Quick Summary
Not all probiotics are created equal. Different probiotic strains have different characteristics, different levels of scientific evidence and different intended uses. If you're choosing a probiotic for travel, don't be distracted by marketing alone. Understanding what to look for can help you make a far more informed decision.
Quick Answer
What's the best probiotic to take before travelling?
There isn't a single "best" probiotic for everyone. However, there are some simple things every traveller can look for. Choose a product that clearly identifies its probiotic strain, explains why it has been included, is transparent about its ingredients and dosage, and is supported by appropriate scientific evidence.
Why This Matters
Imagine you're standing in a pharmacy the day before your holiday.
Two probiotic products catch your eye.
One contains 10 billion CFUs.
The other boasts 100 billion CFUs.
One contains a single probiotic strain.
The other contains twelve.
Both promise to support gut health.
Both have glowing five-star reviews.
So which one should you choose?
For most travellers, the answer isn't obvious.
The good news is you don't need to be a scientist to make a smart decision.
Once you know what to look for, comparing probiotics becomes much easier.
If You Only Remember Five Things...
Standing in front of a shelf full of probiotics can be overwhelming. If you only remember five things from this guide, make them these:
✅ Choose a probiotic that clearly identifies the probiotic strain—not just the word "probiotic".
✅ Look for a strain that has been scientifically researched for travellers' diarrhoea or travel-related digestive health.
✅ Don't assume the biggest CFU count automatically means it's the best product.
✅ Choose a company that's transparent about exactly what's in the product, why those ingredients have been included and how much of each ingredient you're getting.
✅ Where appropriate, look for an ARTG number (AUST L or AUST R). This is a positive sign that the product has entered Australia's therapeutic goods regulatory system and can be independently verified on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
If you do those five things, you'll already be making a far more informed decision than most travellers.
1. Start With Your Goal
Not every probiotic has been researched for the same purpose. Before comparing products, ask yourself what you're actually trying to achieve.
Are you looking for:
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General gut health?
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Support while travelling?
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Recovery after antibiotics?
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Help maintaining a healthy gut microbiome during travel?
Once you know your goal, comparing products becomes much easier.
2. Look for a Strain With Travel Research
This is where the probiotic strain becomes important. Different strains have been researched for different purposes, so the word "probiotic" on its own tells you very little.
One of the most extensively researched probiotic strains for travellers' diarrhoea and travel-related digestive health is Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial probiotic yeast that has been investigated in numerous clinical studies.
That doesn't automatically make it the right choice for everyone—but it does demonstrate why the probiotic strain is often more important than simply comparing CFU counts or marketing claims.
👉 In our next guide, we'll explain why Saccharomyces boulardii has become one of the world's most researched probiotic strains for travellers.
3. Bigger Numbers Aren't Everything
It's easy to assume that 100 billion CFUs must be better than 10 billion CFUs.
Not necessarily.
The probiotic strain, formulation and scientific evidence are often just as important as the CFU count itself.
Don't let the biggest number on the front of the pack make the decision for you.
4. Read the Entire Label
The front of the pack is designed to grab your attention.
The back is where the useful information usually lives.
Before buying, check for:
✔ The probiotic strain.
✔ The amount of each active ingredient.
✔ Active and inactive ingredients.
✔ Storage requirements.
✔ Directions for use.
✔ Expiry date.
✔ ARTG number (AUST L or AUST R), where applicable—a positive sign that the product has entered Australia's therapeutic goods regulatory system and can be independently verified.
You'll often learn more in sixty seconds reading the label than you will from the marketing on the front.
5. Can You Verify What You're Reading?
A quality product shouldn't ask you to simply trust it.
It should make it easy for you to verify the information for yourself.
Ask:
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Can I identify the probiotic strain?
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Are the active ingredient amounts clearly stated?
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Does the company explain why those ingredients have been selected?
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Can I independently verify the company's claims?
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If appropriate, can I verify the product on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG)?
The more information you can independently verify, the more confident you can be in your purchasing decision.
👉 For a step-by-step guide, read our article: How to Choose a Travel Health Product You Can Trust: Why TGA Listing Matters.
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