Best Prebiotics (2024): Letting Probiotics and Your Gut Live Their Best Lives

You might be turning to the best probiotic supplements to support your gut, immune, and overall health. That’s a great start, but if you aren’t getting enough prebiotics, you’re likely leaving the full benefits of probiotics on the floor—similarly to “wasting” a workout if you aren’t consuming high-protein foods. 

As you’ll soon learn, prebiotics are essential for maintaining good gut bacteria. Prebiotics are naturally found in foods, but their concentrations are relatively low in them according to a 2019 review¹, thus making a prebiotic supplement a viable option.

Like choosing any supplement, there’s a lot to consider. Fortunately, GGR’s team of dietitians and nutrition experts has rounded up the best prebiotics to eliminate any guesswork so you can feel more confident in a product right for you. Our team of registered dietitians and certified nutrition coaches used these prebiotic supplements for a month to test their efficacy and graded them in accordance with our GGR supplement testing methodology.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Best Prebiotics

• Best Prebiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic +
• Best Greens Powder with Prebiotics: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens
• Best Prebiotic for Men: Biotics 8
• Best Prebiotic for Women: YourBiology Gut+
• Best Unflavored Prebiotic Powder: Bulletproof InnerFuel Prebiotic
• Best Prebiotic Gummy: Olly Probiotic+Prebiotic
• Best Fiber Supplement with Prebiotics: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Fiber
• Best Budget Prebiotic: Renew Life Prebiotic
• Best Prebiotic Capsules: BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotic
• Best Chewable Prebiotic: Life Extension Prebiotic
• Best Combination Prebiotic and Probiotic: Athletic Greens AG1

Pre-Chat: What Are Prebiotic Supplements?

Before we hop into our top prebiotic picks, let’s ensure we’re on the same page about what they are. There’s quite a bit to unpack, as prebiotics are often confused for probiotics and used interchangeably with dietary fiber. Still, we’ll do our best to keep it as straightforward and brief as possible. 

Defining Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics 

For those who like the scientific details, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) defines pre-, pro-, and postbiotics as the following:

• Prebiotics²: A selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health
• Probiotics³: Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host
• Postbiotics⁴: Preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host

And for those who appreciate simple lingo, prebiotics feed and grow probiotics to influence the gut microbiota⁵—the collection of living microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GI). As a result, prebiotics can selectively influence gut microbiota and affect intestinal functions and other body systems.

Postbiotics are the waste products of probiotics fermenting prebiotics. The byproducts can affect the gastrointestinal tracts and other distant organs while positively impacting immune and inflammatory responses. 

Prebiotics vs Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest, is found in various plants—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and fiber supplements. The plant-based nutrient helps support a healthy digestive system, control blood sugars, and improve cholesterol levels, amongst other health benefits. 

There’s a lot of gray area and overlap between prebiotics and dietary fibers: but whereas most prebiotics are dietary fibers, not all dietary fibers are prebiotics. This is mainly because some dietary fibers are non-fermentable, meaning they travel intact to the colon and add bulk to stools so it’s easier to pass. 

Prebiotic Types and Sources

Many types of prebiotics exist, although most of them are oligosaccharide carbohydrates. The ISAPP encourages us to look out for these common types of prebiotic fibers:

• Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
• Oligofructose (OF)
• Chicory fiber
• Inulin

Prebiotics primarily exist in various carbohydrates—including asparagus, garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, wheat, banana, and microalgae—but newer evidence suggests non-carb compounds are recommended as prebiotics.¹ For instance, flavonols derived from cocoa have been shown to stimulate lactic acid bacteria, which produces lactic acid as the major end product.

Because of their low concentration in foods, prebiotics are manufactured on large industrial scales. And while we always encourage a foods-first approach, you can help fill in nutritional gaps with these best prebiotic supplements.

Best Prebiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic +

Good for: Enhancing gut health with clinically effective and dosed ingredients on a subscription basis 

Best Overall

Ritual Synbiotic+

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Filled with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics
• Clinically studied 
• Supports gut barrier function
• Delayed-release capsule designed so bacteria reaches the colon

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Traceable ingredients
• Supports gut lining and gut barrier function
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Delayed-release capsule

Cons

• Expensive
• Automatically signs you up for subscription
• There can be uncomfortable side effects at first

Bottom Line

The Ritual Synbiotic+ is a clinically backed probiotic with clean, traceable ingredients designed to support overall digestive health.

