Probiotics and prebiotics sound almost identical, but they actually have very different jobs. One provides live beneficial bacteria, while the other helps to nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
So, what’s the difference, and why might you need both? Let’s take a closer look and explore some simple ways to make probiotics and prebiotics part of your everyday diet.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, help support the overall balance of bacteria in your digestive system (1). They are often referred to as “good” bacteria.
Probiotics can be found in a variety of foods, drinks and supplements. Some fermented foods, such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, may contain live microorganisms. However, not all fermented foods are probiotics. To be considered a probiotic, the specific microorganisms need to have been studied and shown to provide a health benefit (2).
Yakult contains the unique probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS), with at least 6.5 billion live LcS bacteria in every bottle (3).
Curious about the benefits of probiotics and the LcS strain? Read more about how Yakult supports digestive health.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively used by beneficial microorganisms in the gut, providing a health benefit (4). In simple terms, they provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria.
Many prebiotics are types of dietary fibre, but not all dietary fibres are prebiotics. Examples of well-known prebiotics include galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin (4).
Prebiotic fibres and other prebiotic compounds can also be found naturally in a variety of foods, including onions, garlic, asparagus, oats and legumes. This means you don’t necessarily need to look for special products to include prebiotics in your diet. Many can be enjoyed as part of everyday meals and snacks.
Different role, a shared goal
Although their names sound similar, probiotics and prebiotics have different roles.
Figure 1. Prebiotics vs Probiotics: What’s the Difference?
The good news? They aren’t competitors. Including both prebiotic-rich foods and probiotics as part of a balanced diet can help support your gut health.
Where can you find prebiotics?
Prebiotic compounds can be found in many everyday foods. Here are some food examples.
Figure 2. Everyday foods containing prebiotic compounds(5).
Why not choose a few of your favourites and add them to your meals and snacks throughout the day?
Easy ways to add more prebiotics
Adding foods that contain prebiotic compounds to your everyday meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Try adding rolled oats to breakfast, choosing wholegrain or rye bread, or adding garlic, onions and barley to soups and other meals.
You don’t need to make major changes all at once. Start with foods you already enjoy and look for simple ways to include them throughout the day.
Did you know?
You don’t need supplements or special products to get more prebiotics. Many everyday foods naturally contain prebiotic fibres, making it easy to include them as part of a balanced diet.
A simple daily habit for your gut
Foods containing prebiotic compounds and probiotics can both be part of a balanced diet. Enjoy a variety of these foods alongside one bottle of Yakult a day as part of your daily routine.
It’s a simple way to enjoy both prebiotics and probiotics throughout your day.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your gut health isn’t about choosing prebiotics or probiotics. It’s about enjoying a variety of foods and making balanced choices as part of your everyday routine.
They have different jobs, but there’s room for both in a balanced diet.
Reference:
- Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, Gibson GR, Merenstein DJ, Pot B, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11(8):506-14. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66.
- International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Probiotics: Dispelling myths [Internet]. [cited 2026 Sep 2]. Available from: https://isappscience.org/resource/probiotics-dispelling-myths/
- Yakult Australia. What is Yakult? [Internet]. Dandenong South (VIC): Yakult Australia Pty Ltd; [cited 2026 Aug 24]. Available from: https://www.yakult.com.au/product/
- Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Sanders ME, Prescott SL, Reimer RA, Salminen SJ, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;14(8):491-502. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75.
- Monash University, Department of Gastroenterology. Prebiotic diet – FAQs [Internet]. Melbourne: Monash University; [cited 2026 Aug 24]. Available from: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/translational/gastroenterology/prebiotic/faq#3