Probiotic drinks can be a great way to support gut and immune health, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. That’s why we’re here to help you compare two popular probiotic drinks: Benecol and Actimel.
This guide will provide you with an in-depth look at each drink, its ingredients and health benefits so you can make an informed decision on which one is best for you.
Whether you’re seeking digestive support or an immune system boost, this comparison is designed to help you navigate the world of probiotic drinks with confidence.
About Benecol
Benecol is a brand of food products that are designed to help lower cholesterol levels in the body. The brand’s flagship product is its Original spread, which is made from a unique blend of plant stanols and plant sterols. These ingredients have been shown to effectively reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body, helping to promote heart health.
In addition to its spread, Benecol offers a range of other cholesterol-lowering products, including yoghurts and yoghurt drinks which are available in a variety of delicious flavours.
Benecol yoghurt drinks
Although Benecol is primarily known for its cholesterol-lowering foods that contain added plant stanol ester, their yoghurt drinks are also a great source of friendly bacteria or probiotics. These live cultures are essential in the fermentation process used to make yoghurt and provide numerous health benefits, including a strengthened immune system, improved digestion, and enhanced nutrient absorption.
In addition to these health benefits, Benecol yoghurt drinks come in a variety of delicious flavours, including Lemon and Honey, Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, and more.
Actimel probiotic drinks
Actimel is a popular range of probiotic drinks that are specifically formulated to support the immune system. The key ingredient in Actimel is the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Casei Danone®, which has been shown to help stimulate the body’s natural defenses against infections and other illnesses. This strain of bacteria has also been linked to improved digestive health and other benefits.
In addition to the benefits of the probiotic culture, Actimel drinks also contain added vitamins and minerals that are designed to support overall health. These include Vitamin D, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and Vitamin B6, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
With its combination of probiotics and essential nutrients, Actimel is a great choice for those looking to support their overall health and wellbeing.
Benecol Original Yoghurt Drink vs Actimel Original – Ingredients
When comparing the ingredients in Benecol Original Yoghurt Drink and Actimel Original, there are a few key differences.
While both drinks contain yoghurt, water, stabiliser pectin and sweetener sucralose, the other ingredients vary.
Benecol’s drink includes plant stanol ester, which is designed to lower cholesterol levels, and lemon juice for added flavour. It also contains added vitamin B1 which is included for improved heart health.
In contrast, Actimel’s drink includes a milk minerals concentrate, natural flavourings, and two types of sweeteners (apart from sucralose it also contains acesulfame K).
Actimel’s drink also includes Lactobacillus Casei (L. Casei Danone®) probiotic strain, which is known for its immune system-boosting benefits and vitamins B6 and D.
Overall, while both drinks include yoghurt and offer health benefits, they have different formulas with unique ingredients.
| YOGURT DRINK | INGREDIENTS |
| Benecol Original | Yogurt (85%) (Skimmed Milk, Yogurt Cultures), Water, Plant Stanol Ester (Plant Stanols 3%), Lemon Juice, Stabiliser (Pectin), Sweetener (Sucralose), Vitamin B1 |
| Actimel Original | Yogurt (Milk), Water, Skimmed Milk, Stabiliser (Pectin), Milk Minerals Concentrate, Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K), Natural Flavourings, Lactobacillus Casei (L. Casei Danone®), Vitamins (B6, D). |
Benecol vs Actimel – Nutrition
Both Benecol and Actimel are formulated to be low in fat and calories, making them a healthier alternative to other probiotic drinks that may be high in sugar or other unhealthy ingredients.
However, nutritionally speaking, there are some differences between Benecol and Actimel.
Calories
When it comes to calories, Actimel contains only 27 kcal per 100g, while Benecol has 47 kcal per 100g. However, the bottle sizes are different; Actimel’s bottle is 100g, while Benecol’s bottle is 67.5g, which means you will find 32 kcal per serving for Benecol. Therefore, the difference in calories per serving is not significant.