Ritual, a subscription-based company, is well-known for its high-quality supplement offerings and its Synbiotic+ is no different. The synbiotic is a trifecta mixture of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics to support gut health. 

Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and certified personal trainer, has been taking Ritual Synbiotic+ for several months now and definitely thinks it’s been having a positive effect on her overall GI health. “It took about a week or so for my system to get used to Synbiotic+, but after that, it’s been smooth sailing! I notice less GI discomfort overall. Plus, I think the mint taste of the capsules is refreshing.”

Synbiotic+ contains 15 milligrams of prebiotics sourced from PreforPro, a patented prebiotic that’s been shown to accelerate a broad range of probiotic species—like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium that Ritual’s synbiotic also supplies. Research⁶ supports that lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are the usual prebiotic targets for positively changing the gut microbiome. 

And to welcome postbiotics, Synbiotic+ contains tributyrin, a triglyceride prodrug⁷ (an inactive drug derivative that converts into an active drug in the body) of butyric acid. Butyric acid is a form of the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate⁸, a byproduct of prebiotic fermentation that plays a positive role in gut health and immune and inflammatory responses.

The capsules are formulated with clean ingredients, and you won’t find any gluten, sugar, GMOs, major allergens, or artificial additives. They’re also extensively tested— undergoing third-party testing and even as a two-part scientific study—to ensure their purity and effectiveness. 

And because we genuinely appreciate transparency, we have to mention that Ritual’s ingredients are traceable, so you know exactly where they’re coming from. Ritual is also so confident in its science-backed products that they offer a money-back guarantee and easy cancellation if Synbiotic+ doesn’t work for you. 

Best Greens Powder With Prebiotics: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens

Good for: Supporting healthy digestion one sip and green mustache at a time

Best Greens Powder

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens

GGR Score: 4.15

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Product Highlights

• Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers to improve gut health
• Each serving has 3 grams of spirulina, 3 grams of chlorella, 3 grams of organic acacia fiber, 3 grams of organic green banana flour, and 1 gram of organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber
• Gluten-free
• Gut-flora-friendly greens drink
• Available in unflavored, Peach Mango flavor, and Pineapple Coconut

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Packed with fiber, gut-flora-friendly greens, and mineral-dense veggies
• Effectively works to improve gut health
• Combines algae greens and prebiotic fibers
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Tastes bitter to some

Bottom Line

Combining an algae greens blend with prebiotic fibers, Prebiotic Greens is intended to improve digestion and health.

Transparent Labs is suitably named for being one of the most transparent supplement brands in the industry. This makes us confident in recommending its prebiotic supplement, especially if you’re in the market for the best greens powder.

GGR senior staff writer and competitive triathlete Amanda Capritto tried the Peach Mango flavor, and says that while it does taste a bit like grass, mixing it with something like orange juice takes the edge off. She noted that while she personally felt no improvements her GI system was doing alright before taking these prebiotic greens, but customer reviews seem to indicate it helping with symptoms like bloating.

Prebiotic Greens claims to do it “better in two parts”—part one being algae greens, specifically 3 grams each of spirulina and chlorella⁹ to deliver ultra-rich nutrients that possess powerful antioxidant properties. Part two is a prebiotic blend containing 3 grams each of organic acacia and green banana flour and 1 gram of organic Jerusalem artichoke fiber.

Also known as acacia gum¹⁰ (AG), acacia fiber is a non-viscous soluble fiber shown to increase satiety—or the feelings of fullness—and lower blood glucose levels. A 2021 review¹¹ supports that acacia fiber can improve gut health, lower inflammation, and protect from metabolic disease. 

A 2021 study¹² also supports that the prebiotic properties of green banana flour are effective in maintaining the survival of probiotic bacteria. And then there’s Jerusalem artichokes¹³ that contain high amounts of inulin, a prebiotic that supports digestive health.

The combo of parts one and two—filled with soluble, insoluble, and slow-fermenting fibers—helps nourish and support a healthy gut. It also provides essential nutrients, like calcium and iron, while doing so.

