwanted symptoms, but I’m not particularly prone to gut issues, so it was sort of difficult for me to notice any smaller improvements. Other customer reviews do report an adjustment timeframe at the start of their supplement regimen, though, so be sure to take your personal sensitivities into question.”

We also score the convenience and swallowability at 5 out of 5 thanks to the small capsule size. Our tester adds, “It was like taking an ibuprofen or my best multivitamin — no fuss or worries.” Of course, though, pill-averse individuals wanting a probiotic supplement in a different form may prefer a gummy such as Future Kind Vegan Probiotic Gummies or a powdered greens drink like AG1.