About Activia
Activia is a probiotic yogurt brand owned by Groupe Danone, launched in France in 1987 under the "Bio" brand name. The product resulted from 1980s research when Danone scientists developed a proprietary probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium animalis DN 173,010) that could survive in yogurt's acidic environment. After testing hundreds of bacterial strains, they discovered bifidus couldn't survive traditional 43°C fermentation, so they created a special blend working at lower temperatures. Activia contains a unique blend of five ferments: Bifidus ActiRegularis, Streptococcus thermophilus, two strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactococcus lactis. The proprietary Bifidus strain is marketed under various trade names including Bifidus Regularis, Bifidus Actiregularis, and Bifidus Digestivum. By 2011, Activia was the largest global fresh dairy brand (Nielsen data), now a £2+ billion brand present in over 70 countries across five continents. In the UK, Activia is the best-selling gut health brand in the chilled yogurts and desserts category by both value and volume sales. The UK probiotic market was worth £164 million annually with 60% of households buying probiotic products. The product range includes standard yogurts, Greek-style yogurts, drinking yogurts, and various fruit flavours. Note: Health benefit claims led to regulatory changes across the EU, US and Canada. Advertising now focuses on taste and pleasure rather than specific health claims. Compare Activia yogurt prices at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Co-op and Ocado with Grocefully.