The prebiotic greens powder comes in a Peach Mango and Unflavored option, and both are free of artificial sweeteners, coloring, and preservatives.

And lastly, like all Transparent Labs products, you can view the prebiotics powder’s Certificates of Analysis and Composition online. 

Best Prebiotic for Men: Biotics 8

Good for: Men who prioritize their gut, immune, hormone, and brain health

Best for Men

Bauer Nutrition Biotics 8 Probiotic

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Men’s-specific probiotic for gut health
• Made to help strengthen your immune system
• Built in digestive enzymes
• Claimed to support gut health, mood, digestion, and immunity
• 3 capsules per day

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made to be taken long-term
• In capsule form, so you don’t get the bad taste that some powders possess
• Also contains vitamin D as well as the probiotic blend
• Can save money by purchasing in bulk
• No refrigeration required

Cons

• Expensive for the amount of capsules
• Limited reviews of the product
• Not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly
• Supposed to take 3 capsules a day, which is a lot

Bottom Line

These capsules contain 10 strains of probiotics with a guarantee of 20 billion CFUs per serving (per three capsules).

Biotics 8 combines prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and vitamin D to support men’s gut health and well-being of all ages. It contains the prebiotics fructooligosaccharide and inulin sourced from chicory root.¹⁴ As a prebiotic, chicory root helps feed beneficial gut bacteria but also possesses powerful properties—like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects—to improve overall health.

RELATED: Best Vitamin D Supplements

Anthony O’Reilly, GGR performance editor and a certified nutrition coach, said he noticed better digestion and better sleep when taking these prebiotic supplements.

Biotics 8 delivers 20 billion CFUs sources from 10 probiotic strains (2 billion CFUs from each), including saccharomyces boulardii, lactobacillus casei, and bifidobacterium longum. These good bacteria help support gut, immune¹⁵, hormone¹⁶, and brain health. 

The digestive enzymes amylase, lipase, and protease also join the pre- and probiotics to help the body break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively. A study published in Current Drug Metabolism¹⁷ suggests that digestive enzymes may play an important role in several digestive and malabsorption disorders like celiac disease.

The addition of vitamin D3 is also an excellent complement to Biotics 8, as a 2021 systematic review published in Nutrients¹⁸ hints that co-supplementation of vitamin D and probiotics may decrease the severity of certain diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It may also improve mental health, insulin sensitivity, blood cholesterol levels, inflammation, and antioxidative capacity.

Biotics 8 is made with all-natural ingredients in U.S. and GMP-certified facilities. It’s free of preservatives, dairy, soy, and gluten and has a 60-day, hassle-free money-back guarantee. 

Best Prebiotic for Women: YourBiology Gut+

Good for: Women looking to balance their gut microbiome and support their overall wellness

Best for Women

Probiology Gut+

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• A live strain probiotic and prebiotic supplement pill
• Claims to improve your mood, body, and skin
• Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
• From Ark Labs 
• A dietary supplement for better gut health
• Contains 40 billion CFU

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A boost of energy and focus
• Improves digestion
• Claims to relieves stress
• Formulated to prevent bloating
• Aims to strengthen your immune system
• Made with vegan and non-GMO ingredients

Cons

• Not FDA-approved
• It can be expensive when taking the recommended amount
• Reviews have reported stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea after a few days of use

Bottom Line

Probiotic supplements like Probiology Gut+ claim to help your body fight off bacteria naturally and create intestinal balance for a more comfortable gut. For some, this product reportedly works well, with users noting improvements in their gut health, mood, and energy and stress levels. However, it’s important to listen to your body and consult your doctor with any questions that may arise before or during use.

YourBiology Gut+ is a pre- and probiotic blend formulated for women. It claims to improve women’s overall health and well-being, “everything from mood to balanced vaginal flora.”

Gut+ combines the familiar prebiotic fructooligosaccharide with 40 billion CFUs from four strains of probiotic bacteria—like lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium lactis, lactobacillus plantarum, and lactobacillus paracasei. As a unit, the capsules help balance good gut bacteria, strengthen the gut lining, and aid in nutrient absorption while supporting skin, immune, and vaginal health. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Women

The capsules also use MAKtrek Bipass Technology, a unique marine polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed. YourBiology says MAKtrek acts as a shield to protect the probiotics from being dissolved by stomach acid as it travels down the digestive tract. It’s also been shown to provide up to 250 times better survival rate and absorption of good gut bacteria than standard probiotic formulas.

