· By Sven Johannes Blixt
Prebiotics vs Probiotics: What's the Difference, and Do You Need Both?
Prebiotics and probiotics get lumped together so often that it's easy to assume they're the same thing. They're not. Here's the difference, in plain English.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms. On a label they're named by strain, such as Bacillus subtilis or Lactobacillus, and counted in CFU (colony-forming units). You'll find live cultures in fermented foods like dahi, kefir and kanji.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are fibres that your body doesn't digest but the bacteria in your gut can use. That's why they're often described as food for beneficial bacteria. Inulin is a common one, found in chicory root, onions, garlic and bananas.
Prebiotic vs probiotic at a glance
| Probiotic | Prebiotic | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Live microorganisms | A fibre |
| How it's listed | Strain name + CFU count | Fibre name (e.g. inulin) |
| Everyday sources | Dahi, kefir, kanji, other fermented foods | Onions, garlic, bananas, whole grains, chicory |
Do you need both?
That's a question about your diet as a whole, not about one product. Plenty of everyday Indian food brings one or the other, from a bowl of dahi to the onions in your dal. If you have specific digestive concerns, a doctor or dietitian is the right person to ask.
What's in a can of NYOD?
Both. Every can has the probiotic Bacillus subtilis (about 1.05 to 1.07 billion CFU, depending on flavour) and the prebiotic fibre inulin, alongside natural caffeine from green coffee beans and yerba mate, L-theanine and zero sugar. Full numbers are on our FAQ page.
It's a drink, not a supplement or a medicine: one small part of a balanced diet.
For what "gut-friendly" should mean on a label, read Gut-Friendly Energy Drinks in India.
FAQ
Are prebiotics and probiotics the same thing?
No. Probiotics are live microorganisms. Prebiotics are fibres.
Do probiotic drinks need to be refrigerated?
It depends on the strain. Many fermented milk drinks need the fridge. NYOD uses a spore-forming probiotic and is stored in a cool, dry place, best enjoyed chilled.
Is dahi a probiotic?
Dahi is made with live cultures, which is why it's one of the most familiar fermented foods in India.
The takeaway
Probiotics are the live part, prebiotics are the fibre. NYOD has pre + probiotics in every can. Good for your gut, great for your day.
Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women and persons sensitive to caffeine. Consume not more than 500 ml per day.
