Probiotics are a popular way to support gut health, digestion, and immunity. These beneficial bacteria may improve certain health outcomes and support a healthier digestive system in some populations. (1) As more people recognize the importance of gut health, many are turning to probiotic supplements for added support. Nutricost, known for its affordable, high-quality products, offers a budget-friendly probiotic complex with several helpful strains. But is it any good, or do you truly get what you pay for?
As experts in health and nutrition, we took a close look at this product. Our Nutricost Probiotic Complex review focuses on key factors like strain variety, CFU count, manufacturing practices, and customer feedback. After hands-on testing, here’s our assessment of its quality, value, and potential benefits.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Key product features
What you should know
The Nutricost Probiotic Complex provides a good mixture of beneficial bacteria to support digestive, immune, and metabolic health. (1) It’s conveniently packaged, easy to take, and offers impressive quality for its price point.
- Our tester found the small, easy-to-swallow capsule effective for maintaining regular digestion without noticeable issues during daily use. We like the fact that you only need one capsule daily to get the full dose.
- At $0.25 to $0.42 per serving, Nutricost Probiotic Complex is one of the most affordable options available, offering great value for its variety of strains and CFU count.
- This product is a great option for those new to probiotics. It’s affordable and offers a wide range of potential benefits.
- You must refrigerate this product, which can be inconvenient, especially if you travel frequently.
- Nutricost doesn’t report the exact CFU count for each strain, so it’s hard to assess the formula’s effectiveness accurately.
Nutricost Probiotic Complex overview
Nutricost Probiotic Complex is an affordable, broad-spectrum probiotic supplement providing 10 strains of beneficial bacteria to support gut health and overall well-being.
Nutricost Probiotic Complex benefits
Nutricost Probiotic Complex offers many potential health benefits thanks to its diverse mix of 10 probiotic strains. These strains—primarily from the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces families—are well-known for supporting digestion, gut health, and overall wellness. (1,5)
For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus may support healthy digestion by breaking down lactose and promoting the growth of good bacteria. (6) Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium longum, when taken in specific doses, may improve symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation, particularly for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (7) Research also suggests Bifidobacterium longum may help reduce anxiety and stress, highlighting the gut-brain connection. (8)
Furthermore, this product’s Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may support weight loss. (9) Finally, Saccharomyces boulardii, also included, is commonly recommended to prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea. (10)
Keep in mind that while early research on probiotics shows promise, more studies are needed to understand the specific benefits of different strains and supplements fully. In addition, you may also need to test different strains to see what might help any symptoms you may be experiencing. That said, this product covers a lot of bases, making it an appealing option if you’re looking for broad gut health support.
Dosage and CFUs
Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), which tell you how many live organisms are in each dose. (1) Nutricost offers two options: 10 billion or 50 billion CFUs per serving, both higher than many other probiotic supplements.
While a higher CFU count doesn’t always mean better results, it can improve the chances that enough bacteria survive the harsh conditions in your stomach and make it to your lower digestive tract, where they’re needed most. Experts suggest that, in order to benefit from probiotics, you should choose probiotic supplements that contain a minimum concentration of 106 (1,000,000) viable CFU per gram. It’s also important that the viable CFU be guaranteed throughout the product’s shelf-life. (11)
However, Nutricost doesn’t specify the CFU count for each strain in the complex, making it hard to gauge its effectiveness. Different strains require specific dosages to match the benefits seen in studies.
It’s also unclear whether the total CFU count listed on the bottle refers to the number of live bacteria at the time of manufacture or the product’s expiration date. Probiotics must be alive to be beneficial and die off during storage. Choosing products that represent the live culture count at the expiration date ensures you get the total dose (and benefit) for the duration of the product life. (1)
On the plus side, we like that the full dose is provided in just one capsule, making it convenient to take and easier to stick with your routine.
Cost and value
Nutricost Probiotic Complex is one of the most affordable probiotics available. The 10 billion CFUs version costs about $0.25 per serving, while the 50 billion CFUs option costs up to $0.37 per serving. Plus, Nutricost offers a subscription option to make it more affordable. A generous 60-day money-back guarantee adds to the value.
Because finding the right probiotic strains can take some trial and error, we think it’s great that Nutricost is so budget-friendly.
Quality and testing
We appreciate that Nutricost Probiotic Complex has a simple, clean-label formula that’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians. However, it may not be ideal for those on a vegan diet, as probiotics are often grown in dairy-based cultures, and Nutricost hasn’t clarified if that applies here.
We also like that Nutricost Probiotic Complex is third-party tested and made in an FDA-registered facility. Since supplements aren’t strictly regulated, reliability can vary. These extra quality measures help you trust that you’re getting what the label says.
However, it would be helpful for Nutricost to share their testing results with their customers, outlining specific CFU counts for each strain.