Gut+ is free of preservatives, dairy, soy, and gluten and made in U.S. and GMP-certified facilities. It also comes with a 60-day, hassle-free money-back guarantee. 

Best Unflavored Prebiotic Powder: Bulletproof InnerFuel Prebiotic

Good for: Sneaking prebiotic fiber into your favorite beverage and daily diet 

Best Unflavored

Bulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic

GGR Score: 3.3

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Product Highlights

• Daily prebiotic supplement powder 
• 17 grams of prebiotics 
• Bulletproof listed benefits: Eases digestion, feeds good gut bacteria, and supports immune system

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 20%
• 100% satisfaction guaranteed – 30 day money-back window
• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-, sugar-, and soy-free
• Non-GMO
• Positive customer reviews

Cons

• 1 serving is 2 scoops
• May cause bloating—recommended start with smaller teaspoon serving to assess tolerance
• Mixed reviews on mixability
• Processed in a facility that also processes allergens: milk, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans
• One container is not a month supply, only “about 20 servings”

Bottom Line

Bulletproof’s Innerfuel Prebiotic is a powder supplement with 17 grams of prebiotics per 2-scoop serving. This supplement is intended to ease digestion, feed and increase good gut bacteria, and support your immune system. Customer reviews of this product are mostly positive and users feel their digestion improved and their stomach discomfort decreased. Some customers noted that the powder did not mix well.

Bulletproof InnerFuel Prebiotic is an unflavored prebiotic powder formulated with science-backed ingredients to support healthy digestion, curb cravings, and bolster the immune system. It provides 6 grams of dietary fiber sourced from acacia fiber, partially hydrolyzed guar gum, and larch arabinogalactan.

GGR editor Frieda Johnson, who already takes a prebiotic supplement daily, swapped in Bulletproof’s Innerfuel Prebiotic for a few weeks and didn’t notice any difference, which is probably a good thing. She did say it settles, so if you don’t drink it all at once you’ll have to re-shake or re-stir it, but that it is basically flavorless. 

Recall that acacia¹⁰ is a prebiotic fiber that improves gut health, lowers inflammation, and protects from metabolic disease. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum¹⁹ (PHGG), also known as guar fiber, increases the production of bifidobacterium—a type of healthy bacteria—in the gut and provides similar benefits as dietary fiber.

Acacia and guar fibers are also joined with larch arabinogalactan²⁰, a type of hemicellulose or non-starch polysaccharide. Larch arabinogalactan supports digestive health and enhances immune function, even shown to reduce the incidence of cold episodes by 23 percent.

The unflavored prebiotic powder is said to dissolve easily so that you seamlessly mix it into your favorite beverage.

Bulletproof also prides itself on only using high-quality, clean ingredients to formulate products free of soy, gluten, dyes, artificial fillers, and GMOs. 

Best Prebiotic Gummy: Olly Probiotic+Prebiotic

Good for: Kids at heart with adult gut health needs 

Best Gummy

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Daily prebiotic and probiotic gummy supplement 
• 500 million CFU bacillus coagulans (aka good bacteria) and 1.5-g prebiotic fiber blend 
• Olly listed benefits: Support healthy digestive tract and immune system

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial flavors or colors
• Gluten-free
• Olly is certified B corp
• Combination probiotic and prebiotic supplement
• Third party-tested and NSF Certified
• 30-day return period if you are not satisfied

Cons

• Processed in a facility that also processes allergens: soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat
• Only available in peach flavor
• Gummies may become damaged and melt if delivered in high temperatures

Bottom Line

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic daily gummy supplement provides 500 million CFUs of bacillus coagulens, good bacteria for your digestive system, and 1.5 grams of a prebiotic fiber blend to help feed the bacteria. According to Olly, this combination works to support your digestive and immune systems. Customer reviews for this product are mostly positive, but similar to other gummy products they can melt and congeal if shipped through hot environments. You might want to find them in store instead.

