Introduction
As parents, we all want our kids to be healthy and full of life. But with busy schedules, processed foods, and frequent antibiotics, their little tummies can get easily upset. Fortunately, probiotic drinks for kids can help. These powerful beverages are packed with live good bacteria that can improve digestion, boost immunity, and help their bodies absorb nutrients better. (PMC, 2023)
The best part? You don’t need expensive supplements. Our Indian kitchens already have homemade probiotic drinks. At the same time, there are convenient and safe commercial probiotic drinks for kids available.
In this article, you will learn:
- What probiotics are and their benefits for children
- Easy homemade probiotic drink recipes for kids that are safe and tasty
- Best commercial probiotic drink brands in India for school tiffins or travel
- Comparison between Homemade and Branded probiotic drinks for gut health
- Practical safety tips for giving probiotics to children
What Are Probiotic Drinks for Kids?
Probiotic drinks for children are beverages that contain living, beneficial microorganisms (ScienceDirect, 2024).
These healthy bacteria restore the natural balance in a child’s gut, supporting digestion, immunity, and overall growth.
Unlike capsules or powders, probiotic drinks are tasty, refreshing, and easy to add to daily meals.
Common examples include-
- Curd smoothies,
- Lassi,
- Buttermilk for kids,
- Kefir for kids, and
- Yogurt-based drinks.
💡Parent Tip: Regular, age-appropriate consumption of probiotic drinks can help your child stay healthy and energetic.
Read More: Discover the Top 11 Foods Rich in Vitamin A : Boost Your Health Today
4 Science-Backed Benefits of Probiotic Drinks for Children
Supports Gut Health and Digestion
Probiotics balance good bacteria in the gut. This prevents constipation, bloating, and indigestion. They are among the best natural drinks for kids’ digestion. (PMC, 2024)
Boosts Immunity Naturally
A healthy gut = a stronger immune system. Nutritionists recommend probiotics as safe immunity boosters for children. (PMC, 2013)
Reduces Antibiotic Side Effects
Probiotic drinks for kids after antibiotics help restore natural gut flora and reduce diarrhea. (PMC, 2016)
Improves Nutrient Absorption
Probiotics enhance calcium and vitamin absorption, supporting bone health, growth, and energy levels. (PMC, 2023)
Now, let’s take a closer look at homemade probiotic drinks for school-going children, including brands options that are safe, tasty, and easy to include in lunchboxes or tiffins.
7 Best Homemade Indian Probiotic Drinks For Kids (with Easy Recipes)
Homemade options are safe, affordable, and act as natural immunity boosters for kids. Parents often wonder, “Are homemade probiotic drinks better than packaged ones?” — the answer is yes, because they are free from excess sugar and preservatives.
Curd (Dahi) Smoothies – Easy Homemade Probiotic Drink for Kids
Why it’s great:
Curd is rich in live cultures that support digestion and immunity. When blended with fruits, it becomes a delicious and easy probiotic smoothie for kids.
Quick Recipe with Extra Flavor-
- Take ½–1 cup fresh curd in a blender.
- Add 1 small banana or ½ cup soft fruits like mango, berries, or papaya.
- Add a teaspoon honey or jaggery (optional, for kids).
- Blend until smooth and serve chilled.
💡 Parent Tip: If your child refuses plain curd, blend it with mango or banana — they’ll never say no!
Sweet Lassi for Kids – A Traditional Probiotic Drink
Why it’s great:
This North Indian probiotic drink is made by whisking curd with sugar and cardamom. It’s naturally cooling, probiotic-rich, and much healthier than fizzy drinks. This is one of the oldest and most healthy probiotic drinks for kids.
Quick Recipe with Extra Flavor-
- Blend 1 cup fresh yogurt with ½ cup cold water or milk.
- Add 1–2 tsp sugar and mix until smooth.
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of cardamom, saffron strands, or rose water.
- Serve chilled.
💡Did you know? Lassi is not only refreshing but also a healthier alternative to fizzy sodas kids often crave.
Buttermilk (Chaas / Mattha) – Cooling Indian Probiotic Drink for Children
Why it’s great:
Chaas is curd diluted with water and a pinch of cumin or rock salt. It’s light, hydrating, and perfect for hot weather.
Quick Recipe-
- Take 1 cup fresh yogurt and whisk with ½ cup water until smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and optional spices like cumin or mint.
- Serve chilled.
💡 Parent Tip: For picky eaters, add a pinch of roasted cumin to chaas. It makes the drink more flavorful and aids digestion
Kanji – Immunity-Boosting Probiotic Drink in India
Why it’s great:
This is a traditional winter Indian probiotic drink for kids made from black carrots or beetroot. The natural fermentation process gives it a tangy, unique flavor that kids often love.
