Somehow, I never thought that I'd be enticed to buy food that claimed to be loaded with bacteria.

But clearly I am way behind the probiotic curve. Probiotics—or foods that contain live bacteria cultures offering health benefits—are turning up in yogurt, cereal, OJ, and even soft drinks. Food forecasters predict that they'll be the oat bran of this era. In other words, probiotic gum or probiotic dog chow might just be the beginning.

The reason for the sudden clamor has much to do with a new yogurt brand called Activia. Its hook is that it contains specialized live bacteria that provide digestive health. Since it hit the grocery store dairy cases, it has sold well over $100 million. Naturally, food marketers have taken notice.

But do probiotic foods live up to all the health claims? The answer seems to be yes and no.

It seems to be widely accepted that probiotics are generally thought to be good for us. There is a good deal of research to show that they can help with irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, and provide general intestinal happiness.

According to experts, however, food manufacturers have already started to make some wild claims about the health benefits. There is no evidence, for instance, that probiotic foods can cure allergies or fights cancer.

Personally, I'm not so sure that I'll be the jumping on the probiotic bandwagon anytime soon. A few traumatic experiences with sour milk and moldy cheese have left some lasting damage. I haven't been able to drink a glass of milk since I was 12. But I do love yogurt and kefir, though I try hard to forget that they are loaded with live cultures.

Far as I'm concerned, a spoonful of bacteria just doesn't sound tasty.