For those kids at heart (raises hand), OLLY Probiotic+Prebiotic “Peachy Peach” gummies might be for you. And good news: While the prebiotic gummies contain cane sugar, there’s less than 1 gram of added sugar (which is pretty low compared to other gummy supplements). 

“These taste so good!,” says GGR editor Frieda Johnson. “They remind me of those peach ring candies. I’m a little disappointed that a serving is only one gummy because I would definitely not mind eating more.”

The gummies contain 500 million CFUs of bacillus coagulans, a probiotic often used for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. It also provides 1.5 grams of a prebiotic blend, specifically fructooligosaccharide, inulin, and xylitol. 

Xylitol²¹ shows to be effective in reducing constipation, supporting immune health, aiding in bone metabolism, controlling obesity, and preventing dental caries. But because xylitol is a sugar alcohol, it can produce some side effects—such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and nephrolithiasis²² (kidney stones)—when consumed in excessive amounts.

It’s important to note that the prebiotic gummies are processed in a facility with products that contain common allergens—like soy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, shellfish, and wheat. So if you are allergic to any of these foods, it’s best to choose another prebiotic option. 

But to end on a really peachy note, OLLY’s prebiotic gummies are third-party tested through NSF. This certification helps consumers identify products independently tested and certified to meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, and label claims.

Best Fiber Supplement with Prebiotics: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Fiber

Good for: Enhancing your overall fiber and prebiotic intake with organic ingredients 

Best With Prebiotics

Garden of Life Dr Formulated Organic Fiber Supplement

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Organic fiber blend from 5 sources 
• Vegan and kosher 
• Free of gluten, psyllium, and dairy 
• USDA-certified organic, non-GMO 
• Certified B corp, carbon neutral 
• Doctor formulated 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple flavors: citrus and unflavored
• No artificial colors or sweeteners
• Includes 5 superfoods
• Certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher

Cons

• Manufactured in a facility that also processes egg, milk, and soy
• Customers share it doesn’t mix well
• Users complained of stevia taste, though none is listed in the ingredients

Bottom Line

Garden of Life Organic Fiber has high-quality, organic ingredients, and is a good option for people looking for a non-psyllium fiber supplement.

Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Fiber is an organic fiber powder formulated by Dr. David Perlmutter, an expert in brain health, neurology, and the human microbiome. It provides 5 grams of dietary fiber sourced from an “organic prebiotic fiber blend” of acacia fiber, orange and apple peels, baobab, and cranberry seed. 

We will throw this out there: Although GGR staff writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong is typically into healthy and organic products, she just couldn’t get past the taste of this powder. “Because this is unflavored I expected no taste, but there is a taste it’s just really bad. It just tasted like wet dirt to me.” Customer reviews suggest to mix the powder with something other than water to help the taste. 

The orange and apple peels²³  are considered prebiotic and insoluble fibers to offer stool bulk and promote regularity. The baobab fruit²⁴  and cranberry seeds²⁵  enhance the nutrient profile so that together, the organic fiber blend is rich in fiber, potent antioxidants, and other essential micronutrients. 

Garden of Life prides itself on using traceable and clean ingredients, as it’s free of sugar, artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners. The prebiotic powder is also Certified USDA Organic,  Certified Carbonfree, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, Certified Gluten-Free, and kosher-friendly.

RELATED: Best Fiber Supplement for Constipation

Best Budget Prebiotic: Renew Life Prebiotic

Good for: Supporting digestive health without hemorrhaging your hard-earned cash

Best Budget

Renew Life Daily Digestive Prebiotic Fiber

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Daily prebiotic fiber supplement 
• Combination of soluble and insoluble fiber 
• Contains fennel, which can potentially relieve bloating and gas 
• Renew Life listed benefits: Relieves occasional constipation, gas, and bloating

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Non-GMO project verified
• Dairy- and soy-free
• Subscribe & save 10% and free shipping
• Made in the United States
• Vegetarian
• Combination of soluble and insoluble fiber

Cons

• Servings size is 5 capsules, plus instructions say you could take 2 more does (10 more pills throughout day)
• Need to take with 8 ounces of water
• Long-time customers preferred Renew Life’s previous fiber supplement
• Some reviews shared it made their stomach upset
• Very mixed customer reviews

Bottom Line

Renew Life’s Daily Digestive Prebiotic Fiber capsules contain 2 grams of fiber and 50 milligrams of organic fennel seed. Renew Life shares that this supplement can help relieve periodic constipation, gas, and bloating. Customer reviews are very mixed and lean negative. Even positive reviews share that they prefer Renew Life’s previous, discontinued fiber supplement. Customers also disliked that one serving is five capsules.

