Most people are familiar with probiotic drinks (hello kombucha and kefir)… but what about functional prebiotic drinks?! As a functional dietitian and gut health nutritionist, I’m constantly on the lookout for products that promote optimal gut health. In my pursuit, within the last few years I’ve discovered some fun and fabulous prebiotic drink options – and I want to share them with you!
In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of prebiotics, highlighting my top 4 favorite prebiotic drink brands of choice (and why) – and how you can choose the best option for you.
Disclaimer: One size never fits all! This article was written for general education purposes, not to be taken as medical or nutritional advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for customized advice tailored to your individual needs.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links*. As an Amazon Associate, I may make a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
Table of Contents
Prebiotics: their role and impact on gut health
Before we dive into my favorite prebiotic drinks, let’s first understand what prebiotics are – and why they’re vital for maintaining a healthy gut.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as nourishment for the beneficial microbes (aka “probiotics”) residing mostly in your colon. (In other words, prebiotics are the food and fuel which feed and sustain the ecosystem of healthy microbes in your gut!)
By selectively fueling these good bacteria, prebiotics play a crucial role in improving digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption, strengthening your immune system, and promoting overall physical and mental health and well-being.
Prebiotics are naturally found in most types of plant-based foods (i.e. fruits, veggies, beans, etc.) as well as many different herbs. (Check out my comprehensive prebiotic foods and herbs list PDF here!) These prebiotic constituents can also be extracted into supplement form – or nowadays, prebiotic drinks.
What is a prebiotic drink?.
A prebiotic drink is a type of functional beverage (usually sweet, bubbly, and a nice alternative to soda) which has been fortified with prebiotic herbs and/or prebiotic constituents extracted from foods/herbs.
Some prebiotic drinks are sweetened with cane sugar, while others are sweetened with stevia, agave nectar, or erythritol.
There are dozens of different types of flavors, and a growing number of companies offering prebiotic drink products. But they aren’t all created equal!
Below is a round-up of my favorites – and a brief review of several other popular prebiotic drink brands which didn’t measure up to my high standards (and why).
The 4 best prebiotic drinks on the market
In my professional opinion, the 4 best prebiotic drinks to try (if you haven’t already) include the following:
- Olipop
- Wildwonder
- Mayawell
- Gut Power (prebiotic drink powder)
Read on to learn what I love about each of these, who they’re suited for, who they aren’t suited for, and where you can find them.
Prebiotic drink #1
Olipop has revolutionized the world of prebiotic beverages by crafting a drink that not only nourishes and soothes your gut but also delights the taste buds – without any refined sugars or artificial sweeteners.
What I love about it
Scientifically formulated
Olipop’s recipe is meticulously crafted, drawing on scientific research to optimize gut health benefits. The blend of prebiotic fibers in Olipop works synergistically to nourish the gut microbiome and maintain a balanced digestive system.
Natural and refreshing
Unlike many sugary and artificial beverages on the market, Olipop takes pride in using only natural ingredients and flavors.
With flavors like Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, and Strawberry Vanilla, Olipop offers a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas. (Strawberry vanilla is my personal favorite!)
Made with soothing demulcent herbs
What sets Olipop apart from its prebiotic drink counterparts is its fusion of prebiotic and demulcent herbs, strategically chosen for their soothing and healing properties for an inflamed gut.
- The prebiotic demulcent herbs in Olipop (including marshmallow root, nopal cactus, chamomile flower, and slippery elm bark) provide a gentle yet effective approach to nourishing and soothing an irritated gut lining.
- Additional prebiotic herbs in this functional blend include Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, cassava root, and kudzu root which provide special prebiotic fibers and resistant starches.
Low in sugar and naturally sweetened
Each can of Olipop contains only 2 to 5 grams of sugar. Instead of using corn syrup, cane sugar or beet sugar, which can all potentially feed pathogenic (unhealthy) gut microbes for people with dysbiosis, (1) Olipop is sweetened primarily with a combination of cassava root syrup, fruit juice concentrate and stevia leaf extract.
- These sweeteners are all natural, and thus among some of the best sweeteners for IBS (from a holistic gut health perspective).
High in fiber
Each can of Olipop provides about 8 to 9 grams of fiber. This is generally beneficial for gut health, especially since most adults need about 20 to 38 grams of fiber per day!
(Note: too much fiber is NOT good if you have been prescribed a low fiber diet. Consult your doctor and registered dietitian if you’re unsure!)
Non-GMO
Olipop is committed to transparency and sources its ingredients from trusted suppliers.
Every can is free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and GMOs, ensuring that you’re nourishing your gut with the highest quality ingredients.
