I’m a Dietitian & This Is the Only Brand of Yogurt I Buy

Since I’m a dietitian, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I love yogurt. Yogurt is a nutrient-dense spoonful of deliciousness that’s packed with calcium, protein, gut-supporting probiotics and live and active cultures. Plus, it’s versatile, convenient and affordable. 

Yet among the sea of options (and there are a lot of them lately!), my go-to yogurt isn’t a trendy Greek yogurt or one that’s flavored with fancy toppings. The yogurt that has a place in my heart is Activia. 

Sure, Activia may conjure memories of those classic Jamie Lee Curtis commercials from the ‘90s and 2000s. And it may not be the trendiest yogurt on the shelves. But there’s something to be said for the ingredients in this creamy, delish option. That’s why I’ve been eating it for over 20 years.

What Is Activia Yogurt?

Activia yogurt is so much more than a nostalgic choice. Sure, it contains everything you would expect from a dairy yogurt, like calcium, protein, probiotics and live and active cultures. However, what sets Activia apart is its exclusive gut-supporting probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494. Probiotics that fall into the Bifidobacterium family are tough little critters capable of withstanding the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. So, when they reach your intestines, they’re alive, active and ready to do their thing.

But Activia isn’t all about Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494. It also contains three other gut-supporting probiotics: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactococcus lactis. While the research is a bit on the older side, it has shown that Activia’s combo of probiotics may alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Studies have shown that consuming Activia for two to four weeks may help reduce the frequency of digestive issues like gas, bloating, stomach rumbling and abdominal discomfort. However, to reap these benefits, it can’t be the occasional thing. You have to eat it twice daily for at least two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

At the same time, it’s important to note that not all live and active cultures are considered probiotics, the live organisms that do loads of good things for your health. That’s because different probiotic strains offer distinct health benefits. So, it’s crucial to be aware of the specific strains in the product you choose, especially if you’re targeting certain health concerns or trying to optimize your digestive well-being. In my case, when I’m eating Activia, I’m not just eating probiotics. I know I’m getting clinically backed strains that may alleviate digestive discomfort.

Why Activia Is My Go-To Yogurt

Of course, I still enjoy a wide variety of yogurts. But Activia is the first one I toss into my grocery cart. And this has been the case ever since I can remember.

As a dietitian, I lean on the evidence when making nutrition decisions. So, I really appreciate a yogurt that contains multiple clinically backed probiotic strains. While consuming other varieties of yogurt can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, probiotic strains can vary from brand to brand. Choosing Activia gives me confidence that I’m getting a yogurt with scientifically studied and proven probiotics. Plus, it’s made without questionable ingredients, and the flavors are delicious! Because who wants to eat yogurt that doesn’t taste great? 

Over the years, Activia has developed new products like probiotic drinks and Activia with added fiber. While everything they make tastes great and fuels my gut with those science-backed probiotic strains, I can’t seem to get away from the OG in their quintessential 4-ounce container. I’ve been eating it for decades and have no plans to stop anytime soon.