Renew Life Prebiotic is a daily prebiotic capsule formulated to relieve occasional constipation, gas, and bloating. Each serving provides 2 grams of fiber sourced by an organic fiber blend— specifically organic flax seed, organic oat fiber, and organic fennel seed. 

While mainly studied in animals, flaxseed²⁶ helps restore the gut microbiota and rapidly grow certain probiotics, including bifidobacterium. Flaxseed may also improve metabolic health and protect from obesity. 

Research²⁷ shows that oat fiber, rich in beta-glucan, significantly reduces total and LDL (known as the “bad” kind) while mediating a prebiotic effect on the gut microbiome. Despite having limited data as a prebiotic, fennel is used as an herbal remedy to treat gas and bloating. 

Despite containing an organic fiber blend, there’s no indication that the prebiotic is certified organic by the USDA. However, it is Non-GMO Project Verified and manufactured in the U.S. “using only the highest quality global ingredients.”

Best Prebiotic Capsules: BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotics

Good for: Advancing your gut health with two daily capsules 

Best Capsules

BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotic

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Daily prebiotic supplement with PreforPro and PreticX prebiotic fibers 
• Vegetable capsule 
• BioSchwartz listed benefits: Supports digestion, good bacteria growth, and strengthens immune system

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Dairy- and gluten-free
• Made in the U.S. in a cGMP compliant
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Third party-tested
• Free from common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat and gluten
• Preservative- and artificial color-free
• No refrigeration required

Cons

• Serving size = 2 capsules
• Supposed to take 2 times per day at morning and evening
• Mixed reviews on results

Bottom Line

BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotic is a daily supplement that uses PreforPro and PreticX within a vegetable capsule. This supplement is supposed to improve your overall digestive health and relieve gas, bloating and discomfort. Customer reviews were mixed on the effectiveness of this supplement, some users found it helped relieve their stomach discomfort and others didn’t feel any changes.

As our top prebiotic capsule pick, BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotic packs patented prebiotics, organic oryza sativa, and vitamin C. And we extra appreciate that it’s third-party certified for containing 100% natural, high-quality ingredients and made in U.S.-based, GMP-compliant facilities.

Certified nutrition coach Anthony O’Reilly, GGR’s performance editor, didn’t notice any changes after taking BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotics, though that might be due to the fact that his diet includes a lot of fermented foods. 

BioSchwartz Prebiotic formula contains the patented prebiotics PreforPro (like Ritual Synbiotic+) and PreticX (composed of xylooligosaccharides) to maintain and promote normal microbiota balance. It’s also formulated with organic oryza sativa—or simply rice—that may offer prebiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, although the research²⁸ lacks in human studies. 

The addition of vitamin C might also be a nice touch, as newer 2021 research²⁹ suggests a high, 1,000-milligram dose may elicit favorable changes to the gut microbiota. It’s important to note a serving of the prebiotic only provides 5 milligrams (or 5% daily value). However, vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and supports skin, immune, heart, and eye health. 

Best Chewable Prebiotic: Life Extension Prebiotic

Good for: Increasing daily prebiotics in a tidy chewable tablet 

Best Chewable

Life Extension Florassist Prebiotic

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Chewable daily prebiotic supplement 
• LIfe Extension listed benefits: Supports intestinal and overall digestive health, immune system health, and bifidobacteria

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-free, non-GMO and vegetarian
• 100% satisfaction guarantee: one year money-back guarantee
• Subscribe and save 11%
• Certificate of analysis available for every product
• Manufactured in the United States

Cons

• Limited customer reviews
• Only available in 1 flavor: natural strawberry
• Mixed reviews on effectiveness
• Some customers reported stomach issues after taking pills
• Mixed reviews on taste: some customers found chalky and too sweet

Bottom Line

Life Extension’s Chewable Prebiotic Daily supplement contains 1,400 millligrams of PreticX Prebioitic. Life Extension shares that taking this supplement daily supports bifidobacteria, which is a probiotic that breaks down carbs, and helps with overall digestive and immune health. There are limited reviews and mixed reviews of this product. Some customers loved the supplement and experienced better gut health; others had issues with increased stomach symptoms, which may be due to the sugar alcohols like xylitol which have been known to cause stomach upset.

