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Activia Review - 15 Things You Need to Know

Activia is a yogurt brand that will supposedly help regulate your digestive system. Dannon, the company behind Activia, claims that they use all-natural ingredients to resolve minor digestive discomforts, which isn’t a lie. However, if you’re looking for weight loss, that’s not what you’ll find in the majority of cases.

We chose to set our research team on this popular brand to check out the science and determine if Activia is any different from other probiotic-based products.

Activia can be purchased through their Official Site.

Activia Readers: Noom is offering our readers a risk-free trial, for a limited time. Click here for more information!
Overview

What is Activia?

What is Activia

So, what exactly is Activia? Produced by Danone, Activia stands out as a distinctive yogurt brand that goes beyond just being a dairy product. Unlike many traditional yogurts that house two common strains of ferments, Activia takes pride in its unique blend, boasting five different strains. This variety is headlined by its exclusive Bifidus strain, scientifically known as Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494. This particular strain is the powerhouse behind Activia’s celebrated benefits.

Furthermore, what truly sets Activia apart is its dedication to promoting gut health. Consuming Activia can potentially lead to a reduced frequency of minor digestive discomforts. And when we talk about these discomforts, we’re referring to those occasional bouts of bloating, unsettling gas, abdominal pain, and that uneasy rumbling sensation. The catch, however, is that to reap these benefits, one must be diligent. It’s recommended to indulge in Activia twice daily over a span of two weeks, ensuring that it’s paired with a balanced diet and a wholesome lifestyle.

Now, diving into its composition, it’s important to note that Activia is a probiotic yogurt. Probiotics, often hailed as the “good bacteria,” have been the subject of extensive research over the years, with scientists keen on unraveling their myriad health benefits. These beneficial bacteria play a pivotal role in regulating our digestive system. Hence, it’s no surprise that Activia has become a staple for many, especially those grappling with conditions like diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or general sluggish intestinal movement.

For those wondering about the palate experience, Activia doesn’t disappoint. It offers an array of tantalizing flavors ranging from classics like Strawberry, Vanilla, and Peach to more exotic options like Black Cherry, Mixed Berry, and Prune. With such a diverse selection, it’s easy to incorporate Activia into daily dietary routines, making gut health both a priority and a pleasure.

In essence, while there are myriad yogurt brands lining supermarket shelves, Activia, with its unique blend of probiotics and commitment to digestive well-being, has carved a niche for itself. It’s more than just a yogurt; it’s a commitment to a healthier gut and, by extension, a healthier you.

  • Advances in Nutrition – “Bifidobacterium and strains of lactic acid bacteria are the most widely used bacteria that exhibit probiotic properties and are included in many functional foods and dietary supplements. Probiotics have been shown to prevent and ameliorate the course of digestive [issues] such as acute, nosocomial, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea; allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic rhinitis in infants; and Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea and some inflammatory bowel [issues] in adults.”
  • Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology – “Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of some probiotics and prebiotics for a variety of gut-related [issues] might be, at least in part, mediated through modification of the microbiota and/or its function.”
  • Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology – “… although several mechanisms are observed when studying a single probiotic strain, not all individual strains are expected to share the same effects.”

Activia Competitors

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Company Bio

How Did Activia Start?

In the early 1980s, Dannon researchers got curious about bifidobacteria. They decided to develop a particular strain of the probiotic that could thrive well in yogurt despite yogurt’s acidic medium.

The researchers reached a consensus to add the Bifidus Actiregularis strain to the common yogurt bacteria. This birthed one of their widely-known yogurt products called Activia today.

When all was said and done, Activia was introduced into France by Groupe Danone (The Dannon Company in America) in 1987. By 2013, Activia had gained entrance into five continents and over 70 countries all around the world.

Dannon and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Dannon has been in business for more than 100 years. Have they learned how to treat their customers? Here’s what the BBB file has to say.

  • Dannon has A+ BBB rating.
  • The company file was opened in 1986.
  • They are not accredited by the bureau.
  • Three complaints have been closed in the past three years.
Claims

Activia Claims

Dannon once made claims that there’s no yogurt anywhere in the world containing the ‘good bacteria’ Bifidus Regularis.

In itself, this claim is valid because Bifidus Regularis is a trademarked name that no other company has the power to use.

In September 2009, Activia settled a lawsuit claiming the company deceptively used advertising to convince consumers Activia would help regulate gut health. The company was forced to pay $35 million in damages, according to the GI Society.

What’s more? December 2010 saw Dannon having to make a considerable settlement of $21 million with the Federal Trade Commission for exaggerated claims that Activia could deal with digestive irregularity and slow intestinal movements.

Ingredients

Activia Ingredients

So what does Activia contain?

Ingredients:

Activia contains cultured reduced-fat milk, water, sugar, fruit sugar or fructose, food starch (modified), >1% milk protein concentrate, kosher gelatin, cornstarch (modified), guar gum, agar, lactic acid, vitamin D3, sodium citrate, and calcium lactate.

