Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

In probiotic drink production, let's say carrot juice as example...is it necessary to undergo fermentation of juice with probiotic before storage? Can I just inoculate probiotic into juices without undertake fermentation??

Hi yiyiyou ,

Welcome to Science Buddies!

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are present in fermented drinks, such as Lactobacilus species.. So yes, a food, such as carrot juice, would not contain probiotics unless it was fermented.

Prebiotics are the molecules, such as oligosaccharides, that support the growth of probiotic bacteria. The carrot juice would probably contain prebiotics.

Are you doing a science fair on this topic? It definitely is a good topic. Please post again if you need more information.

Donna Hardy