Best Summer Probiotic Drinks for Gut Health

July 11, 2025

Summer heat can drain your energy, mess with digestion, and leave you feeling sluggish.

Summer heat puts extra stress on your digestion and hydration. As temperatures soar, gut imbalances such as acidity, bloating, and sluggish digestion become more common. The best way to beat the heat and keep your gut thriving?

The fix? Probiotic drinks.

These aren’t trendy wellness fads; they're time-tested, microbe-packed drinks that have been part of Indian kitchens for centuries.

Think kanji, buttermilk, lassi, or even a good batch of homemade kombucha. Each sip delivers live cultures that rebalance your gut, support digestion, and help your system fight back when monsoon illnesses strike.

In this guide, discover easy, delicious probiotic drinks that will keep you hydrated, balanced, and feeling your best, even in the hottest months.

What are probiotic drinks?

Probiotic drinks are fermented beverages containing live microorganisms. These microorganisms are often referred to as "good bacteria." When consumed, they supplement the natural bacterial population in your gut.

Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These drinks support digestive balance and nutrient absorption. They offer a simple and delicious way to support your microbiome.

Did you know your gut also produces essential vitamins? Listen to an expert from The Good Bug explain how taking care of your gut can naturally boost your vitamin production.

Why are probiotic drinks important for gut health?

Your gut hosts trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This ecosystem plays a vital role in your health.

An imbalance, or dysbiosis, can lead to various health issues. These include digestive problems, weakened immunity, and even certain chronic diseases.

Probiotic drinks help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They replenish beneficial bacteria, which can be depleted by diet, stress, or medications. Regular intake supports a diverse and resilient gut flora.

Also read: Probiotic Health Drinks In India And Their Benefits

Here are some refreshing and delicious probiotic drinks you can enjoy this summer to keep your gut in top shape.

Top summer probiotic drinks for optimal gut health

Several delicious and refreshing probiotic drinks are perfect for summer. Each offers unique flavours and probiotic profiles. Explore these options to find your favourites.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage. It is a summer favourite for good reason. Made by fermenting sweetened tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), kombucha offers a unique, tart, and fizzy taste. It comes in a delightful variety of fruit flavours, offering something for every palate.

Probiotic profile: Kombucha contains a diverse array of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, contributing to a well-balanced gut microbiome.
Added benefits: It also provides organic acids and antioxidants, further supporting overall health.
Refreshment factor: Many people find its invigorating fizziness incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Accessibility: While home brewing is possible, commercially prepared kombucha ensures consistent quality.
Storage tip: Always look for brands that store their kombucha refrigerated to preserve the live cultures effectively.

The Good Bug offers a trusted range of kombucha drinks crafted with live cultures and quality ingredients to support your gut health

Kefir

Originating from the Caucasus Mountains, kefir is a fermented milk drink made by fermenting milk with kefir grains (a combination of bacteria and yeast). It boasts a distinctly tangy taste and a wonderfully creamy texture, making it a satisfying choice.

Probiotic diversity: Kefir typically contains a wider variety of probiotic strains than yoghurt, often boasting up to 61 different strains, making it a powerful probiotic source.
Nutritional boost: It's also rich in calcium, protein, and B vitamins, contributing significantly to overall health, including bone health.
Lactose-friendly: For individuals with lactose intolerance, kefir can be a suitable alternative, as the fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose.
Dairy-free options: Non-dairy kefir alternatives are readily available, utilising bases such as coconut milk or water for a plant-based option.

Also read: Storing Water Kefir: Plastic or Glass

Water kefir

For those seeking a refreshing dairy-free probiotic drink, water kefir is an excellent choice. Made by fermenting sugar water with water kefir grains, it produces a lightly carbonated, naturally effervescent beverage.

Flavor profile: Water kefir is milder in flavor than milk kefir and can be easily customized with fruits, herbs, or spices, creating an endless array of delicious variations.
Probiotic power: Water kefir grains are a distinct culture from milk kefir grains, thriving on sugar to produce a high number of beneficial bacteria and yeasts.
Healthy alternative: Its natural fizziness makes it a healthier and more enjoyable alternative to sugary sodas.