Taste and usability
Our product tester took Nutricost Probiotic Complex daily for two weeks to offer hands-on feedback. As a long-term user of probiotics, they were pleased to see that switching to this product maintained their digestive regularity. This could be a big plus for people looking to switch to a more cost-effective probiotic supplement without sacrificing effectiveness.
Our tester also gave this product a five out of five rating for how easy it was to take. The capsule is small, about the length of a penny, and easy to swallow, even without water. They did note it has a slight medicinal smell when the bottle is opened, and if you leave the capsule on your tongue too long, you may detect a faint taste. However, neither the smell nor the taste were strong enough to be bothersome.
Note that this product must be refrigerated to maintain potency, which can be inconvenient. Forgetting to refrigerate it could decrease the number of live bacteria by the time you consume it.
What customers are saying
Nutricost Probiotic Complex is rated well on Amazon, earning an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among more than 300 customers. Customer reviews indicate that people are happy with the probiotic’s quality and report feeling its benefits. The fact that it’s affordable and easy to swallow is also appreciated.
“It helps with sleep, stress, and energy..it really works for me.”
Kelly McCormick, Amazon
Another customer named Barry Wood Jr. says, “Great to find a probiotic at such a great price! Don’t forget to refrigerate.”
Nonetheless, it won’t work for everyone. Several customers reported minimal effects. However, remember that it takes time to see results. For example, customer Tracy Allen writes, “It takes several weeks to kick in, but once it does, it works great.”
We’ve featured Nutricost Probiotic Complex in:
- Best probiotics for men
- Best probiotics for women
- Best probiotics for IBS
- Best probiotics for weight loss
Specs
| Serving size | One capsule |
| Number of servings | 60 |
| Price per serving | $0.33 to $0.37 |
| Probiotic strains | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus gasseri |
| CFUs | 10 or 50 billion |
| Requires refrigeration | Yes |
| Third-party tested | Yes |
We’ve featured Nutricost Probiotic Complex in:
Who Nutricost Probiotic Complex is recommended for:
- People with digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea whose doctor has suggested using probiotics.
- People taking antibiotics who have received approval from their doctor.
- People looking for a multistrain product to cover a variety of health needs.
- People who regularly smoke or consume alcohol, which can lead to gut dysbiosis. (4)
Who Nutricost Probiotic Complex is not recommended for:
- People with digestive symptoms who have not consulted with their doctor.
- People who are already eating a fiber-rich diet and maintaining a healthy body weight. (12)
- People with digestive diseases like IBS or Crohns, unless under doctor supervision. (13)
- People whose health or symptoms get worse when taking probiotics.
Expert opinion
“This product boosts a high profile of 10 different probiotic strains, which is helpful when trying to approach gut health in a proactive way. Having a lower CFU dose at 10 billion can help the user really dial in how much they specifically need without going overboard, dosing until desired results are achieved. Although dosing per serving isn’t provided, the benefits still may be shown due to the positive outcomes of the different strains,”
Victoria Burgess, Phd, CSCS, CISSN, Fortune Recommends Advisor
Final thoughts
Nutricost Probiotic Complex is a well-rounded and affordable probiotic supplement that delivers good value without compromising too much on formulation. Its blend of 10 strains offers a broad spectrum of digestive health and other potential benefits. However, its need for refrigeration and the lack of detailed transparency around CFUs per strain are drawbacks. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable probiotic that covers the basics, we think Nutricost Probiotic Complex is worth considering.
Nutricost Probiotic Complex vs. competitors
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| Nutricost Probiotic Complex | Ritual Synbiotic+ | Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic | Legion Athletics Biome | Ora Organic Trust Your Gut | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price per serving | $0.33-$0.37 | $1.80 | $1.53 | $1.67 | $1.33 |
| Number of servings | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Probiotic strains | 10 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 6 |
| CFUs | 10 or 50 billion | 11 billion | 100 billion | 25 billion | 16 billion |
| Other key ingredients | None | Prebiotics and synbiotics | Prebiotics | Prebiotics | Prebiotics |
Nutricost Probiotic Complex leads with its value, offering a variety of probiotic strains at a high dose for an affordable price. It’s ideal for those seeking a simple, budget-friendly option with reliable third-party testing. With 60 servings in one bottle, it’s convenient for daily use with just one capsule per dose.
However, brands like Transparent Labs, Ritual, Legion Athletics, and Ora Organic provide more comprehensive formulas because they include prebiotics, or fibers that help probiotics thrive in the gut. While they cost more, they may be more effective because of these added ingredients. These brands also list the CFUs for each strain, which is helpful if you’re looking to target specific health needs. Finally, these options are vegan-friendly, which Nutricost is not. If more basic probiotics haven’t delivered the results you’re looking for, one of these advanced formulas might be the next best step.