The natural vanilla taste may also be found in any flavor of the Activia Yogurt. In contrast, Activia Fibre, in addition to the other ingredients, contains red wheat bran, inulin, rolled white wheat flakes, and rolled oats.

Activia Light, on the other hand, includes sucralose and aspartame instead of regular sugar.

Probiotics

Apart from the traditional bacteria found in most yogurts, Activia contains a probiotic strain known as Bifidus Actiregularis.

Hence, the Activia yogurt contains Bifidobacterium animalis DN 17,010, a proprietary probiotic strain of the Bifidobacterium marketed under names Bifidobacterium Actiregularis, Bifidobacterium Regularis, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Bifidobacterium Digestivum.

According to ISRN Nutrition, probiotics can have many benefits on human health. This is because they benefit bacteria in the body, unlike antibiotics, according to Official Publication of The College of Family Physicians

Does It Work?

Does Activia Work?

Does Activia Work

There are more significant reasons to agree that Activia works than otherwise, although it’s considered part of a probiotic fad.

Activia products are referred to as foods enriched with numerous probiotics that offer optimum health benefits when consumers take them in adequate amounts. However, the positive results of consuming this kind of food are often known as functional foods, depending on the strains and their doses.

This is why Dannon boasts its unique selection of probiotic strain, which can thrive in yogurts like Activia. According to Dannon, this strain has been proven from studies to go through the entire gastrointestinal tract without issues.

More so, placebo-controlled studies also reveal that when included in a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, consumers may also enjoy a reduction in how frequently they experience digestive discomfort, per Therapeutic Advances in GastroenterologyOne study published in Current Opinions in Gastroenterology found that probiotics may also benefit immune health.

There may be cases of minor discomfort like gas, bloating, and rumbling on the flip side.

In general, more research needs to be performed on probiotics, prebiotics, and their role on the digestive system, according to Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Health

Benefits Results

Activia Benefits and Results

“Activia may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort,” says Dannon. We can also tell you that including yogurt in your diet is a nutritious and effective way to get the amount of protein and calcium your body needs.

Moreover, Activia yogurts, irrespective of flavor or variant, contain the good bacteria known as probiotics required for the digestive system. Dannon Activia also can provide the body with minerals, vitamins, and sugar.

HESCA also lists probiotic power, health to bones, and adequate protein content as some of the benefits of Activia. The proprietary strain of probiotic bacteria is what distinguishes Activia from all other probiotic strains.

Although it is said that there are probiotic yogurts that have good bugs that are equally as beneficial as Activia’s, nonetheless, Activia says it helps to keep gastrointestinal issues away. There have also been a few testimonials of being relieved of diarrhea when Activia was taken.

Activia may also provide health to the body’s bones because it contains a good amount of Vitamin D and calcium.

Activia’s protein content may also provide the body with the necessary repair of body tissues. These proteins may also help to create the right environment to fight off illnesses and diseases.

According to Tropical Life Sciences Researchprobiotics can benefit the immune system, mental health, and oral health.

Weight Loss

Activia and Weight Loss

From reviews and comments on public forums, we can say Activia, because of its probiotics and nutrients, is very useful in regulating the digestive tract. However, in our search on Activia, we didn’t see any clinical or scientific proofs on its ingredients and whether it helps with weight loss.

However, one study published in Obesity Facts on PO.150 found that “probiotic low-fat yogurt (0.5%), fermented with Bifidus ActiRegularis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus” could reduce body weight.”

In any case, bearing in mind that what affects weight loss depends on your caloric intake. Introducing Activia to your diet may be an excellent way to get started on a weight-loss plan.

Here are a few suggested ways that could happen:

Calories

The caloric content in Activia Yogurts varies with the type you decide to opt for. You can get as low as 60 calories from the Activia Light variant and 90 calories from the Activia yogurt’s vanilla variant. The Greek Vanilla Yogurt, which comes in larger containers than the other options, provides 140 calories.

So if you are thinking of reducing your calorie intake as a weight-loss strategy, going for the low calorie-content Activity Light will be an excellent way to make that happen.

On an elementary level, if you reduce your daily intake of calories by, say, 500 to 1,000, you’ll shed 1 to 2 pounds every week.

Then again, if you are all about something more effective for weight loss, then you should go for supplements that have been clinically proven to do the job without hassles.

Directions

How to Take Activia

How to Take Activia

For the best results, Dannon advises consumers to include Activia in a regular balanced diet by consuming it two times every day for two weeks.

According to Livestrong, one serving of the Activia yogurt’s cherry variant has 1.5 grams of fat and 90 calories. The serving also contains 4 grams of protein, which is equivalent to 9% of the total amount of protein women need in their diet and 7% of what men need.

Other flavors of the Dannon Activia Yogurt like the prune, banana, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and peach have the same calorie, protein, and fat content, whereas the blueberry variant has 90 calories.