Who it’s suited for
Olipop is a wonderful option for people looking to increase their fiber and prebiotic intake, reduce their sugar intake (especially from soda), balance their blood sugar levels, and improve/optimize gut health.
When to steer clear
If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), you may not be able to tolerate the FODMAPs (“fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols”) in Olipop – since they can potentially trigger or worsen symptoms of gas and bloating.
You should also consult your healthcare team before trying Olipop if you’ve been prescribed a low fiber diet.
Where to find it
You can find Olipop at most Whole Foods, Sprouts, and natural food stores near you. It is also available online via their official website store and on Amazon*.
Prebiotic drink #2
Wildwonder is a relatively new and innovative women-owned prebiotic drink company which has skillfully crafted a beverage that harnesses the power of both prebiotics and probiotics.
What I love about it
Proprietary herbal prebiotic and probiotic blend
Wildwonder contains a special blend of herbal prebiotic fibers such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, and dandelion root, which serve as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. This diverse blend helps support a flourishing gut microbiome and enhances overall digestive function.
In addition to being a prebiotic drink, Wildwonder goes the extra mile by incorporating carefully selected probiotic strains, specificlly Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, renowned for their ability to promote gut health.
These probiotic strains can work in harmony with the prebiotics to maintain a balanced gut microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and improve nutrient absorption.
Low in added sugar and no fake additives
Wildwonder is committed to using only natural and plant-based ingredients, ensuring a refreshing and guilt-free experience.
With a focus on low sugar content and avoiding artificial additives, Wildwonder provides a fun and tasty way to support your gut health without compromising your gut health or blood sugar/hormone balancing goals.
Organic
Wildwonder is certified organic, which means they don’t use shady chemical pesticide or herbicide sprays like glyphosate (“Round Up”) on their stuff.
Supportive herbs
Apart from its prebiotic and probiotic components, Wildwonder includes herbal infusions of hibiscus, rosemary, and lavender, which add unique flavors, nutritional density, and additional health benefits.
- For example, lavender is a nervine herb which helps to relax an overactive, stressed-out nervous system!
These herbs also possess antioxidant properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and supporting overall well-being. By combining the benefits of prebiotics, probiotics, and ancillary supportive herbs, Wildwonder presents a holistic approach to gut health.
Who it’s for
Like Olipop, WIldwonder is great for people who are looking to reduce their sugar intake, replace soda with healthier alternatives, balance blood sugar/hormones, and optimize their gut health.
Who should steer clear
Wildwonder contains high FODMAP prebiotic herbs (like chicory root) and probiotic strains which may not be well tolerated by some people with IBS, especially if you have SIBO (a condition which often masquerades as IBS).
Consult your healthcare team before trying Wildwonder if you’re prone to gut issues like IBS or SIBO!
Where to find it
You can find WIldwonder at Whole Foods, Sprouts, most health food stores, their official website online storefront, and Amazon*.
Prebiotic drink #3
Mayawell is a newly emerging minority-owned prebiotic drink company on the market, based out of Mexico and Texas. This innovative beverage takes gut health to the next level by combining prebiotics, adaptogens, and botanicals.
Why it’s worth trying
Organic, local, sustainably-sourced ingredients
Mayawell extracts the prebiotic fibers from the agave plant, which grows abundantly throughout Mexico and Texas. Being certified organic means that certain harmful pesticides or herbicides (such as glyphosate, aka “Round Up”) were not allowed to be sprayed on their crops.
Low glycemic and low in fructose
Like Olipop and Wildwoner, Mayawell is a wonderful low glycemic drink which means it won’t spike your blood sugar or insulin levels.
What makes their proprietary blend, Active Agave, extra appealing is that the prebiotics in agave which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut are intact, but the high-sugar, high FODMAP fructose (the primary type of sugar naturally occurring in agave) has been removed.
This makes Mayawell appealing for people with diabetes, insulin resistance, and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Naturally sweetened
Mayawell is sweetened with agave nectar, which is a great option for people who suspect they have underlying gut microbial imbalances like candida overgrowth and/or dysbiosis. Since the fructose has been removed, Mayawell is most likely safe for most people with a fructose intolerance. (Consult your healthcare team if you’re unsure!)
High in fiber
Each can of Mayawell prebiotic drink provides ~5 grams of fiber. This is a nice option for people who are looking to increase their fiber intake, balance hormones/blood sugar, levels, and increase satiety.
Who it’s suited for
Mayawell is a great prebiotic drink option for folks who would like to improve their gut health, reduce their sugar intake, replace soda with a healthier alternative, increase their intake of prebiotics, and optimize thor gut microbiome.
