Eighty per cent of Canadians say they’re actively trying to support their gut health, yet new research from Danone Canada suggests many of us still don’t know the difference between a probiotic and a fermented food—or whether our daily habits are actually helping our microbiome at all. We sat down with Janna Boloten, Registered Dietitian and Director of Nutrition & Scientific Affairs at Danone Canada, to separate fact from fiction, decode the probiotic confusion and uncover the simple, food-first habits that can make a meaningful difference to digestive health. —Noa Nichol
Canadians seem more interested in gut health than ever before, yet your survey found widespread confusion about probiotics and the microbiome. What are some of the biggest misconceptions you’re seeing right now?
It is very encouraging to see Canadians taking such an active interest in their gut health. Our recent survey revealed that a massive 80% of Canadians have grown more interested in foods that support their microbiome over the last couple of years. But with that interest comes a lot of noise and a few persistent myths. The biggest misconception we found is thinking about gut care as a temporary project rather than a daily habit. Your microbiome is a living ecosystem that benefits most from daily consistency, not a one-time “quick fix.” We also see a disconnect in how people view the gut’s role; while most of us know it helps with digestion, many don’t realize how closely it’s tied to our overall immune system and metabolic health.
Nearly half of Canadians believe all fermented foods contain active probiotics. What should shoppers actually be looking for when they’re trying to choose foods that support gut health?
Fermented foods are wonderful and absolutely have a place in a healthy diet, and eating them regularly is generally good for health. However, as our survey highlighted, nearly half of Canadians assume that just because a food is fermented, it automatically contains active probiotics. A classic example of this is yogurt; while all yogurts are fermented, and fermented foods are important, only certain yogurts contain additional probiotics. For people who want a specific benefit that a probiotic can offer, you have to play detective at the grocery store. Look for the actual word “probiotic” on the label and check the ingredient list for specific names of the bacterial strains—like Bifidobacterium lactis. If you want to go a step further, you can search for the strain online and see if it has been studied and shown to provide a health benefit. Or, even better, consult a registered dietitian who can guide you with personalized nutrition advice.
Gut health has become one of the biggest wellness buzzwords of the decade. Has the explosion of information online helped consumers—or made it harder to separate fact from fiction?
Social media is fantastic for creative recipe inspiration, but it’s also full of unproven “gut hacks” that lack proper science. In our survey, we noticed that all this noise is leaving people feeling overwhelmed. Canadians genuinely want to do the right thing for their health, but they’re finding it harder than ever to cut through the clutter and make confident choices in the grocery aisle.
Many people spend money on supplements in hopes of improving their health. Are there simple food-first habits that can have an even bigger impact on the microbiome?
Absolutely! I always advocate for a “food-first” approach. A great starting point is simply feeding the good bacteria already living in your gut by eating a diverse, plant-rich diet that provides you with adequate fibre. Getting your probiotics from food has some really unique advantages that you simply will not find in supplements. Whole food sources naturally help protect the live cultures so they can safely make the journey to your gut. Plus, when you get your probiotics from food instead of a pill, you’re also getting a lovely bonus of other essential daily nutrients—like vitamins, minerals, and protein—all working together.
The survey found that 80 per cent of Canadians are actively seeking foods that support gut health. What are some easy, everyday grocery swaps that can help people turn that intention into action?
It’s all about small, realistic tweaks rather than a total diet overhaul. If you usually reach for a standard mid-day snack, try blending up a quick, fibre-rich fruit smoothie by including mixed berries, chia seeds and banana. When you’re making dinner, try swapping out white rice for high-fibre whole grains like quinoa or barley. Even something as simple as adding a handful of almonds to your afternoon apple can give you a great fibre boost! For prebiotic fibre specifically, oats are a good example and are so versatile.
We often hear about the connection between gut health and digestion, but research is increasingly linking the microbiome to immunity, mood, and overall wellbeing. What are some of the most surprising ways the gut influences our health?
Great question! Your gut and your brain are physically connected by a major nerve, so they’re in constant communication. For example, about 95% of your body’s serotonin—often called the “happy hormone”—is produced right in your gut. This strong connection helps explain why times of high stress or anxiety can sometimes show up as an upset stomach. Beyond mood, your gut also acts as a natural shield, making it a core part of your immune system. Supporting the community of friendly bacteria inside that shield, with a balanced diet full of fibre and everyday nutrients is key. And if you’re ever looking for more personalized guidance, consulting with a registered dietitian is a great place to start.
For someone who feels overwhelmed by nutrition advice, what are the top three things you would recommend they start doing this week to support a healthier gut?
Since our survey showed that so many Canadians feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice, my biggest tip is to keep it simple. First, focus on prebiotic fibre by adding more plant-based foods like oats, berries, and beans to feed your existing good bacteria. Second, drink plenty of water and keep your body moving! Daily hydration and physical activity are absolute cornerstones of keeping your digestion running smoothly. Third, try to consistently include a food with proven probiotics into your daily routine, as this may help ease minor everyday digestive issues like bloating. A food source is ideal, since you need to eat anyway!
Yogurt is often associated with probiotics, but not all yogurts are created equal. How can consumers tell whether a product actually contains beneficial live and active cultures?
It’s true—all yogurt is made with live bacterial cultures, but not all of them contain probiotics that offer specific, proven health benefits. The trick is to check the packaging. You want to see the word “probiotic” and a specific, clinically researched bacterial strain listed. For instance, Activia is a great choice for your gut microbiome because it contains more than 1 billion live probiotics, from the strain Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 per serving. In fact, research has shown that daily consumption of Activia, at two servings a day for at least 2 weeks, helps to reduce minor, yet common, digestive issues like bloating and gas. With that, other research has shown that the probiotics in Activia survive the digestive tract and reach the gut alive.
Cost is top of mind for many Canadians right now. What are some affordable, accessible foods that offer meaningful gut-health benefits without requiring a major lifestyle overhaul?
I always tell people that, like healthy eating in general, gut-healthy eating can be very affordable, with a little education to empower your choices. Canned beans and lentils are incredibly budget-friendly sources of prebiotic fibre, and canned or frozen fruits and veggies are affordable, nutrient-dense staples. In addition, including probiotic yogurt daily offers an efficient way to get both foundational nutrition and probiotics for gut health in one convenient serving.
Looking ahead, what do you think Canadians need to understand most about gut health if they want to move beyond trends and build habits that genuinely support long-term wellness?
If there is one major takeaway from our survey, it’s that we need to let go of the “quick fix” mentality. Your gut is a living, breathing ecosystem that requires continuous, daily nourishment. Moving beyond short-term trends means embracing a sustainable and simple daily routine that combines a diverse, fibre-rich diet with consistent hydration, daily movement, and proven, science-backed probiotic foods. It’s about being consistent every day.
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