Published March 3, 2025
BY AVERY PALSHAW
Science has not only led to the creation of electricity, telephones and, thankfully, GPS, but it also has paved the way for humans to drink living microorganisms. Now, that sounds bad, but probiotic drinks contain beneficial microbes that help balance the bacteria in the digestive system. These little microbes produce immune cells, synthesize vitamins and break down food. Prebiotic drinks, on the other hand, hold compounds in foods that beneficial microorganisms can feed off of. As both are positive for digestive health, below is a taste breakdown of some commonly found probiotic and prebiotic drinks.
Synergy Kombucha – Trilogy
There are 9 billion living probiotics in this kombucha, yet nothing can convince me it’s enjoyable to drink. Do avid kombucha drinkers actually like the taste of vinegar? Or do they just tell themselves they do to prevent their own repulsion? I really must know.
3/10
Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Vinegar Beverage – Blueberry & Pomegranate
Again with the wretched vinegar. Just why? At least with Trader Joe’s probiotic drink, there’s actually some hints of blueberry and pomegranate in it, rather than it simply being overpowered by the bitter taste of vinegar. Nonetheless, inexcusable.
4/10
Health-Ade Kombucha – Tropical Pineapple
Health-Ade deserves a standing ovation and possibly a Nobel Prize for curating a kombucha that is not vomit-inducing. Is it extraordinary? Of course not, but at least its hints of pineapple and refreshing first few sips are stomachable. I commend them for trying.
5/10
Culture Pop Soda – Strawberry & Rhubarb
There’s no other way to describe this probiotic soda other than sufficient. Calling it soda is a stretch, as its taste is subtle like sparkling water, only it is not overly carbonated. While this Culture Pop soda may not be revolutionary, it certainly is not as horrific as kombucha and serves as an enjoyable palette cleanser.
7/10
Daytrip Prebiotic Soda – Grapefruit Lime
Daytrip hits it out of the park with this prebiotic drink. With a stronger citrus flavor than the other sodas, this drink can best be compared to a San Pellegrino and is definitely worth making a trip to the store for. Its sole downside is that it’s overly carbonated, but that can be overlooked.
9/10
Culture Pop Soda – Pink Grapefruit & Ginger
Yet another Culture Pop product, this microbe-filled medley proves to be the more likeable sister, with a spicy undertone of ginger that leaves a kick on the taste buds. Culture Pop’s exquisite soda is light and not too sugary, creating for a perfect probiotic drink. It does, however, taste heavily of ginger, so one must really enjoy that flavor in order to fully appreciate this drink.
9/10
