I Was a Probiotic Skeptic Until I Found One That Works: The Ritual vs. Seed Throwdown

In partnership with Ritual. Editor's Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.

I used to be deeply skeptical of probiotics. Not because I didn't believe in gut health – quite the opposite, actually. As someone who bloats just thinking about bloating (shoutout to my very high-bean diet) and regularly experiences acid reflux (#justgirlythings), I've tried my fair share of tummy solutions and pricey probiotics. I just hadn’t found one that actually worked.

Then I tried two of the internet’s favorites – and I actually noticed a difference with one. My digestion noticeably improved, and I stopped needing to change into stretchy pants post-dinner (major W).

The probiotic market is crowded with brands making bold claims, but two names consistently rise to the top of conversations: Ritual and Seed. Both are premium options with devoted followings, but they take different approaches to gut health. 

Here's how these two heavyweight contenders stack up, and why I’ve ultimately stuck with – spoiler alert – Ritual’s Synbiotic+.

The Science: 3-in-1 vs. 2-in-1

Both brands take scientifically backed, but slightly different approaches to gut health.

Ritual Synbiotic+: Contains prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic. Postbiotics are bioactive compounds produced when healthy bacteria ferment fiber, and research shows they can support gut barrier function. If you think of your gut like a garden, postbiotics are like the fruit that help support a vibrant ecosystem. The postbiotic in Ritual serves as a major energy source for the cells that line your gut.*

In an in vitro study, Synbiotic+'s ingredients were actually shown to work better together than individually to support the production of butyrate, which is a major energy source for the cells that line the colon. This synergistic approach means you're not just getting three separate ingredients – they're designed to work in harmony.*

According to the National Institutes of Health, "Many probiotic supplements contain 1 to 10 billion CFU per dose, but some products contain up to 50 billion CFU or more. However, higher CFU counts do not necessarily improve the product's health effects." More isn't necessarily better – it's about the right strains in the right doses.

Ritual's approach focuses on clinically-studied strains at clinically-studied doses rather than just pumping up the numbers.

Seed DS-01: Features 24 probiotic strains with a prebiotic from Indian pomegranate. While it doesn't include postbiotics, it does offer more strain diversity than most probiotics on the market.

The transparency factor is worth noting. Both brands use clinically-studied strains in clinically-studied doses, but Ritual goes a step further with their Made Traceable® standards– you can actually look up each labelled ingredient’s supplier and final place of manufacturing on their website. This level of supply chain transparency gives you  visibility into what you're putting in your body.

Winner: Ritual (for the comprehensive 3-in-1 approach)

Quality & Delivery Technology

Probiotics are notoriously finicky – they need the right conditions to stay alive and actually do their job.

Ritual Synbiotic+: Features a delayed-release capsule design specifically designed to reach the colon, not the stomach – where probiotics can actually do their work. The once-daily capsule format makes it incredibly convenient (no multi-pill routine), and the moisture-controlled bottle technology protects the integrity of the probiotic strains. The bottle is compact and travel-friendly, and it's Clean Label Project Certified, meaning it's been third-party tested for quality and purity. Plus, the clear capsule lets you actually see what you're taking.*

Seed DS-01: Uses their proprietary ViaCap technology – a capsule-in-capsule delivery system that's specifically engineered to protect probiotics through stomach acid and deliver them intact to your colon. This technology has been tested in gut simulation models and shows superior survivability compared to traditional probiotics.

Winner: Tie (for capsule delivery), Ritual (for single-pill and bottle)

‍The Experience

Next up: the daily ritual (pun intended) of actually taking these supplements, because if you dread swallowing your probiotic, you're probably not going to stick with it.

Ritual Synbiotic+: This is where Ritual completely won me over. The single capsule has a delightful mint scent that makes taking it genuinely enjoyable. I can toss it in my mouth and let it linger while I run around looking for my water bottle – a problem that happens more often than I'd like to admit. The capsule glides down effortlessly, and there's something deeply satisfying about the clear, transparent design that lets you actually see the ingredients inside. Most importantly, I've never experienced any stomach discomfort with Ritual – it's formulated to be gentle on the stomach.*

Seed DS-01: Seed requires two capsules daily, which feels like more of a commitment. The capsules are flavorless and opaque (a lovely dark green color), which is fairly standard for most probiotics. 

Winner: Ritual

Cost

Premium gut health comes at a price, but there are meaningful differences in how these brands structure their offerings.

Ritual Synbiotic+: $54/month with a subscription, or $60 for a one-time purchase – AKA the flexibility to buy and try without commitment. 

Seed DS-01: $49.99/month, but only available via subscription with no one-time purchase option. Requires taking two capsules daily.

Winner: Tie (Seed for a slightly cheaper monthly price, Ritual for the option for one-time purchase)

The Bottom Line

After weeks of testing Ritual's Synbiotic+, I'm convinced – and that's coming from someone who was once a probiotic skeptic. I forgot to take it for a few days and genuinely noticed the difference in my digestion, something that's never happened with other probiotics I've tried. I actually look forward to taking it each morning, knowing I’ll have a little partner in crime helping me digest every bite throughout my day.*

While Seed has strain diversity, Ritual wins for me because of the complete 3-in-1 approach, the incredibly enjoyable daily experience, and transparency, from the literally transparent capsule to the Made Traceable® standards.

Sometimes the difference between a supplement you forget to take and one that becomes part of your routine comes down to the smallest details – and Ritual nailed the experience while delivering the science. For someone who used to dread taking probiotics, that's saying something.

Final Verdict: Ritual Synbiotic+

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.