Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Review: Cost, Ingredients and Effectiveness

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Some of the potential benefits of a healthy gut microbiota include improved digestive health, enhanced nutrient absorption, boosted immunity and improved mental health. However, the levels and types of probiotics in our bodies can be influenced by a number of factors such as diet, medication use, illness and stress. This is why many individuals turn to consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements that can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut and support our overall health.

Olly’s combination Probiotic + Prebiotic formula is one of these supplements that’s intended to foster a healthy gut microbiota. In this review, we are going to break down everything you need to know about this popular product, including the potential benefits, bacterial strains, how it works and anything else you need to know to determine if Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic is the right supplement to support your health and wellness needs.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Supplement Details

• Combination probiotic and prebiotic supplement
• Designed to support digestive health by promoting a healthy gut microbiota
• 500 million CFUs (colony forming units) of live cultures and 1.5 grams of prebiotic fiber
• Convenient and easy to use once-a-day gummy
• Peachy Peach flavor receives good reviews

Pros

• Blend of probiotics and prebiotics in one gummy supplement
• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, flavors or colors
• 15% off for subscribers
• Only five calories per gummy chew
• NSF certified for quality, safety and label claims
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Only one strain of bacteria included in the supplement formula
• Only one flavor option available
• Not suitable for vegans

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Claims

Olly probiotic gummies are formulated to support a healthy digestive tract and strong immune system. The 500 million CFUs of bacillus coagulans work with your body’s natural microbiota to support the digestion and absorption of nutrients, while the prebiotic fiber nourishes your good bacteria so it can thrive and work more efficiently in your body.

Quality of Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Ingredients

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a type of bacteria that’s commonly used as a probiotic due to its ability to survive the harsh stomach acid and bile environments of the body. This allows it to actually reach the intestines alive and intact and provide the body with the intended health benefits. These potential beneficial effects include supporting digestive health, reducing inflammation and enhancing immune function. Recent studies have also shown that this strain of bacteria has therapeutic effects on a variety of intestinal diseases such as acute diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. Most studies have used doses of bacillus coagulans ,ranging from 100 million to 10 billion CFUs per day. Although Olly’s 500 million CFUs is on the lower end of this spectrum, it should be enough to begin populating the gut with this beneficial bacteria. Overall, bacillus coagulans is considered safe for most people when taken in appropriate dosages.

Prebiotic Blend

The Olly prebiotic blend in its Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement is a combination of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xylitol and inulin. Fructooligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate that’s found naturally in plants such as onions, garlic, asparagus, banana and artichoke. Prebiotic fibers are food for your gut microbiotia. They're indigestible by the human body, but can be fermented by the beneficial bacteria in our gut for fuel.

The next ingredient, xylitol, is not generally considered to be a prebiotic, but has been shown to have some beneficial effects on gut health. Specifically, it has been shown to selectively stimulate the growth of certain beneficial bacteria in the gut while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

The final ingredient in the prebiotic blend is inulin, which is a type of prebiotic fiber that's naturally found in fibrous plants like chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke and asparagus. Inulin is not digested by the human body, but is instead consumed by the beneficial gut bacteria in our bodies. In addition to having a positive effect on our internal microbiota, inulin also exhibits a number of health benefits, including regulating lipid metabolism, weight loss, lowering blood sugar and anti-inflammatory effects. 

That being said, most studies used inulin dosages between five and 10 grams, while Olly’s prebiotic blend contains only 1.5 grams total. It would be nice if Olly told you how much of each individual ingredient was in its prebiotic blend instead of using its proprietary formula. It’s safe to say that additional dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables would be beneficial to properly foster your healthy gut microbiota.

Other Ingredients

The other ingredients in the supplement are for turning this product into a gummy and include water, cane sugar, gelatin, lactic acid, citric acid, natural flavor, tartaric acid and coloring from anthocyanins. These are all natural ingredients, and only amount to five calories in each one-gummy serving size.