The Good Bug's water kefir drinks, with delightful flavours like Kala Khatta and Strawberry Lemonade, are a quick and tasty way to incorporate probiotics into your diet.

Lassi (Probiotic version)

Lassi is a beloved traditional Indian yoghurt-based drink, often consumed to cool down during hot weather. While traditional lassi isn't always probiotic-rich, you can easily make it so by using a probiotic-rich yoghurt as your base.

Preparation: To make a probiotic lassi, simply blend plain yoghurt with water or milk to create a smooth and refreshing drink.
Customisation: Add fruits like mango or berries for natural sweetness and extra nutrients. You can also add a pinch of cardamom or cumin for an aromatic, gut-friendly spice.
Nutritional value: Lassi is thick and creamy, making it a very satisfying drink that provides protein, calcium, and, most importantly, probiotics.
Maximise benefit: Always choose a yoghurt with live active cultures for the highest probiotic content.

Kimchi juice

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, primarily Napa cabbage, renowned for its tangy, spicy, and savory flavor. The juice extracted from this fermentation process is a potent source of probiotics.

Unique probiotics: Kimchi juice offers a distinct flavour profile and a unique, powerful source of probiotics, reflecting the diverse microbial community created during fermentation.
Versatile use: You can drink it straight for a bold experience or incorporate it into other beverages, adding a zingy, umami taste to smoothies or vegetable juices.
Nutrient-dense: This adventurous option delivers a powerful probiotic punch and is also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Important note: Ensure the kimchi used is traditionally fermented and unpasteurised to guarantee the presence of live, beneficial bacteria.

Try The Good Bug’s range of probiotic drinks, including kimchi, to support digestion and boost immunity.

Rejuvelac

Rejuvelac is a lesser-known but highly beneficial liquid made from fermented grains, typically wheat berries, rye, or quinoa. It is celebrated as a raw, enzyme-rich, and probiotic beverage, possessing a slightly sour taste that is somewhat reminiscent of lemonade.

Enzyme-rich: Rejuvelac is recognised for its high enzyme content, which aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, thereby supporting overall gut function.
Probiotic content: It also contains beneficial bacteria derived from the fermentation process, offering a gentle yet effective probiotic boost.
Hydrating: This is a gentle and hydrating probiotic option, suitable for sensitive digestive systems.
DIY friendly: You can easily make Rejuvelac at home by simply soaking and sprouting grains, then fermenting them in water, making it a cost-effective source of probiotics.
Dietary friendly: It is particularly suitable for those avoiding dairy or tea-based probiotic drinks.

Kvass

Kvass is a traditional fermented beverage commonly made from rye bread in Eastern Europe, though it can also be made from fruits or vegetables. It offers a slightly sweet, tangy, and earthy flavour profile that is uniquely refreshing.

Gut-friendly bacteria: Kvass contains lactic acid bacteria, which actively contribute to gut health, supporting a balanced microbiome.
Nutrient-rich: It also provides B vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing and invigorating drink for summer.
Popular variation: Beet kvass is particularly popular for its vibrant colour and impressive health benefits.
Additional benefits: Beet kvass is known for its potential liver-cleansing properties, which support natural detoxification pathways, and provides electrolytes, making it perfect for summer hydration.
Selection tip: Always look for traditional, unpasteurised Kvass to ensure you receive the full probiotic benefits.

Fermented ginger beer

Fermented ginger beer is a naturally carbonated beverage crafted from fresh ginger, sugar, water, and a 'ginger bug' – a starter culture of beneficial bacteria and yeast. It is distinctly different from commercial ginger ale, offering a more robust profile.

Flavour and fizz: Traditional fermented ginger beer delivers a spicy, effervescent kick that is incredibly refreshing.
Probiotic source: It contains a range of probiotics stemming from the natural fermentation process, contributing to a healthy gut.
Digestive aid: Ginger itself has well-known digestive benefits, and its inclusion can help soothe an upset stomach and alleviate nausea.
Summer perfect: This refreshing drink is excellent for summer, providing both hydration and a good source of gut-friendly bacteria.
Home brewing: You can easily cultivate your ginger bug and brew ginger beer at home, allowing for complete control over sweetness and spice levels.