Activia can be incorporated into your diet in various ways. You can choose to have it for breakfast as a stand-alone meal when combined with fruits or grains. You could also want to have it as a smoothie. And of course, you can decide to have it on the side when you have your regular meals.

Oh yeah! Familiar with Mediterranean dishes? These dishes make good combinations with yogurt, and Activia is known to do the job well.

Side Effects

Potential Activia Side Effects

Dannon says consumers may experience a few minor issues with consumption. These problems may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Rumbling
  • Gas
  • Bloating

It is almost no longer news that probiotic bacteria commonly found in good yogurts are very useful in fighting unwanted and harmful bugs in the intestinal tracts like fungi, yeast, and parasites. However, one cannot overlook the anecdotal reports of side effects with Activia Yogurt consumption.

Here are a few:

Digestive Problems

There have been a few complaints from some consumers of some digestive problems that occur from taking Activia. These issues include acute abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, acid reflux, bloating, and irregularity.

Worsening Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance

Some consumers also complained on public forums of how their lactose intolerance worsened as a result of eating Activia.

Diabetic Issues

It is important to note that certain flavors of Activia have high sugar content, which may be why diabetic patients who have consumed this yogurt have experienced challenges with their blood sugar level.

Other Issues

Even though these effects, which are related to the body systems, have not been stated on the Dannon website, they have been discussed on public forums. They include muscle pains, increased rate of metabolism, sleeping problems, anxiety, and headaches.

Warnings

Activia Product Warnings

Dannon has advertised Activia as yogurt with a good amount of the excellent bug known as Bifidus Regularis. Among many others, this bug is known to be a suitable replacement for the good bugs that are removed from the flora of the bowels by antibiotics.

However, because it also contains lactobacillus, there are a few things to note about taking Activia:

  • Although the bacteria found in Activia called lactobacillus is meant to grow to get its job done in the consumer’s system, it can grow out of proportion. This bacteria may even cause diseases in the body, which is a red flag for those who have weakened immune systems. Such patients are required to contact a physician first.
  • Antibiotics, when taken, help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the body. However, an antibiotic’s effectiveness may be reduced when antibiotics are taken alongside foods like Activia that contain Lactobacillus. Then again, taking immunosuppressant drugs to reduce the immune system’s function can also increase the chances of becoming sick.
  • Chemotherapy patients and patients who take immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplants may develop severe infections in the blood. Thus, those who have low immune systems of this sort are advised to avoid foods that contain lactobacillus like Activia.
Lawsuits

Lawsuits on Activia?

Lawsuits on Activia

As a manufacturer of health-related products, except if you have sufficient evidence to back your health claims, it is always safe to leave it out of your ads. It is very likely Dannon would have saved its neck if it paid attention to this detail.

In 2008, Dannon was slammed with a 21 million dollar charge for alleged false representations about DanActive and Activia Yogurt. And this stemmed from some of the adverts aired by Dannon, the New York Times reports.

In one of the adverts, the narrator is known to have said that “With the natural culture Bifidus Regularis, Activia eaten every day is clinically proven to help regulate your digestive system in two weeks.”

Of course, this didn’t sit well with the Federal Trade Commission, who raised brows at this. The company claimed to have clinical evidence that a serving of the Activia Yogurt could relieve temporary irregularities and help slow transit time in the intestine.

To address Dannon’s substantiation, FTC zeroed in on a link featured on Dannon’s website with the Health Care Professional label. Oh well, as this label implied, it is for those who know the nitty-gritty of health care.

It’s only a digression. Stay with us.

The FTC explains it as “a detailed scientific resource that will provide in-depth information about Bifidus Regularis and its effect on slow intestinal transit,” it mentioned a couple of clinical studies carried out by Meance along with some others. FTC complained that Dannon’s submission on these studies was misleading as some vital information about these studies was withheld.

Thus, the hidden information concealed the fact that the difference in intestinal transit time between studies on those who took the Activia and those in the placebo group was statistically insignificant.

Dannon eventually agreed to the settlement, which stated the following:

  • Except the claim is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Dannon is not allowed to claim any yogurt, probiotic drink, or food that can reduce the chances of getting the flu or a cold.
  • Dannon is not permitted to lay claims that Activia will relieve consumers of temporary irregularity or even produce faster intestinal movements. If it must be mentioned in an ad, it mustn’t be misleading information, and it must also be backed by clinical evidence involving two humans that at least three servings are required to get these benefits stating the veracity of the claim.
  • Dannon is also not allowed to lay claims that some other yogurt, probiotic drink or food, or dairy drink will relieve consumers of temporary irregularity or even produce faster intestinal movements. If it must be mentioned in an ad, it mustn’t be misleading information, and it must also be backed by clinical evidence involving two humans that at least three servings are required to get these benefits stating the veracity of the claim.
  • Dannon is also not allowed to misrepresent results from any studies or tests. And except its claim has competent backing and strong scientific proof, it may not make other claims on the performance, efficacy, and health benefits of any dairy drink, yogurt, or probiotic drink or food.
Alternatives

Activia Alternatives

Other probiotic yogurts provide essential health benefits. According to the manufacturer, one of them is the Yoplait Original, which has clinically tested and proven cultures and contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Calcium.