The one and only chewable tablet on our list, Life Extension Prebiotic claims that the “delicious strawberry-flavored chewables provide the food sources your beneficial gut bacteria need to thrive.” But you know how we roll at GGR, so let’s check it out for ourselves! 

Our tester Amanda, a friend of GGR head of Content Kate Meier, said the tablet is fruity but tastes pretty good. The chewable contains PreticX (like BioSchwartz Advanced Prebiotics), providing 1,000 milligrams of xylooligosaccharides to optimize the growth potential of beneficial Bifidobacteria. It also includes the prebiotic xylitol²¹ and other sugar alcohols in lesser amounts, likely enhancing the chewable tablets’ sweetness.

As for the tablet’s effectiveness, Amanda says she took the prebiotic on an empty stomach with lots of water. “I went to the bathroom to empty my bowels almost immediately. Not in a dramatic way, but it was noticeable.”

Life Extension offers a 100% satisfaction, money-back guarantee for up to one year. It’s also a positive sign that a Certificate of Analysis is available for all Life Extension products. 

Best Combination Prebiotic and Probiotic: Athletic Greens AG1

Good for: Athletes and health enthusiasts looking for a synbiotic with bonus nutritional benefits

Best Combination Pre and Probiotic

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

Oh, hello, Athletic Greens (AG1); we meet again! Because AG1 is a unique and dynamic greens powder, this isn’t the first time AG1 has landed on our roundup: It’s even thoughtfully made its way to our best multivitamins for women list. 

So because we’ve talked about it in full in our Athletic Greens review, we’ll narrow in on its gut-benefiting ingredients. The greens powder is formulated with the familiar prebiotics inulin and beta-glucan, along with the digestive enzyme bromelain to help the body digest protein. 

Several GGR team members have tried AG1 and they all agree that if you’re in the market for a greens powder, this is the way to go. It tastes pleasant—sort of like a mild pineapple vanilla—and is a quality product. 

AG1 provides 7.2 billion CFUs of the common probiotics bifidobacterium bifidum and lactobacillus acidophilus to enhance the benefits of prebiotics. Combining the two can help support a healthy gut, bolster the immune system, enhance nutrient absorption, and boost overall health and wellness.

AG1 is tightly manufactured and regulated in NSF and GMP-registered facilities. It’s also NSF Certified for Sport—verifying the product does not contain unsafe contaminants, prohibited substances, or masking agents—and is especially a great option for competitive athletes.

Other Prebiotics We Researched

With prebiotics starting to take center stage with probiotics, more companies are taking note and delivering to the masses. While we stand by our top picks, other prebiotics that we’ve researched but haven’t yet tested include:

• Gainful Fiber Performance Boost
• HUM Nutrition Skin Squad Pre+Probiotic
• Kaged Multivitamin with Prebiotics 
• Naked Nutrition Gut Health Supplement
• Performance Lab Prebiotic

How We Picked and Tested the Best Prebiotics

When picking and testing the best prebiotics, this is what our team of dietitians and nutrition experts looked for: 

• Prebiotic variety: Variety is the spice of pre- and probiotics (or something like that), as different types elicit different benefits. We made sure to offer various research-backed prebiotics (and some with probiotics added), so our readers can choose which blend might be best for them. 

• Formulation: Our selection process focuses on ingredient quality within each formulation. All of our top picks contain next to no added sugars, unnecessary fillers, and other unwanted ingredients.

• Type: Prebiotic supplements come in various forms—like capsules, powders, chewable tablets, and gummies—and flavors (and non-flavors). Our list includes all these forms to accommodate our readers’ preferences best. 

• Cost: Because everyone’s budget is different, and we believe everyone should have access to supplements and products to elevate their health, our top picks range in price.

