We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. I’ve tested more gut health supplements than I can count as a dietitian and director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab , but few have generated as much buzz as Seed DS-01 . With gut health conversations dominating social media, I wanted to see whether this synbiotic actually lived up to the hype or was just another wellness trend. Since gut health can affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall wellness, it’s no surprise supplements like these have become so popular. After trying Seed DS-01 myself and talking with other longtime users, I got a better sense of how it performs beyond the marketing claims. Here’s everything you need to know about the supplement, including my experience, how it works, and whether it’s worth the cost. Our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab review and evaluate every single supplement we recommend in accordance with our dietary supplement methodology . We then have a registered dietitian on our Medical Review Board review each article for scientific accuracy. A supplement should do just that: supplement the diet, not replace high-quality, nutritious food and important healthy lifestyle practices. Check with your health care provider before starting any dietary supplement regimen. How does Seed work? Is Seed worth it? My experience testing Seed How much does Seed cost? Who should try Seed? How long does it take Seed to work? Why trust Good Housekeeping? Seed is a supplement company best known for its hero product, DS-01 Daily Synbiotic , a daily synbiotic designed to support gut health. A synbiotic combines: Probiotics— beneficial bacteria that support the gut microbiome Prebiotics— fibers that feed and support those beneficial bacteria DS-01 contains 24 probiotic strains and is formulated for adults , though Seed also makes a synbiotic for children , as well as a variety of other products including multivitamins and sleep supplements for adults . But as conversations around gut health continue to grow, probiotics and prebiotics have become among the most popular dietary supplements in the United States. Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic Clinically studied strains Includes prebiotics and probiotics Special capsule designed for optimal absorption Third-party tested Sustainable packaging features No refrigeration needed Nearly double the price of other probiotics Two large capsules daily How does Seed work? The recommended serving size for DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is two capsules per day. However, Seed recommends starting with one capsule daily for the first three days before increasing to the full serving on day four. The supplement can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. DS-01 contains 53.6 billion AFU (Active Fluorescent Units), which is Seed’s method for measuring live probiotic cells. Most supplements are measured in milligrams, while probiotics are commonly measured in CFU (Colony Forming Units), a count of live bacteria. Seed uses AFU instead, saying it’s a more precise measurement method. That said, the number of live bacteria is only part of the picture, and the specific probiotic strains included matter just as much. Seed provides a full breakdown of the strains used in DS-01, along with research and strain-specific studies available on its website. Is Seed worth it? As a dietitian, I always emphasize that a well-balanced diet is the foundation for gut health. That said, if someone is specifically looking for a probiotic and prebiotic, Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is one of the higher-quality options out there . It stands out for its researched strains, strict testing standards, and third-party quality checks. The main downsides are the premium price, large capsule size, and two-capsule daily serving. Like with any supplement, it’s a good idea to check in with your health care provider before starting, especially if you’re on medication or managing a health condition. Ultimately, DS-01 is a high-quality synbiotic but not essential for everyone. My experience testing Seed Ordering and packaging

Ordering from Seed was straightforward. The first delivery of DS-01 Daily Synbiotic includes a Welcome Kit with a refillable glass jar, a glass travel vial, and a 30-day supply of capsules. Future orders arrive in smaller refill pouches. I was impressed by the thoughtful, sustainability-focused packaging , including recyclable glass containers and compostable materials. The dark green jars are also designed to help protect the probiotics from light exposure. The travel vial fit easily in my purse. Because it's glass, I was initially worried it might break. That said, another staffer had traveled with it regularly without any issues. The capsules are fairly large, and since the serving size is two per day, that may be a drawback for some people , though it’s pretty common with probiotic supplements. I also appreciated that the formula is tested for major allergens and works with vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free diets. One unique feature is Seed’s capsule design, which uses a capsule-within-a-capsule system intended to help the probiotics survive stomach acid. Because of this, the supplements also don’t require refrigeration. Quality and results What stood out most to me was the brand’s focus on testing and research. Seed says it conducts third-party testing for potency, contaminants, allergens, and survivability, and that the formula is Proposition 65 compliant . As for results, another staffer and I noticed improvements in bloating after using the supplement consistently for several months . One staffer said, “I had tried out multiple probiotic products before Seed, but still I found this to be the best. I take it every morning on an empty stomach and feel like it’s a great start to my day. As someone who eats a ton of fiber, I needed a probiotic that could help with any bloat that causes.” Another staffer also liked the subscription model because it made reordering easy. That said, results with probiotics can vary widely from person to person, and factors such as diet and lifestyle also play major roles in gut health. How much does Seed cost? A 30-day supply of DS-01 Daily Synbiotic costs $49.99 and is billed monthly through a subscription. You can save about 10% to 15% if you choose to receive shipments every three or six months through Seed’s Sustainable Refill Program. Shipping within the U.S. is free, and while it’s a subscription model, you can reschedule or cancel at any time. If you prefer not to commit to a subscription, DS-01 is also now available at Target for $59.99 for a 30-day supply, a slightly higher price point. Who should try Seed? DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is designed for adults 18 and over. That said, it’s still a good idea to check in with your health care provider before starting any new supplement. You might consider a probiotic if you’re dealing with gut imbalance (sometimes called dysbiosis) or if your digestive system has been thrown off , like after being sick or taking antibiotics. There’s also research suggesting that probiotics may help with certain digestive concerns and even play a role in oral health and allergies. For most healthy adults, they’re generally considered safe, but if you have a serious health condition or a weakened immune system, it’s especially important to talk with a doctor first. How long does it take Seed to work? Everyone’s body reacts differently, so there’s no exact timeline for when you’ll notice changes with a probiotic like DS-01 Daily Synbiotic, and some people may not feel anything noticeable at all. Seed says some people may notice digestive changes within 24 to 48 hours, though others may take longer. And potential longer-term effects, like support for gut or immune health, may be more gradual and subtle. Even if you don’t feel a big difference right away, the idea is that the bacteria are still working in your system as long as you’re taking it consistently. Why trust Good Housekeeping? As director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Registered Dietitian Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., handles all nutrition-related content, product testing, and evaluation. She stays up to date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition. Stefani oversees supplement analysis for Good Housekeeping and has evaluated categories including multivitamins , joint health supplements , and vitamin D . Rachel Lustgarten (she/her), M.S., R.D., C.D.N., is a registered dietitian in clinical practice in New York City. Her primary area of focus is medical nutrition therapy and weight control. Rachel’s passion is sharing her knowledge and expertise of food and nutrition’s role in overall health and wellness. She co-hosts the weekly “Primary Care Medicine” show on SiriusXM Doctor Radio, interviewing expert guests and fielding listener calls and questions about hot topics in health and nutrition. She served as a clinical dietitian at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine and served as an Advisor to the Weill Cornell’s Women’s Nutrition Connection monthly newsletter for 10 years. Rachel received a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, graduating with honors. 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