Yoplait Original has gained wide acceptance and is the most used probiotic yogurt. It contains the ‘good bug’ that helps fight bacteria and pathogens that can cause illness and is also said to improve lactose intolerance, prevent diarrhea, and deal with inflammatory bowel problems. Yoplait Original comes in 18 flavors, and each serving provides 150 calories.

Customer Service

Customer Service Information

You can call or text 1-877- 326-6668 from 9 AM to 6 PM eastern time, Monday thru Friday (Note: Texting rates may apply.).

Address: The Dannon Company, Inc. 525 Keystone Ave Pittston, PA 18640

Phone: 1-877-DANNONUS

Contact Form: http://www.dannon.com/feedback-form/

What Users Are Saying

What Users Are Saying

“New cheaper packaging means that when you attempt to peel off the cover you’re apt to end up with yogurt-covered fingers. Unless removed exceedingly carefully, the paper/foil cover can tear two or three times resulting in yogurty fingers when attempting to remove the inferior packaging bits.

The yogurt itself is fine, although less sugar would be better; as it is, one small serving represents 16% of the recommended amount of your daily added sugar intake.

The four-ounce size is appreciated, but doesn’t offset the new annoying packaging. I’ll be looking for a new product.”

“They should reduce the amount of SUGAR that’s in the yogurt ; it is way too sweet. I tried this yogurt to be healthier but 12 g of sugar with 8 ADDED g in this small container is not healthy !!”

“The doctor advised me to take this product to help after I took a prescription of antibiotics. I don’t like yogurt but I loved this one.”

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line on Activia

Before you race through the grocery store to the dairy aisle, let’s take one more look at this one. We like that Activia contains some natural ingredients and that the price seems reasonable, but we have concerns about this one because the research doesn’t point toward weight-loss. We’re also a bit hesitant due to customers talking about negative side effects and ingredients not working.

If you want to lose those extra pounds, we suggest going with a weight-loss program that’s clinically proven, so you lose weight and keep it off.

Among the best products we’ve seen this year is one called Noom. This weight-loss app is unlike any other with its personalized menus, human coaching, doctor-written articles, and nutritionist support. Plus, user reviews posted on the web indicate people see excellent results.

We find it shows great confidence that the makers of Noom are offering a free trial offer, which is a good sign.

Learn More About Noom »
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Activia

Q:
Is Activia part of a probiotic fad?
A:

Activia products are referred to as foods enriched with numerous probiotics that offer optimum health benefits when consumers take them in adequate amounts. However, the positive results of consuming this kind of food – often known as functional foods, depend on the strains and their doses.

Q:
What are the side effects of Activia?
A:

Activia side effects, according to customer reviews, may include stomach pains, gas, bloating, stomach rumbling, and constipation. This is not because Activia is a laxative, but instead contains gut-improving bacteria.

Q:
What are the ingredients in Activia yogurt?
A:

Activia ingredients are cultured grade A nonfat milk, sugar, fructose, water, l. bulgaricus, s. thermophilus and bifidobacterium lactis. Depending on the flavor, it may also contain fruit, fruit extracts and/or natural flavors.

Q:
Does Activia work?
A:

If you go just on user reviews, the only reason people lose weight on Activia is because it loosens bowel movements. This can cause temporary water loss. As for the ingredients in the formula, none are clinically proven to boost weight-loss. We found a study that used a small participant pool and loss was about 3.5% in 6 weeks. That equates to 7 pounds for a 200 pound person. You can lose more than that by cutting back 500 calories a day via dietary changes alone or as part of an exercise program.

Q:
What research has been conducted on probiotics and their role in digestive health?
A:

Researchers have been investigating the potential health benefits of probiotics for many years. Probiotics have been shown to prevent and ameliorate the course of digestive issues such as acute, nosocomial, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea; allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic rhinitis in infants; and Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea and some inflammatory bowel issues in adults.

Q:
Where can I buy Activia?
A:

Activia can be purchased using their Official Site.

Q:
How much does Activia cost?
A:

A four-pack of Activia retails at about $3 at most stores.

Q:
How many Activia yogurts can you eat a day?
A:

You should eat two Activia yogurts each day for optimal results.

Q:
Does Activia contain fiber?
A:

No, traditional Activia does not contain fiber, but there is an Activia Fiber line that does. It also contains cereal pieces so the calories may be a little higher.

Q:
Is Activia intended to be used as a laxative?
A:

No, Activia is not intended to be used as a laxative. It is a yogurt brand that is advertised to help regulate the digestive system. While it does contain ingredients that can have a soothing effect on the digestive system, it is not intended to be used as a laxative.