Quick Recipe-
- Grate carrots or beetroot and mix with 1 tsp salt in a clean jar.
- Add 2 cups water and 1 tsp roasted mustard seeds (optional).
- Cover loosely and leave at room temperature 24–48 hrs to ferment slightly.
- Refrigerate and serve chilled in small portions.
💡 Fun Fact: Kanji gets its tangy flavor naturally from fermentation — kids often enjoy it as a “magic pink drink” in winter.
Paneer Whey Water – Hidden DIY Probiotic Drink for Child Immunity
Why it’s great:
A hidden DIY probiotic drink for kids often overlooked. When you prepare paneer at home, don’t throw away the leftover liquid — that’s whey water, a hidden natural probiotic.
Quick Recipe-
- After making paneer, collect the leftover whey.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Serve plain or add a little lemon/mint for taste.
- Refrigerate any extra and use within 2–3 days.
💡 Parent Hack: Freeze paneer whey water into ice cubes. Add to fresh juices or smoothies for a hidden probiotic boost.
Fermented Coconut Water – Probiotic Drinks for Kids Gut Booster
Why it’s great:
For a dairy-free option, lightly fermented coconut water is a gentle probiotic drink. It’s perfect for kids with sensitive stomachs or lactose intolerance.
Quick Recipe-
- Pour fresh coconut water into a clean jar.
- Add 1–2 teaspoons of water kefir grains (Optional).
- Cover loosely and leave at room temperature 24–48 hrs to ferment.
- Strain out the grains and refrigerate the liquid.
- Serve chilled in small portions to kids.
💡 Parent tip: Let kids sip small amounts daily or mix with fruit juices for a tasty probiotic boost.
Fermented Sweet Lime Drink – Probiotic Drinks for Kids Digestion
Why it’s great:
Sweet lime juice, when fermented with natural cultures, turns into a tangy, probiotic-rich drink.
Quick Recipe-
- Squeeze fresh sweet lime (mosambi) juice into a clean jar.
- Add ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp jaggery/sugar, and a pinch of roasted cumin (optional).
- Cover loosely and leave at room temperature 12–24 hrs to ferment slightly.
- Refrigerate and serve chilled in small portions.
💡 Parent Hack: Add a pinch of roasted cumin or mint for extra flavor and digestive benefits.
Read More: Traditional Indian Probiotic Foods that Transform Gut Health & Digestion
6 Commercial Probiotic Drinks for Kids in India
While homemade drinks like lassi and chaas are always the healthiest, sometimes parents prefer ready-to-drink probiotic options that are quick, safe, and convenient — especially for busy mornings or school tiffins. Luckily, India now has several brands offering child-friendly probiotic drinks.
Here are some of the most popular probiotic drink brands for kids in India:
Yakult Probiotic Drinks
Why It’s a Good Option
Yakult contains the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain and clinically proven to support gut health.
Parents often ask, “Is Yakult for kids good or bad?” In moderation, it’s a good option, but be mindful of its sugar content.
👉 Best for: School-going children who need a quick daily probiotic.
Epigamia Probiotic Yogurt Drinks
Why It’s a Good Option
Made with real fruit and live cultures; available in multiple flavors.
Their probiotic yogurt drinks come in flavors like mango, strawberry, and blueberry.
👉 Best for: Kids who love flavored yogurts but need healthier, probiotic-rich versions.
Mother Dairy Probiotic Lassi
Why It’s a Good Option
Affordable and accessible, fortified with live probiotic strains.
👉 Best for: Families looking for budget-friendly probiotic drinks.
Amul Probiotic Buttermilk and Curd
Why It’s a Good Option
Amul offers probiotic versions of everyday staples like buttermilk and curd.
👉 Best for: Parents who want probiotics in simple, everyday forms.
Raw Pressery Probiotic Juices – Lactose-Intolerant Probiotic Drink For kids
Why It’s a Good Option
A fantastic lactose-intolerant probiotic drink for kids (dairy-free probiotic juices), these dairy-free juices combine fruit with probiotics, making them a good alternative for sensitive stomachs.
👉 Best for: Kids who are lactose-intolerant or prefer non-dairy options.
Kefir – The Emerging Probiotic Drink
Why It’s a Good Option
Kefir is richer in probiotics compared to regular curd or yogurt drinks. While still new in India, it’s slowly gaining popularity through online stores.
👉 Best for: Parents looking for advanced probiotic options for older kids.
