The present invention relates to compositions containing probiotic microorganisms and methods of making and using probiotic associations containing these microorganisms. More particularly, the invention relates to an association of probiotic lactic acid microorganisms including newly identified strains of microorganisms and their use in dietary products. These microorganisms are cultured to produce a protective shell that enhances shelf-stability of compositions and products of the invention. The isolated microorganisms include new strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis, and Streptococcus thermophillus.