Fermented rice water (Pakhala/Neeragaram)

Fermented rice water is a traditional staple in many tropical and subtropical climates, known as Pakhala in Odisha, India, and Neeragaram in Tamil Nadu, India. It's essentially leftover cooked rice that has been soaked in water overnight, allowing for natural fermentation to occur.

Cooling and hydrating: This simple drink is incredibly cooling and hydrating, making it an ideal beverage for hot weather.
Natural probiotics: The fermentation process naturally creates beneficial bacteria, providing a natural source of probiotics.
Traditional serving: It is often consumed with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime, or a tempering of mustard seeds for enhanced flavour and rehydration.
Economical and nutritious: Fermented rice water is easy to prepare and highly economical, offering a unique blend of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Overall benefit: Its probiotic content supports a healthy gut, making it a perfect summer drink for both refreshment and gut health.

Probiotic coconut water

Coconut water is already a naturally hydrating powerhouse, packed with electrolytes, making it a popular summer drink for replenishment. When enriched with probiotics, it further enhances its benefits for gut health.

Enhanced Hydration: Probiotic coconut water supports deep hydration, making it an excellent choice for rehydrating after a workout or during a hot day.
Gut-Friendly: The added probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting overall digestive wellness.
Low-Calorie Refreshment: Enjoy it as a refreshing, low-calorie drink that serves as a fantastic alternative to sugary beverages.

Looking for high-quality probiotics to boost your gut health? Try The Good Bug’s range of probiotic drinks and feel the difference in your digestion. Click here to explore our refreshing options today!

Let’s look at some helpful tips for selecting and consuming them effectively.

Tips for choosing and consuming summer probiotic drinks

To maximise the benefits of your probiotic drinks, consider these tips. Proper selection and consumption are key.

Check for live and active cultures

Always read the labels carefully. Look for phrases like "contains live and active cultures." This ensures the product still has beneficial bacteria. Pasteurisation can kill these delicate microorganisms.

Mind the sugar content

Many commercially available probiotic drinks contain added sugars. Excessive sugar can negate some health benefits. Choose options with low sugar or those that are naturally sweetened. You can also dilute them with water.

Store properly

Probiotic drinks require refrigeration to maintain their potency. Heat can destroy the live cultures. Always check storage instructions on the packaging. Consume them before their expiration date.

Introduce gradually

If you are new to probiotic drinks, start slowly. Begin with small servings and gradually increase intake. This allows your digestive system to adjust. Too much too soon can sometimes cause mild discomfort.

Vary your sources

Different probiotic drinks contain different strains of bacteria. Consuming a variety of sources promotes gut diversity. This provides a broader range of health benefits. Don't stick to just one type.

Consider DIY options

Making your probiotic drinks can be rewarding. It gives you control over ingredients and sugar content. Kombucha, kefir, and Rejuvelac are popular DIY choices. Ensure proper hygiene to prevent contamination.

Consult a professional

If you have specific health conditions, consult a healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice on probiotic intake. This is especially important for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Summer is the perfect time to incorporate probiotic drinks into your routine, keeping you refreshed while boosting your gut health. From Kombucha to Lassi and Water Kefir, each of these drinks offers unique benefits that support digestion, hydration, and overall wellness. Choose the one that fits your taste and enjoy a healthier gut this summer.

The Good Bug is a brand dedicated to promoting gut health through its products. They offer a variety of supplements, as well as some ready-to-drink options. Their focus is on providing high-quality probiotic solutions. You can explore their range for convenient gut support.

The Good Bug aims to simplify your journey to better gut health. They often provide consumers with information and resources to educate them. Look for their products if you prefer a curated approach to probiotics. They might offer specific formulations for summer wellness.

Visit our website to grab your bottle and embrace the goodness!