Comparison Table of Commercial Probiotic Drinks (Brands)
Brand Best Feature Why Parents Choose It Best For
Yakult Probiotic Drink Contains Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain Kids love its sweet taste; helps after antibiotics School-going children who need a quick probiotic
Epigamia Probiotic Yogurt Drinks Protein + live cultures, available in fruit flavors Creamy, filling, feels like a snack Kids who enjoy flavored yogurts
Mother Dairy Probiotic Lassi Traditional taste with probiotics Affordable, easily available Families on a budget
Amul Probiotic Buttermilk & Curd Simple, everyday staple Widely available across India Parents who want daily-use probiotics
Raw Pressery Probiotic Juices Dairy-free option Gentle on sensitive stomachs Kids who are lactose-intolerant
Kefir Richer in probiotics than curd Contains multiple strains, tangy taste Older kids needing advanced gut support
Homemade vs Packaged – The Best Choice for Child
Both homemade and commercial probiotic drinks have their place in your child’s diet. The right choice depends on your child’s needs and your lifestyle.
Homemade Probiotic Drinks
- Free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sugar.
- Budget-friendly and rooted in traditional Indian recipes like lassi, chaas, and kanji.
- Can be customized for taste (fruit smoothies, mild flavors for toddlers).
Packaged Probiotic Drinks
- Convenient for busy mornings or travel.
- Ensure consistent probiotic strains and dosage.
- Widely available in India through brands like Yakult, Epigamia, Amul, and Raw Pressery.
👉 Balanced Approach: Offer homemade probiotics daily for long-term gut health, and keep commercial drinks as a backup for busy schedules.
Safety First: A Parent’s Guide to Giving Probiotics
- Introduce probiotics for toddlers and young children gradually. Start with a few spoons for toddlers.
- Avoid heavily spiced or very sour versions.
- Homemade probiotic drinks for children are safer than processed alternatives.
- For kids under 2 years, consult a pediatrician before introducing probiotics.
FAQs
At what age can kids start probiotic drinks?
Most probiotic foods can be introduced after age 1, starting with small portions. Always consult a pediatrician before giving fermented drinks.
What are probiotic drinks for kids?
They are beverages containing live “good bacteria” that support digestion, boost immunity, and improve gut health in children.
Are probiotic drinks safe for kids in India?
Yes, natural drinks like lassi, chaas, and curd smoothies are safe for children above 2 years. Always use fresh ingredients.
Can kids drink Yakult every day?
Parents often ask, Yakult for kids good or bad? It’s safe in moderation, but due to sugar content, it’s best as an occasional treat. Rely more on Indian probiotic foods for children like curd or kanji.
Which probiotic drinks are best for kids’ immunity?
Curd smoothies, chaas, kanji, and kefir are among the best for best for children’s immunity.
Are homemade probiotic drinks better than packaged ones?
Yes. Homemade vs packaged probiotic drinks – homemade wins for health, while packaged wins for convenience.
Can homemade probiotic drinks replace commercial ones?
Yes, homemade probiotic drinks like kanji, lassi, and buttermilk are natural, safe, and effective. Commercial drinks are convenient but may contain added sugar.
How often can kids have probiotics?
2–3 times a week is generally safe, but frequency depends on age and tolerance.
Conclusion
Probiotics don’t always need to come from expensive bottles. Our traditional natural probiotic drinks for kids like curd smoothies, chaas, and kanji are natural, safe, and effective. They are perfect for daily gut health and boosting immunity (PMC, 2021).
Still, for busy mornings or travel, commercial probiotic drinks for kids in India like Yakult, Amul, and Epigamia are good backups. Both homemade and packaged options can be among the best probiotic drinks for kids in India when used wisely.
Whether you choose a delicious homemade probiotic drink for kids or a convenient packaged one, consistency is key. A small daily glass of probiotics today can lead to a healthier, happier child tomorrow.
👉 Which probiotic drink does your child love the most? Tell us in the comments below!
Scientific References & Research on Probiotics
📚 Show References
- Shahrokhi M, Nagalli S. Probiotics. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
- Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2024 Mar 1;13(5):1436.
- Kechagia M, Basoulis D, Konstantopoulou S, Dimitriadi D, Gyftopoulou K, Skarmoutsou N, Fakiri EM. Health benefits of probiotics: a review. ISRN Nutr. 2013 Jan 2;2013:481651.
- Shi LH, Balakrishnan K, Thiagarajah K, Mohd Ismail NI, Yin OS. Beneficial Properties of Probiotics. Trop Life Sci Res. 2016 Aug;27(2):73-90.
- Latif A, Shehzad A, Niazi S, Zahid A, Ashraf W, Iqbal MW, Rehman A, Riaz T, Aadil RM, Khan IM, Özogul F, Rocha JM, Esatbeyoglu T, Korma SA. Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries. Front Microbiol. 2023 Aug 17;14:1216674.
- Wang X, Zhang P, Zhang X. Probiotics Regulate Gut Microbiota: An Effective Method to Improve Immunity. Molecules. 2021 Oct 8;26(19):6076.
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