Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Get More from Julian Bakery

Gut health has become a hot topic—and for good reason. A thriving digestive system supports immunity, energy, and even mood. While probiotics often steal the spotlight, prebiotics are just as essential in keeping your gut microbiome balanced and functioning at its best. But what exactly are prebiotics and probiotics, how do they work, and how can you incorporate them into your lifestyle?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms—mainly bacteria and some yeasts—that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Think of them as friendly bacteria that support a balanced gut ecosystem, also known as the gut microbiome.

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes, and when the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria is disrupted (due to stress, antibiotics, poor diet, etc.), it can lead to digestive issues, inflammation, and even weakened immunity. Probiotics help restore that balance by:

• Crowding out harmful bacteria: Beneficial strains outcompete pathogenic ones for resources and space.
• Enhancing the intestinal barrier: Some probiotic strains strengthen the lining of the gut, preventing “leaky gut.”
• Producing important substances: Probiotics generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), B vitamins, and enzymes that aid digestion.
• Modulating immune function: They can reduce inflammation and help the body respond appropriately to pathogens. 

Common Probiotic Strains

• Lactobacillus – Found in yogurt and fermented foods; supports digestion and helps break down lactose.
• Bifidobacterium – Common in the colon; helps digest fiber and supports immune health.
• Saccharomyces boulardii – A beneficial yeast; supports gut recovery after antibiotics or diarrhea.

While probiotics can be taken in supplement form, you’ll also find them in fermented foods such as: Yogurt (with live cultures), Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso, Tempeh, Kombucha.

What Are Prebiotics?
Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible carbohydrate (primarily soluble fiber) that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Unlike probiotics, which are live organisms, prebiotics serve as fuel for the good bacteria to grow, multiply, and function effectively.

Think of prebiotics as a gardener’s compost—it doesn’t contain plants (the bacteria), but it enriches the soil to help them flourish.

How Prebiotics Help:

• Stimulate the growth of probiotics: Especially strains like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
• Increase production of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids): These support colon health, reduce inflammation, and help regulate blood sugar.
• Support mineral absorption: Prebiotics can enhance your body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and iron.
• Improve satiety and weight management: Soluble fibers can slow digestion, promoting fullness and steady energy levels.
  

Types of Prebiotic Fibers

• Inulin: Found in chicory root, onions, and garlic.
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Present in bananas, asparagus, and leeks.
• Galactooligosaccharides (GOS): Found in legumes and some dairy.
• Resistant starches: Found in cooked and cooled potatoes, green bananas, and some grains.
• Soluble Dextrin Fiber: Found in Julian Bakery’s products, especially effective and gentle on digestion.

Unlike probiotics, which can be fragile (sensitive to heat, stomach acid, and time), prebiotics are much more stable and easier to incorporate into daily life—especially through functional foods like those from Julian Bakery.

Julian Bakery’s Prebiotic Powerhouses

At Julian Bakery, we’re passionate about creating products that support gut health naturally and deliciously. A couple of our most popular items are rich in prebiotic fiber to help you thrive from the inside out.

1. ProGranola®
11g fiber per serving

Packed with Soluble Dextrin Fiber from tapioca and nutrient-dense seeds like chia, flax, and pumpkin, ProGranola is a crunchy, satisfying way to fuel your gut bacteria. It’s sweetened naturally with monk fruit and free from IMO (isomalto-oligosaccharide), making it gentle on your digestive system.

2. Egg White Protein Bar – Peanut Butter
17g fiber per bar

This protein-packed bar offers a serious dose of prebiotic fiber thanks to Soluble Dextrin Fiber and is powered by clean ingredients like egg white protein and organic peanuts. It’s a great on-the-go snack that supports satiety and gut health.

Final Thoughts
Balancing your intake of both probiotics and prebiotics is one of the most impactful things you can do for your long-term wellness. By choosing nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods, you’re giving your body the tools it needs to thrive.

Your gut will thank you—and so will the rest of your body.