Nutrition Facts

Olly’s choice to use gummies for its supplements has led to greater enjoyment and adherence in consistently taking its products. Olly does a great job in making these supplements as low-calorie as possible, and its Probiotic + Prebiotic product only has five calories and less than one gram of sugar per serving.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Flavors

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement only comes in one flavor option: Peachy Peach. Olly describes it as a juicy peach flavor.

How does the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic taste?

I haven’t personally tried this product, but I have tried a number of Olly’s other supplements, and they have all tasted great. From the consumer reviews on the Olly website, customers seem to really enjoy the peach flavor. Many individuals comment that the gummy isn't overly sweet.

Olly Probiotic Strains + Prebiotic Fibers

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement contains 500 million CFUs of bacillus coagulans and 1.5 grams of a prebiotic fiber blend of fructooligosaccharides, xylitol and inulin. Bacillus coagulans is well known for its health benefits and ability to survive the harsh environment of the stomach and make it into the intestines, while the prebiotic fiber blend is included to nourish the probiotic organisms.

Related Post: The Best Probiotics for Men

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Cost

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement is priced at $13.99 for a 30 serving supply. Olly also offers a 15% off subscribe and save discount, which will reduce the cost of the product down to $11.89 if you take advantage of that offer. The price of probiotic supplements can vary widely depending on several factors, including the brand, the type of strains, the amount of bacteria in the product and whether the supplement contains additional ingredients like prebiotics. Olly’s supplement cost falls in line with other similar probiotic gummies on the market, and I believe is priced appropriately for what you get. If you want a more concentrated probiotic supplement containing over a billion CFUs, then you can expect to pay a higher price.

Who Should Use Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

Probiotic and prebiotic supplements are most commonly used by individuals who have digestive issues, weakened immune systems or who need to repopulate their gut microbiota. If you experience common digestive issues like bloating, gas or constipation, then a probiotic supplement may be beneficial in reducing or eliminating these symptoms. Probiotics can also help boost the immune system by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which can help fight off harmful pathogens. Anyone who has recently used antibiotics may also benefit from a probiotic supplement because these medications can kill beneficial bacteria in addition to the harmful ones. Probiotics such as Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut after a course of antibiotics.

Related Post: The 11 Best Probiotics for Women

Who Should NOT Use Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

While Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement is generally considered safe for most people, there are certain individuals who shouldn’t use this supplement without at least consulting with a healthcare professional first. If you have certain medical conditions such as IBS, are undergoing any medical procedures such as surgery or chemotherapy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should definitely speak with your primary healthcare provider before starting the use of a probiotic and prebiotic supplement.

How to take Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

Olly’s instructions for its Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement say to consume one gummy daily, and that no food or water is needed. In general, it’s recommended to take probiotics with food to help protect the live bacteria from stomach acid and improve their survival rate as they pass through the digestive tract. However, since bacillus coagulans is resistant to stomach acid, it can survive on an empty stomach, and you can take Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement whenever is most convenient for you.

How the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Works

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement works by delivering the 500 million CFUs of bacillus coagulans into the intestine where it can grow and begin providing health benefits. The prebiotic blend included in this supplement will work to help feed and cultivate the healthy gut microbiota, including the bacillus coagulans.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Benefits

The benefits of this supplement are largely based on the strain of bacteria in Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic gummy, bacillus coagulans. Some of the potential benefits of this supplement include:

• Improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Supporting digestive health
• Reducing inflammation
• Improving immunity
• Reducing or eliminating the symptoms of a variety of different intestinal diseases, such as acute diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation

What Customers Are Saying About Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement is rated at 4.6/5 stars with over 300 reviews on the Olly website at the time of writing. Many of the customer reviews make note of the delicious peach flavor and how convenient the gummy is to take, but more importantly, they also comment on how the product makes them feel. Many began taking this supplement due to gastrointestinal issues they had been having, and generally felt that this supplement made a noticeable difference. One consumer even notes that, in addition to their stomach feeling better after meals, they also have more energy and less tension headaches during the day. While some consumers have experienced some side effects, such as gas, or simply didn’t see any noticeable benefits, these cases are few and far between, and I think the best thing to do is to try them out for yourself and see how they work for you.

What Is Olly?