Sugar
Benecol Original yogurt drink contains 4.1g of sugar per 100g, which is equivalent to 2.7g per 67.5g serving. Actimel Original, on the other hand, contains 3g of sugar per serving. It’s important to note that both drinks contain only naturally occurring sugars, and no added sugars.
Fat
In terms of fat, both Benecol and Actimel have very low amounts of fat. Benecol contains 1.4g of fat per serving, while Actimel has only 0.1g of fat per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, Benecol contains added Vitamin B1 for heart health, while Actimel includes Vitamins B6 and D, which contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
One serving of Benecol Original provides 0.33mg of vitamin B1 which is 30% of our daily needs.
Actimel Original contains 0.21mg of vitamin B6 per serving, which is approximately 15% of the recommended daily intake for adults. Additionally, it provides 0.75μg of vitamin D per serving, which is around 15% of the recommended daily intake for children and 7.5% of the recommended daily intake for adults.
Plant stanols
Benecol’s Original Yogurt Drink contains 2g of plant stanol ester per serving, which is known to reduce cholesterol levels. This ingredient is not found in the Actimel original.
Benecol vs Actimel – Health Benefits
When it comes to the health benefits of Benecol and Actimel, there are many similarities. Both drinks contain probiotics which have been linked to improved digestive health and a strengthened immune system. In addition, both drinks contain essential nutrients like Vitamin D and B6 which contribute to overall wellbeing.
The major difference lies in their main active ingredient. Actimel’s probiotic strain Lactobacillus Casei Danone® has been proven to be particularly effective at stimulating the body’s natural defenses against infection and inflammation, making it a great choice for those looking for an immune system boost.
On the other hand, Benecol is well known for its ability to help lower cholesterol levels in the body due to its unique blend of plant stanols and sterols. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to support their cardiovascular health.
Can you take Benecol and Actimel together?
Yes, there is no harm in taking Benecol and Actimel together. Both products serve different purposes, and they do not contain any ingredients that could interact negatively with each other.
Benecol’s unique blend of plant stanols and sterols can help the body absorb less cholesterol, promoting heart health and putting less strain on the cardiovascular system. Meanwhile, Actimel’s probiotic cultures are designed to stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms against infection and inflammation. This makes for a powerful combination that can have positive benefits for overall wellbeing.
Ultimately, even though both Benecol and Actimel can support good health in their own ways, it is best to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about taking them together. They will be able to offer personalized advice based on your individual needs and lifestyle habits.
Benecol vs Actimel vs Yakult
Benecol Original yoghurt drink, Actimel Original, and Yakult are all popular probiotic drinks that are known for their ability to promote digestive health. Benecol Original yoghurt drink contains plant stanol esters that help to lower cholesterol levels, while Actimel Original contains Lactobacillus casei cultures that are known to support the immune system.
Yakult, on the other hand, contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota, which has been shown to improve digestion and boost immunity.
All three drinks are a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to maintain healthy gut flora. While they all have similar benefits, each product contains different strains of probiotics that may be more or less effective for certain individuals.
In terms of health benefits, Benecol and Actimel both provide essential nutrients like Vitamins B6 and D, as well as probiotics for digestive health. However, only Benecol provides plant stanols that are known to help reduce cholesterol levels. Yakult is a great option for those looking for a probiotic supplement, as it contains the unique Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain.
Which is better: Actimel or Benecol?
When it comes to choosing between Actimel and Benecol, there is no one-size-fits all answer. Both drinks have their own unique benefits, and it really depends on your individual needs and health goals.
If you are looking to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, then Benecol’s blend of plant stanols and sterols makes it a great choice. However, if you are looking for an immune system boost or to improve your gut health, then Actimel’s probiotic strain Lactobacillus Casei Danone® may be a better option.
Ultimately, it is important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before making a decision. They will be able to provide personalized advice based on your individual health requirements.
In conclusion, both Benecol and Actimel can provide health benefits in their own unique ways. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and lifestyle habits. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized advice on the best drink for you.
