Ingredient sourcing
Probiotics (Multi-strain CFU) sourcing in 2026.
Probiotic sourcing is strain-specific and CFU-specific. The strain ID (e.g. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) carries the clinical evidence; generic 'L. rhamnosus' is not the same. Stability through manufacturing and shelf life is the harder problem than picking the strain.
Forms on the market
| Form | Notes |
|---|---|
| Branded named strains (e.g. LGG, HN019, BB-12) | Documented RCT base |
| Generic multi-strain blends | Cheaper, no clinical mapping |
| Spore-forming (Bacillus coagulans, B. subtilis) | Heat-stable, easier formulation |
EU pricing and MOQ
- Standard 100B CFU/g multi-strain: €80–€140/kg, MOQ 5 kg
- Branded strain at 200B CFU/g: €250–€500/kg, MOQ 5 kg
- Bacillus coagulans 150B CFU/g: €70–€120/kg, MOQ 5 kg
What to test per batch
- Strain identity by whole-genome sequencing or DNA fingerprinting
- CFU count at release AND end-of-shelf-life (typically +50–100% overage at release)
- Pathogen screening (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, S. aureus)
- Cold-chain documentation through every step
Regulatory in the EU
The word 'probiotic' is banned in supplement labelling in most EU member states (EFSA considers it an unauthorised health claim). Italy, Spain, Czechia, Bulgaria allow it. Most labels read 'live microorganisms' or 'live cultures'.
Top suppliers
IFF (Danisco) · Chr. Hansen · Lallemand · Probi · Sabinsa LactoSpore
Need Probiotics (Multi-strain CFU) quotes?
Tell Jake kg/year, form, and target market. He'll intro 2–3 verified suppliers with CoAs and samples.