How we score the best probiotics
Our team has tested 20 probiotics and researched dozens more. Every probiotic we review is rated across six primary categories. Each category is assigned a different percentage weight of the total score based on its relative importance when considering whether or not you should purchase a plant-protein product. Probiotic supplements can also earn bonus credits that boost the overall rating for third-party testing credentials from NSF, Labdoor, and more
You can check out our complete probiotic testing methodology here.
Exclusion of proprietary blends—25%
There are many different probiotic strains, each designed to address a specific health goal. Avoiding proprietary blends is crucial for transparency, allowing consumers to know exactly what and how much of each ingredient is included, ensuring a better assessment of the product’s effectiveness and safety.
Cultures contained—25%
Identifies the specific strains of probiotics or beneficial bacteria present in the product. The importance lies in the fact that different strains offer distinct health benefits, such as improved gut health, enhanced immunity, or better digestion.
Here are a few we consider:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Streptococcus thermophilus
Whether they’re encapsulated with a food source—20%
We determine if the probiotic cultures are paired with a prebiotic or other food source that nourishes the bacteria during digestion. This can enhance the survival rate of probiotics as they navigate through the digestive system, ensuring they reach the intestines effectively.
Whether cultures are alive—15%
This examines whether the probiotic cultures in the product are alive and viable at the time of consumption, which are necessary for the probiotics to exert their beneficial effects in the gut. The effectiveness of the product often depends on the survival of these cultures through processing and storage.
Colony forming units (CFUs) at end of shelf life—10%
CFUs represent the number of live microorganisms, typically bacteria, present in a probiotic supplement at the end of its shelf life. We like to see probiotics that provide at least 20 billion or more CFUs, though these are the ranges we consider:
- Under 1 billion
- 1 Billion to 4.9 Billion
- 5 Billion to 9.9 Billion
- 10 Billion to 19.9 Billion
- 20 Billion+
Form—5%
The form is important because it can affect how easily the product is consumed, absorbed, and stored. Different forms may also have varying shelf lives and convenience factors for the user. We evaluate:
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Powders
- Liquids
Why use a probiotic?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, like bacteria and yeasts, that are good for your health. You can find them in foods and supplements, and they help keep a balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your gut. (1) This balance is important because the collection of bacteria in your gut, called the gut microbiome, affects digestion, immunity, mental health, and even weight management. (2, 3, 9) There has been a positive correlation between the correct amount of beneficial bacteria and overall wellness.
Dysbiosis occurs when there’s a disturbance in gut bacteria, often caused by factors such as a poor diet, excessive growth of harmful organisms, insufficient microbial diversity, or antibiotic use. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and a weak immune system. (4)
Probiotics may help improve dysbiosis by crowding out bad bacteria, allowing the good ones to thrive. While foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics, supplements like Nutricost Probiotic Complex offer a more targeted approach, allowing you to choose specific strains and dosages to meet your needs. (1)
FAQs
Is Nutricost Probiotic Complex good for you?
Yes, Nutricost Probiotic Complex can be beneficial for overall gut health. It contains 10 strains of beneficial bacteria, including those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, which are known to support digestion, immune function, and potentially improve gut balance. (1) It’s also affordable, third-party tested, and made in a GMP-compliant facility, ensuring quality and value. Though the product may be helpful to some people, but it’s not the right choice for everyone, and it’s not necessary to promote gut health in healthy people.
How long does it take for the Nutricost Probiotic Complex to work?
It may take at least two weeks for probiotic supplementation to yield results. (14) Everyone responds differently. You should talk with your doctor before starting or stopping a probiotic regimen.
When should you take Nutricost Probiotic Complex?
Nutricost Probiotic Complex can be taken anytime during the day, with or without food. The most important thing is that you take it consistently on a daily basis. Pick a time that’s easy for you to remember to take it. The recommended dosage is one capsule with eight to 12 ounces of water.
What are some of the side effects of Nutricost Probiotic Complex?
Most people can take probiotic supplements, like Nutricost Probiotic Complex, without experiencing side effects. However, some people may experience worsening digestive symptoms. Consult with a doctor before introducing a new supplement into your routine. (1)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
Jillian Kubala is a registered dietitian based in Westhampton, NY. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science. Jillian uses a unique and personalized approach to help her clients achieve optimal wellness through nutrition and lifestyle changes. In addition to her private practice, Jillian works as a freelance writer and editor and has written hundreds of articles on nutrition and wellness for health publishers such as Healthline, Greatist, Medical News Today, and Health.
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria uses her extensive nutrition and performance knowledge every day. She has a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She’s an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago and Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level courses. She also sits on the advisory board for both the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the National Advisory Council of the First Responder Institute.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer for Fortune Recommends™ who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Meghan Novoshielski
MS, RDN, Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Meghan is an expert Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science and over 15 years of experience in the nutrition and wellness field. A sought-after health writer, she’s committed to empowering people to lead their healthiest lives by delivering trustworthy, practical, and engaging nutrition content.