Probiotics have been extensively studied and explored commercially in many different products in the world. Looking to the demand and health prospects extensive screening for Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potentials was investigated. Total 57 bacterial isolates were collected from the 32 samples. Out of which, 33 LAB isolates were confirmed on the basis of morphological and preliminary biochemical characterization. On the basis of probiotic traits such as low pH and high bile salt tolerance, 8 LAB isolates with probiotic potentials were selected. These were further evaluated for phytase activity which is very important for availing various minerals and proteins in the gut. Two LAB isolates found to show significant phytase activity. Considering the probiotic potential along with phytase activity these isolates show health prospects and therefore they were characterized for identification. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization studies revealed Isolate 21 as strain of Pediococcus acidilactici (KU173544) and Isolate 24 (KU173545) as a strain of Pediococcus lolii.
