GoodBelly Probiotic Juice Drinks are marketed as an easy way to take in digestive healthy probiotics. Each product contains a dose of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum299v (Lp299v). GoodBelly products are also reportedly:
- Organic
- Dairy-free
- Soy-free
- Vegan
- Free of artificial flavors, colors, GMOs and preservatives
Gluten-free and sugar-free options are available.
Probiotics in GoodBelly Products
The manufacturers of the GoodBelly products chose the probiotic Lp299v to add to their products due to its performance in various type of research studies. Specifically, these studies provide evidence that Lp299v passes into, adheres to, and colonizes in the intestines.
The amount of live units of probiotic cultures per serving varies slightly in the different products offered. Most GoodBelly products contain 20 billion "colony forming units." GoodBelly Kids contains only 10 billion, while GoodBelly BigShot contains 50 billion units. The manufacturers recommend one serving per day, with the expectation that you will see results within 12 days.
Taste Test
The folks at GoodBelly were nice enough to send me some samples to taste. Here are my personal reactions to the GoodBelly flavors:
- Blueberry Acai: Absolutely delicious.
- Mango: Interestingly tropical.
- Pomegranate Blackberry: Tart, but pleasing.
- Vanilla Chamomile: Tasty -- creamy with a twist. The dairy-free BigShot that I sampled would satisfy an ice cream/frozen yogurt craving.
My Bottom Line
I have to say that I really like this company's commitment to healthy ingredients. I applaud GoodBelly's use of organic ingredients and fruits packed with health-promoting phytonutrients.
Except in some rare cases, there does not seem to be a downside to the use of probiotics, and some selected research does support beneficial effects of probiotics in improving digestive health. If you like juice, then GoodBelly Probiotic Juice products would be an easy way for you to take in probiotics, as well as help you to get in your "five a day" servings of fruits.
A major word of caution: Some IBS patients find themselves with a fructose intolerance. If you have been diagnosed with such an intolerance, then obviously GoodBelly fruit juices would not be for you. I am impressed that the GoodBelly company offers a fruit-free alternative in their Organic GoodBelly BigShot drink option.
Sources:
GoodBelly Probiotic Juice Drink web site. Accessed February 23, 2011.
Quigley, E. "Therapies Aimed at the Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: Antibiotics, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics, Anti-inflammatory Therapies" Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 2011 40:207-222.