Q:
Does Activa come with a guarantee?
A:

Yes, there is a guarantee on Activia if you use it for two weeks as part of a challenge. We did not find any other mention of refunds or returns in the terms and conditions or on the website.

Q:
What does Activia do to your body?
A:

Because Activia’s low-fat yogurt is infused with the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis, the maker Dannon claims that Activia helps regulate the digestive tract by reducing “intestinal transit time.”

Q:
What is the Activia 2 week challenge?
A:

If you eat Activia twice a day for two weeks along with a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle, Activia is said to reduce your incidence of minor digestive issues that include rumbling, discomfort, gas, and bloating.

Q:
How fast does Activia start working?
A:

Dannon, the manufacturer of Activia, recommends eating the product twice a day for two weeks to see if you notice a difference.

Q:
Does Activia have probiotics in it?
A:

Activia is made with a live, active probiotic bacteria culture called bifidus regularis.

Q:
Can Activia help you lose weight?
A:

Activia isn’t designed to help with weight loss. However, it can help balance gut health, which may lead to a more balanced weight.

Q:
Can Activia give you diarrhea?
A:

Some users of Activia have reported a number of digestive side effects that include abdominal cramping, acid reflux, bloating, burning upon having a bowel movement, irregularity, and nausea.

Q:
What are the flavors of Activia yogurt?
A:

Activia Lowfat Yogurt with Fruit: Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Mixed Berry, Prune, Strawberry Banana, and Vanilla

Q:
Does Activia use artificial sweeteners?
A:

The original Activia blend contains sugar. Activia Light contains aspartame and sucralose instead of sugar to reduce calories.

Q:
Is Activia the manufacturer of Armour Thyroid?
A:

Activia is manufactured by The Dannon Company. The Dannon Company does not produce Armour Thyroid.

Q:
Is Activia lactose free?
A:

Not all Activia is lactose-free, but the company offers lactose-free options.

Q:
Does Activia have antioxidants in helpful daily amounts?
A:

Yogurts like Activia have a higher antioxidant potential than milk because lactic acid bacteria in yogurt generate antioxidant peptides. It’s unclear how many antioxidants Activia has.

Q:
What time of day should you take Activia?
A:

It is recommended to take Activia in the morning, ideally before breakfast. For maximum effects, it should be taken daily with a meal or snack. Taking Activia at any other time of day may not yield the desired results, as the probiotics in Activia work best when taken on a full stomach.

Q:
How is Activia different from other yogurts?
A:

Activia sets itself apart with its signature strain of probiotic culture, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494, specifically designed to promote better gut health. Most yogurts contain standard fermenting strains, but Activia’s unique blend prioritizes digestive well-being.

Q:
How long does Activia last once opened?
A:

Once opened, it’s recommended to consume Activia within 3-5 days for optimal freshness. Always store it in the refrigerator and ensure the lid is sealed tightly.

Q:
What age group is suitable for consuming Activia?
A:

Activia can be consumed by individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly. However, for young children or individuals with specific health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new food product.

Q:
Can pregnant or breastfeeding women consume Activia?
A:

Activia is generally safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it is a yogurt product. However, if there are any concerns or allergies, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

Q:
Does Activia offer dairy-free or vegan options?
A:

As of my last update in January 2022, Activia primarily produces dairy-based yogurts. However, consumer demands change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the company’s latest product offerings for any dairy-free or vegan variants.

Q:
Can Activia aid in improving the skin's health?
A:

While Activia is primarily designed to support digestive health, a balanced gut can indirectly benefit the skin. A healthy gut can lead to better nutrient absorption and reduced inflammation, which might result in clearer skin. However, consuming Activia specifically for skin benefits might not yield direct results.

Q:
Why does Activia have sugar?
A:

Sugar in Activia serves multiple purposes. Besides adding sweetness to enhance flavor, it also provides necessary carbohydrates that can assist the fermentation process where the live cultures metabolize the sugars.

Q:
Are there any known drug interactions with consuming Activia?
A:

Activia is a food product, and there aren’t typically concerns about interactions as there might be with medications. However, if someone is on specific medications, particularly antibiotics, it’s always prudent to consult with a healthcare provider.

Q:
How should Activia be stored?
A:

Activia should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 35°F and 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). Keeping it at this temperature maintains its freshness and ensures the live cultures remain active.

Q:
Can you freeze Activia yogurt?
A:

Freezing Activia will extend its shelf life, but it can also disrupt the texture and might affect the live cultures. If consumed after thawing, the consistency may be different, and the health benefits from the probiotics might be reduced.

322 Activia Reviews

  • Product just wasn’t for me
    Melissa (Verified Purchase)

    I only had three cups of this stuff and I’ve experienced horrid cramps and water diahorrea!I just saw it in my grocery and decided to try. Never again!!!!