• Third-party testing: We always prioritize supplements that undergo third-party testing so we can feel more confident recommending pure and safe products. 

• Consumer satisfaction: We want to guide our readers to companies with their best interests in mind, so we always try to find general patterns in consumer satisfaction. This includes reviewing core values, return policies, and customer reviews on the companies’ websites and third-party seller sites like Amazon. 

Benefits of Prebiotics

While we’ve touched on prebiotics’ benefits, they’re worth reiterating. Here’s what the research tells us about how they can benefit health for the better⁶: 

• Can improve gut health by positively influencing the gut microbiota
• Can reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive disorders
• Can protect against various chronic conditions like colon cancer and cardiovascular disease
• Can assist in weight management likely by promoting satiety and controlling appetite³⁰
• Can bolster a healthy immune system¹⁵
• Can enhance the bioavailability of some minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron

Prebiotic Dosing and Safety 

The ISAPP recommends getting at least 5 grams of prebiotics daily, particularly from whole food sources like asparagus, garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, and banana. You can also use a prebiotic as nutritional insurance, although the dosing can vary based on the chosen product. 

As a general rule, you should follow the instructions on the product’s packaging and increase slowly until you meet the recommended dose or as tolerated. This helps mitigate prebiotic side effects (albeit rarely severe) like diarrhea, bloating, and cramping.

It’s also important to note that while prebiotics are mostly considered safe, they can worsen symptoms of some digestive conditions—like SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and FODMAP (an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols). Anyone with a serious medical condition—such as any that weakens the immune system—or an infection should also reconsider, mainly if the prebiotic contains probiotics.

We always recommend consulting with a dietitian or another healthcare professional before taking a prebiotic or supplement. They can help you determine if a prebiotic is right for you and how to use one safely and effectively. 

Third-Party Testing

While the FDA does not tightly regulate dietary supplements, it does establish Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) standards for quality assurance. And to verify the purity and overall safety of products, companies can voluntarily have theirs undergo third-party testing through organizations like National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

Supplements can also be certified to help consumers make well-informed decisions about specific dietary restrictions and preferences—like being Certified USDA Organic and Certified Gluten-Free. If you are ever uncertain about third-party testing and other certifications of interest, you could always contact the company for more information or select another trusted product that makes their certifications known.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Prebiotics

When searching for a prebiotic to suit your needs and lifestyle best, here’s what to look out for and consider:

• Your nutritional needs and health goals: Before deciding on a prebiotic, reflect on any dietary deficits and health goals you may have. For instance, a beta-glucan prebiotic might offer little additional benefit if you regularly eat oatmeal. 

• Form: Do you prefer taking capsules, chewables, gummies, or powders? Choose a form you’re most willing to take consistently. 

• Storage requirements: While none of the products on our list require refrigeration, some prebiotic supplements do when probiotics join the party. So if a fridge isn’t always handy, opt for a prebiotic that can be stored and protected elsewhere. 

• Third-party certifications: Is the prebiotic undergoing third-party testing and certifications—like Certified USDA Organic—important to you? Whereas products lacking third-party certifications aren’t necessarily “bad,” they offer more peace of mind. We recommend reviewing if the prebiotic undergoes third-party testing and has certifications important to you, including being Certified USDA Organic. 

• Brand integrity: How you build trust with a brand is personal, but we do encourage being mindful and thoughtful before supporting its products. We recommend reviewing its return policies, access to customer service, and any available customer reviews to gain better insight. 

FAQs About The Best Prebiotics

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

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Sydney Lappe, R.D.

Sydney Lappe is a St. Louis-based Registered Dietitian with 6+ years of nutrition editing and writing experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed undergrad work in psychology. While fitness wasn’t in Sydney’s routine growing up, it quickly became a large part of her daily life while studying the facets of health and nutrition. Also managing chronic pain, she has come to fully realize movement is a special gift to never take for granted and hopes to inspire others to invest in their physical, mental, and emotional wellness while they can. Including her passion for all things health, Sydney enjoys spending time with her loved ones, being active in various capacities, drinking bottomless cups of coffee, eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal, and letting her creativity roam through writing and graphic design.

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