Who should steer clear
Avoid Mayawll or consult your healthcare team if you have IBS or SIBO, since Mayawell may contain FODMAPs (poorly digested carbohydrate constituents which can potentially worsen symptoms of gas/bloating).
You should also proceed with caution and consult your healthcare team before trying Mayawell if you’ve been prescribed a low fiber diet.
Where to find it
Mayawell is currently only available in certain storefronts in Dallas, Texas – but you can still order it online via their online store, or through Amazon*
Prebiotic drink #4
For individuals with IBS and/or SIBO, Gut Power (a prebiotic drink powder mix) is potentially a fabulous prebiotic drink option! This low FODMAP prebiotic drink mix is specifically designed to support IBS/SIBO sufferers without triggering symptoms.
Why it’s worth trying
Low in FODMAPs
Gut Power is uniquely formulated with a focus on low FODMAP ingredients, which are often problematic for individuals with IBS and/or SIBO. (Learn more about the low FODMAP diet here!)
By minimizing high FODMAP components, Gut Power offers prebiotic benefits that support gut health without triggering an IBS attack or exacerbating symptoms.
High in antioxidants
Gut Powder also contains antioxidant-rich prebiotic herbal powders such as matcha and cacao powder, which are wonderful for fighting inflammation on the cellular level – not just in your gut, but in your entire body.
Cacao and matcha also contain lots of prebiotic polyphenols. (2, 3)
SIBO-friendly
This prebiotic drink mix powder is specially fortified with the SIBO-friendly prebiotic SunFiber, which is derived from partially hydrolyzed guar gum (a well-tolerated and effective prebiotic for SIBO sufferers) – and it also includes a SIBO-friendly probiotic strain, Bacillus coagulans.
(Most people with SIBO can’t tolerate the more commonly used probiotic strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, unfortunately!)
This SIBO-friendly prebiotic and probiotic blend serves to help safely nourish the gut microbiome, enhance bowel regularity, and aid in overall digestive well-being – without an unwanted flare.
Convenient and customizable
Gut Power comes in a convenient powder form, allowing for easy incorporation into daily routines. With customizable serving sizes, you can personalize the amount you have based on your specific needs.
Prebiotic drink powder is generally also very portable! You can bring it in a backpack, pocketbook or suitcase when traveling.
High-quality ingredients
Gut Power prides itself on sourcing high-quality ingredients, ensuring that individuals receive the best possible support for their gut health. The thoughtfully selected prebiotic fibers in Gut Power are designed to promote a healthy gut environment and improve overall digestive function.
By opting for Gut Power, folks with IBS and/or SIBO can enjoy the benefits of a prebiotic drink while minimizing the risk of triggering symptoms.
Who it’s for
Gut Power is prefect for people suffering from IBS and/or SIBO who can’t tolerate FODMAPs and/or “regular” probiotic supplements.
When to steer clear
Cacao and matcha contain caffeine, although not very high quantities so this is not a concern for most people unless you’ve been prescribed a caffeine-free diet.
Generally I don’t see any health risks associated with consuming any of the ingredients in Gut Powder, but it’s always a good idea to consult your treatment team if you’re navigating a medical condition of any kind!
Where to find it
Gut Power isn’t yet available in stores, but you can order it through their online storefront here.
What about Poppi?
If you’re familiar with prebiotic drinks, you’ve likely seen (or tried) a prebiotic drink called Poppi which may be found in local supermarkets near you.
The only prebiotic constituent in Poppi is agave inulin, which is high in FODMAPs. The small amount of agave inulin in a can of Poppi is only providing ~2 grams of fiber, so this isn’t really enough to make a difference in your gut microbial profile.
While Poppi does contain prebiotics, and it’s all-natural, I chose not to endorse Poppi as one of the top 3 prebiotic drinks because they add a decent amount of cane sugar to their products.
- There isn’t a lot of added sugar (at only ~4-5 grams per can), but if you ask me, it still isn’t ideal to add cane sugar to a beverage that is supposed to be helping you optimize your gut microbes. 😉
On the other hand, while it may not be the best prebiotic option, Poppi is still an exponentially better-for-you alternative to soda of any kind!
What about Vina?
Based out of California, Vina stands out as a refreshing better-for-you soda alternative that combines prebiotics, trace minerals, and antioxidants.
This prebiotic drink is catching people’s attention because it’s organic, contains trace minerals and “no added sugar”. They also pride themselves on being “stevia free”, which is not inherently good or bad.