    Reply
    • Danelle

      I just ate one of each flavor, just to see what each one tasted like … Oh no! (0 0)

      Reply
  • I took Activia for 2 days and got horrible cramps
    Stacey (Verified Purchase)

    I took Activia for 2 days and got horrible cramps and gurgling in my stomach. I stopped taking it and now I have such lower belly bloating and pressure. I wouldnt advise anyone taking this. I just want to know how long it will take to get back to normal and no pressure in my stomach, or diaharea.

    Reply
  • Dose activia work for both man and woman?
    yisaira quinones (Verified Purchase)

    dose activia work for both man and woman

    Reply
    • Christina (Editor)

      Hello Yisaira. Activia is avaliable for both men and women.

      Reply
  • Does Activia cause darkening of stool?
    donna mccoy

    does Activia cause darkening of stool?

    Reply
    • Christina (Editor)

      Hi Donna, activia could cause irregularites in stool but please consult with your physician if you continue to have side effects, to make sure this product is safe for you to take.

      Reply
  • Caused me horrible abdominal pain and constipation!!!
    lisa (Verified Purchase)

    half a container a day for one week caused me horrible abdominal pain and constipation!!!

    Reply
  • first time user very painful abdominal cramps
    maria (Verified Purchase)

    first time user
    very painful abdominal cramps, followed by a severe bout of diarrhea
    will never use it again

    Reply
  • Why can we not find any activia yogurt drinks?
    Earl Brown

    Why can we not find any activia yogurt drinks in this area?
    We purchased them in Mexico and became devoted fans of the drinks but cannot find them in any grocery stores in the Saklt Lake area. Are they noit available in the US or in this area?

    Reply
    • Christina (Editor)

      Hello Earl. For product sales locations, please refer to the activia official website for more information.

      Reply
    • Diana

      i live in terre haute indiana and the walmarts down here have tons of them

      Reply
  • I ate Activia Yogurt for the past week
    Ang (Verified Purchase)

    Um, I ate Activia Yogurt for the past week and had really bad diarrhea, and this week I still have diarrhea, it sure did clear me out, ugh!

    Reply
  • Hated the product
    wj (Verified Purchase)

    I suffer from IBS but hadn’t had any symptoms for over a year. Started eating Activia daily for almost two weeks realized it was causing my IBS to return. Out it goes!

    Reply
    • dc

      after consuming Activia for a week, i started having bowel movements (movements in lower abs not painful though but weird) i stopped hoping to problem to solve……..how mong will it take to get my intestine normal

      Reply
      • Christina (Editor)

        Hello. All dieters have different results, but if you continue to have these effects please consult with your physician before continuing to take activia.

        Reply
  • Hated the product
    Tim (Verified Purchase)

    I bought a big box of Activia at Costco. Ate them, first 3 days were fine, then painful diarrhea several times a day, at work, at home for many days now. I am throwing them out.

    Reply
    • vikky

      My boys got same thing after we purchased 2 boxes of Activia in Costco 🙁 how can we remove this crap out of our little ones system? oh i feel so bad that i did not check anything before giving to my little kids. You think that it’s healthy yogurt, its good for you and all your family 🙁

      Reply
      • Christina (Editor)

        Hello vikky. Please consult with your physician if the side effects continue.

        Reply
  • Fetching side effect.
    teresa (Verified Purchase)

    i’ve experienced headache every single time after taking Activia. That never happens when i eat normal organic yogurt. Also, like many ppl here mentioned, bloating, cramps, gas.

    Reply
    • priscilla

      I also had some strong headaches but my ear and eyes also hurt. It was like having a very bad allergy. I started to notice this problem after noticiing that it only happened when I ate the yogurt. What is really sad is that the co. is claiming that there is no side affects. Whatever.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      Wow~ I just said to my hubsand I had a. Migrane every day this week and I haven’t had one in months. Then I notice he bought Activa lite . That’s the bad one guys. Anything with artificial sugar will kill you on the regulAr active I felt great but this week horrible.that’s what brought me to the website and boom all the things your feeling I am feeling and the diffence is my husband bought the lite active the light anything is bad for you.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      i noticed after a week of eating it daily last night and tonight 2 hours later i started throwing up … anyone else with this?

      Reply
      • Christina (Editor)

        Hello. If you continue to have these effects, please consult with your physician before continuing to take activia.

        Reply
      • kat

        yes I have been experiencing severe side effects from active. my stomach feels very nauseated and I have been throwing up. diarrhea almost immediately..although my gas and bloating seems to have settled down, the other side effects like chills, fever etc (flu like) have increased since eating the yogurt. I will not be using this yogurt anymore..cant believe they sell items that potentially make people sicker.

        Reply
  • Saying about the ingredients.
    sheila (Verified Purchase)

    what is in it…ASPARTAME…There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption. Aspartame dissolves into solution and can therefore travel throughout the body and deposit within any tissue. The body digests aspartame unlike saccharin, which does not break down within humans. basically EQUAL(sugar). not good for you at all!! activia may help with some people and there digestion. but after knowing what is in it i would strongly suggest just have a good amount of fiber in your diet and it will give you the same outcome.