Founded in 2013, Olly is a dietary supplement company best known for its playful branding and colorful packaging that sets itself apart from other supplement companies in the space. One of the primary reasons for Olly’s rapid success is that its supplement labels clearly define the end benefit of its products, rather than solely listing the individual ingredients. For example, Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement simply reads: “for a balanced belly, a collaborative pair of live cultures and friendly fiber.” This easy-to-understand labeling has resonated well with consumers who desire convenient and accessible supplements to support their health and fitness goals.

In addition to its probiotic and prebiotic supplements, Olly offers a wide variety of other products including multivitamins, adaptogens and sleep aids, to name a few. The majority of these product offerings directly align with Olly’s mission of breaking down the barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health. Using the hashtag “happy inside out," Olly seeks to provide consumers with the products they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic vs Goli

Another well known name in the gummy supplement space is Goli Nutrition. Goli offers a three-in-one supplement that contains pre, post and probiotics. Goli claims this supplement is intended to improve digestive health, promote immune support and help create a balanced gut. This supplement has a serving size of three gummies, and each serving contains 30 calories, one billion CFUs of bacillus subtilis, 20 milligrams of the postbiotic lactobacillus paracasei and 50 milligrams of xylooligosaccharides. This means that this supplement has double the live cultures, but a significant amount less of the prebiotic. In terms of the strain of bacteria in each supplement, you could argue the bacillus coagulans has more potential benefits than the bacillus subtilis, which is best known for helping to strengthen the intestinal barrier, but both should lead to improved digestion, immunity and other benefits. In terms of other factors that may influence your decision, the price point of these supplements are fairly comparable, but Goli’s product is vegan friendly, unlike Olly’s.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic vs Nature Made

A 42-count bottle costs of Nature Made's Digestive Probiotics Ultra-Strength Gummies costs $29.29 and contains 21 servings, which means the serving size is two gummies. Each serving contains 35 calories and eight billion CFUs of bacillus coagulans, the same strain of bacteria used in Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement. This means that Nature Made’s Ultra-Strength Probiotic Gummies are 16 times more potent than Olly's Probiotic + Prebiotic, but they come at a higher price point and don't contain any prebiotics. The other difference is that Nature Made comes in a raspberry and cherry flavor compared to the peach flavor from Olly. If you prefer a more concentrated probiotic supplement, then Nature Made’s gummies may better suit your needs.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic FAQs

Does the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic help with bloating?

While this product may not help everyone, studies have shown that bacillus coagulans, the strain of bacteria in Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement, demonstrates significant improvements in regard to digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.

Is Olly FDA-approved?

Olly’s products are considered dietary supplements and therefore do not require FDA approval before being sold to customers. While they might not need approval by the FDA, they still must comply with FDA regulations in regard to the best manufacturing practices, supplement labeling and safety. That being said, Olly does go above and beyond by submitting its products to third-party testing establishment NSF International, which is an independent organization that provides certifications and testing services for dietary supplements. An NSF certification lets consumers know that the product meets purity, quality and safety standards.

Is the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic a good probiotic?

I consider Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement to be “good” because it contains a well-studied strain of bacteria included in a clinically effective dosage level. While this product might not help everyone, many consumers have found symptom relief using this supplement for digestive issues, immunity and overall health.

Is the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic good for IBS?

The bacteria in Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement, bacillus coagulans, has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of IBS in both children and adults. Supplementation with this probiotic has been shown to lead to a reduction of abdominal discomfort and pain intensity and an increase in complete spontaneous bowel movements. If you've been diagnosed with a condition like IBS, you should consult with your primary healthcare provider before adding a probiotic supplement to your routine.

Takeaway: Is the Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Worth It?

There are several ways to ensure a healthy gut microbiota, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. That said, including probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods or supplements in your diet is also encouraged. Based on the scientific evidence, adding Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement into your routine may be helpful for promoting digestive and immunity benefits. My best recommendation is to try the product and monitor how you feel. At a price point of just over $10 dollars for a 30-day supply, I think Olly’s Probiotic + Prebiotic supplement is worth the investment. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.