Why Are Probiotics So Expensive?

I created and sell my own probiotic supplement FlowFlora priced at $39.95 with free shipping and even then it's difficult to make a profit.

Things like Payment Processor Fees, Shopify Fees, Taxes, Warehouse Storage, Graphic Design, Shipping Fees and Marketing all cut into profits.

Using my own personal experience I will share why I think probiotic supplements are so expensive.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that may provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts in people who already have an unbalanced gut.

These microorganisms are similar to the beneficial microorganisms that naturally live in an already healthy nourished gut.

It's possible to get probiotics from fermented foods like Kimchi or Kefir but more commonly are sold in dietary supplements that are more expensive.

Reasons Probiotics Are Expensive

As I have already alluded to in my introduction, there is more than one reason for the high price tag of probiotics.

The one positive I would point out is that probiotic supplements don't need to be bought for life and often a 1 or 2 months supply is enough for some digestive issues.

Production Costs

Making high-quality probiotic supplements can be expensive because the manufacturing process requires carefully controlled conditions to ensure the viability and stability of the live microorganisms in the product. This can involve costly equipment, specialized facilities, and extensive quality control measures to make a probiotic supplement safe to consume. Producing a probiotic supplement in China for example could be a lot cheaper but then again I wouldn't be comfortable selling something from over there even it profit margins were higher.

Storage

Probiotic supplements are living organisms that require specific storage conditions to remain viable and this man include refrigeration and careful handling during shipping and storage. These requirements can add additional costs to the production and distribution of the supplements especially recently with rising electric bills.

Shipping

Since I started selling FlowFlora several years ago I have noticed that the cost of shipping has risen quite dramatically and this is down to the increase in gas prices. If a probiotic supplement has free shipping that doesn't mean it's also free for the manufacturer so they still have to cover that cost somehow. 

Random Fee's

There are a lot of random fees that are involved with selling a probiotic supplement like with payment processors who take a cut of every sale to paying for unique barcodes on a bottle.

How To Get Cheaper Probiotics?

Using fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, is a great way to get probiotics without spending a lot of money. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria that can support your gut health and I would say that Kefir milk is actually better than a lot of expensive supplements.

Going to a store like dollar general or discount store can also be a good way to find affordable probiotic supplements but make sure the supplement is made in the USA and contain the strains that have been shown to provide specific health benefits.

Using a health savings account (HSA) can also be a good way to save money on probiotic supplements. An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, including supplements. By using your HSA to purchase probiotics, you can save money on your purchase while also taking advantage of the tax benefits of an HSA.

Closing Thoughts

While probiotics can be expensive, there are ways to save money and still get the benefits of these helpful microorganisms like incorporating fermented foods into your diet and taking advantage of discount stores or health savings accounts are just a few ways to get cheaper probiotics. 

However, it's important to remember that the quality and efficacy of probiotic supplements can vary widely, so it's important to do your research and choose a high-quality product that contains strains that have been shown to provide specific health benefits.

By prioritizing your gut health and making smart choices, you can improve your overall well-being without breaking the bank. I currently have a 15% discount for FlowFlora for my readers, simply leave a comment below if you would like me to share that with you.