    Reply
    • debbie

      only the light varieties have aspartame. Buy the regular and cut out a slice of pizza to save the calories.

      Reply
  • healthy gastrointestinal system
    Christina (Editor)

    Hello Marge. Yes, Activia is a yogurt that claims to help with regularity and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system.

    Reply
  • Hated the product.
    valerie evans (Verified Purchase)

    ACTIVIA is all B.S. it is just another “snake-oil” campaign to make some slutty celebrity RICH…don’t use it don’t elieve a word they say.. most people that are PAID to endorse something will tell you just about anything…..

    Reply
    • KAREN

      WE’RE TALKING ABOUT PRODUCT HERE NOT THE PERSON DOING THE COMMERCIAL. GROW UP. I DON’T SEE ANYONE TELLING US WHAT ELSE THEY ARE EATING THAT COULD CAUSE THE SAME SYMTOMS. I EAT ACTIVIA, BUT I COUNT ALL MY CARBS. PLEASE STATE ALL THE THINGS YOUR EATING.

      Reply
      • Brad

        Caps is unnecessary

        Reply
  • Didn't like the product.
    Davy Jones (Verified Purchase)

    I have been using Activia for 8 days and the cramps and bloating are becoming quite unformortable. Being 40 years old, I have developed a light case of acid reflux (not official diagnosed) that I take Zantac150 for.

    The Zantac does a good job of relieving the syptoms, but I wanted to try Activia to eliminate my dependence on pills.

    I started using Activia in hopes it would calm my stomach and resolve my acid reflux problem. INSTEAD, Activia has resulted in painful stomach cramping and irregularity.

    I hope that by discontinuing Activia, my intestines will return to normal.

    Reply
    • Rhonda

      Hi Davy,

      I had the same experience as you.
      Could you tell me if your symptoms eventually subsided when you stopped the Activia?

      Reply
    • Denise Main

      I have acid reflux also and I cannot take Activia because the extra sugar makes it flair up

      Reply
  • How much sugar is in Activia?
    Elizabeth Berkner

    My question is: How much sugar is in Activia? My tri-glycerides have gone up.

    Reply
    • Christina (Editor)

      Hi Elizabeth. For detailed product ingredients please refer to the official activia website for more information.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      look in the nutrition information under ‘carbs’–> ‘sugar’. One small cup (100g) contains 13g of sugar.

      Reply
  • I WILL NOT BUY IT AGAIN
    anne mary consulmagno (Verified Purchase)

    EVEN THOUGH ACTIVIA DOES REGULATE YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM I WILL NOT BUY IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT HAS ASPERTINE IN IT AND THAT IS NOT GOOD IF YOU TAAKE THE ASPERTNE OUT OF IT I WILL BUY IT AGAIN

    Reply
    • Lynn

      Why not make your own? Heat milk (3 cups or so) to 185. Use a thermometer and don’t let it boil. Let it cool to 110 and add 2 or 3 tablespoons of activia yogurt in it. Put in an oven that is turned off but has a pilot light in it (at 110 degrees) for 5 hours. The bacteria will replicate and the aspertame will be very much diluuted. You can make your own yogurt.

      Reply
      • Dali

        Lynn,

        This is a great recipe I use usually to make my own yogurt that naturally have probiotics.
        But Activia has something in additions to probiotics called Bifidobacteria regularis, found in most animal intestines including human. Dannon’s trademark. You can’t buy it but comes in the Dannon Activia. That’s what makes Activa help you be regular. I do wish I can make activia at home, cause I like the plain one not flavored and sweetened and that is only found in NY.

        Reply
      • Anonymous

        lmao that is not making your own yogurt that is adding milk to activia LMAO

        Reply
    • Anonymous

      Thank you I didn’t know it contained aspertine! Won’t buy anymore!! Artificial sweeteners are very bad for you. Why not use the fruit to sweeten the yogurt!!!” Wow I’m im very disappointed! Just shows you have to read labels don’t take anything for granted !!!!!!

      Reply
  • I will continue as long as I do not become too uncomfortable
    Ria Worden (Verified Purchase)

    I have been taking it for one week now and am experiencing cramping. It is helping with consptipation I think….I will continue to take it, I just purchased 3 more 8 paks.
    I enjoy the flavor and the amount (4oz) My medications cause constipation….so I will continue as long as I do not become too uncomfortable.

    Reply
    • Sonya

      thank you for posting that you use it because your medications make you constipated. Mine do too and I have to take them, but I can’t see getting hooked on Miralax just to go poop. thank you for your encouraging words, today was my first day and I’m praying it helps my severe constipation.

      Reply
  • Can you give this Activia to a 7 year old?
    Mary

    Can you give this Activia to a 7 year old. He eats other yogurt, like Fiber one, Yoplait,etc. He has to have 21 grams of fiber a day because he has problem with his bowels. He also takes Miralax every day. Also eats a Fiber one bar a day. The doctoer said he should eat to medium size apples a day also. Thanks and will be waiting for you answer.

