Probiotic drinks can help support gut and immune health, but with so many options it’s not always easy to pick one. This guide compares two popular choices—Benecol and Actimel—so you can see how they differ in ingredients, nutrition, and benefits, and decide which suits you best.
Benecol
Benecol is a food brand best known for products that help lower cholesterol. Its Original spread contains plant stanols and sterols that reduce cholesterol absorption. Benecol also makes yoghurt and yoghurt drinks in several flavours. These yoghurt drinks contain live probiotic cultures from the fermentation process, which can support digestion, immune function, and nutrient absorption. Flavours include Lemon & Honey, Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, and more.
Actimel
Actimel is a probiotic drink made to support the immune system. Its key ingredient is the probiotic strain Lactobacillus Casei Danone®, which can help stimulate the body’s natural defenses and support digestion. Actimel also adds vitamins like D and B6 to support overall health—Vitamin D for bones and Vitamin B6 for normal immune function.
Ingredients: key differences
Both drinks list yoghurt, water, pectin (stabiliser) and sucralose (sweetener). Beyond that, they differ:
– Benecol: contains plant stanol ester (to lower cholesterol), lemon juice for flavor, and added Vitamin B1 for heart health.
– Actimel: contains a milk minerals concentrate, natural flavourings, and two sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame K). It also includes Lactobacillus Casei Danone® and Vitamins B6 and D.
Nutrition at a glance
Both are low in fat and calories compared with many other drinks, but there are some differences:
– Calories: Actimel has 27 kcal per 100 g (bottle size 100 g). Benecol has 47 kcal per 100 g and comes in a 67.5 g bottle, so it’s about 32 kcal per serving. The per-serving calorie difference is small.
– Sugar: Benecol has 4.1 g per 100 g (about 2.7 g per 67.5 g serving). Actimel has 3 g per serving. These are naturally occurring sugars, not added sugars.
– Fat: Benecol contains about 1.4 g of fat per serving; Actimel has about 0.1 g per serving.
– Vitamins and other nutrients: Benecol adds Vitamin B1—one serving provides 0.33 mg (about 30% of daily needs). Actimel contains 0.21 mg Vitamin B6 per serving (around 15% of an adult’s recommended intake) and 0.75 μg Vitamin D per serving (about 15% of a child’s recommended intake and 7.5% for adults).
– Plant stanols: Benecol delivers 2 g of plant stanol ester per serving, an ingredient known to help reduce cholesterol; Actimel does not contain plant stanols.
Health benefits compared
Both drinks provide probiotics that can help digestion and support the immune system. The main difference is the focus:
– Actimel emphasizes immune support through its Lactobacillus Casei Danone® strain and added Vitamins B6 and D.
– Benecol focuses on lowering cholesterol thanks to plant stanol esters, while also offering probiotic benefits and added Vitamin B1.
Can you take them together?
Yes. There’s no known harm in taking Benecol and Actimel together. They work in different ways—Benecol for cholesterol, Actimel for immune support—so combining them can provide complementary benefits. If you have specific health concerns or are on medication, check with your doctor first.
How they compare to Yakult
Benecol, Actimel, and Yakult are all probiotic drinks that support digestive health. Benecol adds plant stanols to help lower cholesterol. Actimel uses Lactobacillus Casei Danone® and adds vitamins for immune support. Yakult contains the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, which is also linked to digestion and immunity. Each uses different probiotic strains and ingredients, so personal preference and health goals will guide the best choice.
Which should you choose?
There’s no one right answer. Choose Benecol if lowering cholesterol is your priority. Choose Actimel if you want an immune boost and extra vitamins. Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider to get advice based on your individual needs.
Conclusion
Both Benecol and Actimel offer health benefits in different ways. Your decision should match your health goals and lifestyle—consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.