I Tried the Viral Coconut Cult Yogurt — and It's Not For the Weak

I wanted to be a Coconut Cult member, I really did. On social media, people rave about the tiny but mighty probiotic yogurt, saying it's reduced bloating, helped with digestion, reduced cravings, and improved gut health. Even my own most health-conscious friends rave about it. But what's the Coconut Cult experience really like, coming from a gut health newbie? After seeing it pop up on my FYP for the hundredth time, I decided to brave it myself.

We already know that probiotics (aka the live bacteria that help your body perform important digestive functions) have several legitimate health benefits. They can help with skin health, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and even contribute to weight loss. Probiotics already exist in your body, but some people prefer to take additional probiotics in the form of supplements or yogurt to boost the benefits. The interesting thing about Coconut Cult probiotic yogurt ($10) is that it contains 50 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics per ounce . . . that's a whole lot of good bacteria.

Coconut Cult probiotic yogurt

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$10

$10 at Amazon

As a Coconut Cult beginner, the brand's website recommends starting with one ounce (or two tablespoons) a day so as to avoid any digestive discomfort. In other words, this is not the kind of yogurt you mindlessly scoop while watching TV. "We do recommend increasing your serving by one ounce at a time to see how your body reacts," the site reads (meaning you'd gradually up your dosage). But everyone reacts differently, so for the best personalized advice, consult with a dietitian or healthcare professional before adding a probiotic to your diet.

With this in mind, I officially set out to join the Coconut Cult — here's how it went for me.

As with all cults, there are several rules all members must abide by. Coconut Cult's are relatively simple: no double dipping, no mixing, and immediately refrigerate the product after use. The main issue with double dipping is that your saliva can contaminate the live bacteria in the yogurt, reducing both the shelf life and the probiotic benefits. People on social media add that mixing the yogurt ruins the consistency, turning it from a fluffy mousse to a runny liquid (I was not brave enough to put this theory to the test). Finally, refrigeration and airtight storage is a must for preserving the shelf life of the probiotics.

It took three separate trips to Whole Foods before I was able to get my hands on a jar of Coconut Cult. "OK, the hype is real," I thought to myself, finally snagging the chocolate mousse flavor at 6 a.m. on a Friday. Having done all my research, I decided to play it safe, carefully scooping a single tablespoon of the yogurt into a plastic bowl. I knew from the company's website that the taste would be relatively sour — almost like the fermented flavor of kombucha. Still, the tangy smell hit my nostrils right away, reminding me of expired yogurt (which, in all fairness, makes total sense).

Unfortunately, the taste was not much better. I'm aware that most people don't eat Coconut Cult for its flavor (although some claim that they eventually grow used to it), but there's not much to love about a spoonful of sour chocolate. I did appreciate the light and airy texture, but honestly, I'd rather reap the same benefits from a probiotic supplement I don't have to taste at all.

Taste aside, I stayed consistent with my spoonful of yogurt for a few days, and I did notice less bloating and better digestion overall, which felt like a major win as a person with a chronic illness. I wouldn't say Coconut Cult drastically changed my life, and I'll have to use the yogurt for much longer before I can weigh in on its gut-healing powers, but I am generally pleased with the results so far.

If you're looking for something simple to add to your morning ritual, I do think this could be a convenient addition with some very real health benefits. While the taste is a little too difficult for me to overcome, I definitely see where the love for Coconut Cult comes from (and trust that I'm cheering you all on from the sidelines).

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.