    Reply
    • Christina (Editor)

      Hello Mary. Please consult with your physician before giving a 7 year old activia, to make sure it is safe for them to use.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      Does your son take probiotics? It might be beneficial to him. Also kefir is great stuff and tastes good. It doesn’t say it here, so they may have removed it, but Activia used to have High Fructose Corn syryp–stoney field has one out now it looks like. I have not read ingredients yet. It is fine for 7 yr. old with out the hfcs–if that concerns you. My kids love the blueberry kefir and it is almost lactose free on its own.And look into probiotics–need 5 billion active cultures.

      Reply
  • have tried activia and have experience stomach cramps and alot of gurgling in stomache
    Anonymous (Verified Purchase)

    have tried activia and have experience stomach cramps and alot of gurgling in stomache

    Reply
    • Just a reply

      Taken from Yoplait’s site:

      You may be lactose intolerant if you have cramps, bloating, gas or diarrhea after you eat dairy foods. These symptoms occur when your body isn’t making enough lactase. This could be the problem as well.

      Reply
    • JerryD

      After two weeks of eating Activia I experienced stomach pain. I thought I had an ulcer. Turns out it was just gas. Once I took an anti-gas med (simethicone) pain went away.

      Reply
      • AlanFig

        Hello can you please describe you stomach pain and location? I am having similar symptoms on the mid right side kind of like a dull burning and tight uncomfortable feeling after taking activia for 2 days.

        Reply
    • ANITA

      At one time I actually liked Jamie Lee Curtis but after your inane commercials I wouldn’t see her if she appeared in my driveway. Yogurt is disgusting at best but to see someone praising it with a mouthful is enough to knock a maggot off a gut wagon!

      Reply
      • Pete

        That is the best comment I have ever seen on any website,
        I feel ill after eating this crap. Peter, UK.

        Reply
    • Just passing by

      My 11-year old developed reflux as a result of H1N1 last year. He has chest pains because of it during reflux flare-ups (he has asthma too). When he eats Activia in addition to taking his meds, his chest pains have decreased. I have heard from other reflux sufferers that Activia helps them feel better too.

      Reply
    • Amanda

      bought a 4 pack of activa because it was on sale. Had one yesterday and one today, now I have horrible gas a diarrhea plus stomch gurgling, pain, and a horrible headache. I’m embarrased to go to class or leave my apartment, the other two will not be eaten =[

      Reply
      • Heather Hagan

        Same !! I’ve been sick to
        My stomach all
        Day

        Reply
    • Jacquelyn

      It has been a miracle worker for me. After a couple of years of trying to cope with recurrent diarrhea Activia has
      solved the problem. I was very hesitant to try it for fear it would make my problem worse. Not so, thank heavens

      Reply
    • Pacificsunet

      Ate only one of these & immediately had diarrhea so bad, it became water. Then I started shaking & had the chills – body was going into shock. Never, ever again.

      Activia is way too vague on what this product can do.

      Reply
      • sue

        lol omg!! that bad!! im so sorry, lol

        Reply
      • Carl

        I experienced something very similar, except the shaking and chills. I ate a cupful and immediately became bloated, and then it all began

        Reply
        • anthony

          im sick for 2weeks now i been eating this stuff you should be sude for saling this stuff im so sick i know its this stuff im 100% for sure been in ER so sick,gas throwing up camps,nooooo way il buy this again

          Reply
    • Pat

      I tried the activia low fat, no sugar added yogurt. Thankfully I only tried 2 or 3 spoonfuls before deciding I didn’t like the way it tasted. I usually avoid products with Apertame and, or alcohol derivative sweaters, or artificial sweeteners, because they are very bad for you to say the least. Do some reading on aspartame, or acesulfame potassium. Within 15 to 30 min of eating a very small amount I became ill. Symptoms, are sweating, severe stomach pain, burning my entire stomach intestines, gas, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea. I’m lucky I only ate ate the few spoons instead of the whole cup. Something should be on the label warning not to eat this product if you have any allergies to artificial sweeteners. The individual cups aren’t even labeled with ingredients, only the carton that holds them together. Maybe it “helps” some people with extreme constipation, but if you are normal , taking a powerful laxative is not a good thing. That sort of thing should only come in the drug isle, not right there with all the assumed normal food. That is if the selling point is drug related which it seems to be. While they’re at it they should sprinkle some of those sugar free hairbo gummy bears sweated with lycasin right on top of the sugar free yogurt just for sh!ts and giggles.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        LOL

        Reply
        • John

          The individual cups aren’t even labeled with ingredients, only the carton that holds them together. Maybe it “helps” some people with extreme constipation, but if you are normal , taking a powerful laxative is not a good thing.(.. exactly .. they are con artists ) never again ..

          Reply
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