I ultimately chose NOT to endorse Vina because their products are sweetened with erythritol. And as a gut health dietitian nutritionist, I’ve noticed anecdotally (through almost a decade of running a private nutrition practice) that erythritol seems to trigger and worsen symptoms of IBS in a lot of my clients.
- To clarify, there are currently NO research studies available to verify any claims about erythritol being “bad” for gut health, but either way, I’d rather not recommend products that are sweetened with erythritol for obvious reasons.
Full transparency: The erythritol is the only thing holding me back from endorsing Vina as a good prebiotic drink option. If Vina decides to swap the erythritol for organic stevia leaf extract or monk fruit extract, I’d be happy to endorse them!
Frequently asked questions
Is Olipop low FODMAP?
No; Olipop is not low FODMAP. One of the key ingredients in Olipop is chicory root fiber, a high-FODMAP prebiotic fiber which can trigger or amplify symptoms such as gas and bloating for many people with IBS.
Each can of Olipop contains ~8 to 9 grams of fiber, so even small quantities of this prebiotic drink could potentially trigger a flare especially if you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Is Mayawell low FODMAP?
The prebiotic ingredient in Mayawell is Active Agave, which is essentially extracted prebiotic constituents from the agave plant. The company claims that this ingredient is low in fructose and low in glycemic index, so it is looking promising.
However, this proprietary formulated prebiotic hasn’t been formally tested or evaluated by Monash University (the founder of the FODMAP movement). It’s possible that the inulin from the agave plant is a key prebiotic constituent in Mayawell.
If you struggle to digest high FODMAP foods/herbal constituents, you should proceed with caution and consult your healthcare team before trying Mayawell.
Is Poppi low FODMAP?
No, Poppi is not a low FODMAP drink. This is because the token prebiotic ingredient added to Poppi is agave inulin which is a type of fermentable fructan (similar to the stuff in garlic and onions).
- Consider keeping an IBS food diary to get more clarity on what works best for your body!
If you don’t tolerate garlic or onions, Poppi may potentially trigger an IBS flare for you. But since there are only 2 grams of fiber in the entire can (versus Olipop which contains 8 to 9 grams of fiber in each can), you may be able to tolerate Poppi in moderation.
If you’re just looking for oa better-for-you soda option, Poppi could still make a great alternative.
More resources
If you found this helpful and would like to continue nerding out with me on all things functional nutrition and herbal medicine for gut health, fabulous!
Please feel free to share this article with your fellow gut pals, and make sure check out any or all of the following articles from my blog archive:
Prebiotics and probiotics
- Should You & Can You Take Prebiotics and Probiotics Together? (FAQ)
- Prebiotic Foods and Herbs List PDF (Free, Downloadable, and Printable)
- Probiotic AND Prebiotic Foods List PDF (Free, Downloadable, and Printable) – With Product Links & Recipes
- Prebiotics vs Probiotics – What’s the Difference?
- What’s the Best Sauerkraut for Probiotics and Gut Health?
- Iron Supplements and Probiotics: What You Need to Know
Herbs
- Demulcent Herbs: Unlocking Their Potential for Gut Health & Beyond
- Prebiotic Foods and Herbs List PDF (Free Download)
- 39 Best Herbs for Leaky Gut & Digestive Health
- Turmeric for IBS and Leaky Gut – Does It Help?
Sweeteners
- Are Stevia and IBS Compatible?
- IBS and Sugar – A Holistic Perspective
- Pros and Cons of Honey for IBS
- Monk fruit and IBS
Recap
In my opinion as a holistic gut health dietitian who holds food and nutrition companies to very high standards, at this point in time, Olipop, Wildwonder, Mayawell, and Gut Power stand as the frontrunners in the market of prebiotic drinks since they don’t use gut-disrupting refined sugar or synthetic preservatives.
Olipop’s focus on prebiotic demulcent herbs and carefully selected prebiotic fibers make it an excellent choice for nourishing the gut lining. Meanwhile, Wildwonder’s harmonious blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and functional herbs offers a comprehensive approach to gut health optimization. And Mayawell’s propriety blend of locally-sourced ingredients is worth trying!
For IBS and SIBO sufferers who can’t tolerate the FODMAPs in Olipop or Wildwonder, or potentially Mayawll, the best choice is to go DIY by making your own low FODMAP prebiotic drink using a Gut Power low FODMAP prebiotic drink mix of your choice. (Matcha, cocoa, or cranberry lime… oh my!)
By replacing regular soda or other sugary drinks with a natural, low-sugar probiotic drink such as Olipop in your regular routine, you can take a proactive step towards supporting your gut microbiome and achieving optimal well-being.
However, remember to consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have SIBO to determine if prebiotic drinks are suitable for you!
