Gut health and vegan eating are two subjects you can often find circulating among the health-inclined in social media, blogs, and casual conversations these days.

For example: Should I take a probiotic for my gut health? What's the difference between vegan and plant-based? The list goes on.

Still, there's one important question that falls at the intersection of both these realms: Are probiotics vegan?

Not all probiotics are created equal, and not all are animal-free.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (namely, healthy bacteria) that can benefit your digestive system.* So, are they vegan?

"Probiotics consist of fermented vegan sources and fermented dairy-based sources (animal-based)," says Colorado-based dietitian Lauren Mitchell M.S., R.D..

They may or may not be animal-free depending on the probiotic source you choose, so it's important to read the ingredients carefully and select accordingly.

Start with (careful) research. You can do this online or in person at your local health food store. First and foremost, it's important to read the labels carefully and ask yourself: What are the ingredients? What is the capsule made of? Are these vegan?

There are a number of probiotic-rich vegan foods to uncover at your local market—you just have to know what to look for.

Mitchell and Cohen both suggest reaching for fermented plant foods, which are fantastic sources of good bacteria.

Mitchell also notes that it's important to eat "prebiotic food sources, such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, beans, and whole-grain foods," which help feed the probiotics in your gut.

Kimchi is a Korean dish made up of fermented vegetables1, most commonly cabbage. It contains the living probiotic Lactobacillus, which is fantastic for your gut health.*

Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh is a nutrient-dense vegan protein that contains both probiotics and prebiotics. One of our favorite brands to use is Lightlife. 

It's easy to forget, but olives2 are actually a probiotic food, rich in gut-healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus, to be exact). Just be sure the olives you buy are cured in brine, not just plain water. Toss these tasty bites into a bowl for a snack, sprinkle them on your favorite salad, or whip them into a dip.

Yogurt is a classic probiotic food3, and luckily, vegan versions fit the bill! We're personally fans of coconut yogurt, such as GT's Cocoyo, which is made from coconuts and doesn't contain additives, fillers, or gums.

Kombucha is a fermented tea that is bursting with gut-friendly Lactobacillus bacteria. Plus, this effervescent functional drink is fun to sip on!

Miso is also a great ingredient to keep handy in the kitchen, as it can pack a lot of punch to home-cooked dishes. Miso, like tempeh, is made from fermented soybeans4 and contains bacteria that are beneficial for the gut. It is also rich in B vitamins, plus vitamins E and K. 

A popular (and delicious condiment), sauerkraut is typically made by fermenting raw cabbage with various lactic acid bacteria. As Maggie Moon, M.S, R.D., previously told mbg, "It also offers nourishment that might not show up on a nutrition label, such as probiotics, flavonoids that protect against oxidative damage, and antimicrobial compounds."

Keeping your gut health in check is essential to your overall health. If you're vegan, there are a number of great supplements and food options to help incorporate more probiotics into your diet.

Whether you are adding a probiotic powder to your daily smoothie or taking it as a daily supplement—there are options to suit just about anyone's needs.