Selina

Written by Selina

Modified & Updated: 28 Jan 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

group healthy drink yakult on white background

Are you a fan of that small, iconic bottle filled with a sweet, tangy dairy beverage known as Yakult? Originating from Japan, Yakult has grown into a global phenomenon, enjoyed by millions daily. But beyond its refreshing taste, what do you actually know about its nutritional content? In this article, we’ll delve into 19 Yakult nutrition facts that will enlighten you about this popular probiotic drink.

Table of Contents

A Source of Probiotics

One of the biggest selling points of Yakult is its probiotic content. Each bottle contains billions of live and active “good bacteria” known as Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Probiotics are beneficial for gut health, improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

Calories in Yakult

Each small bottle of Yakult (65 ml) contains around 50 calories. While it’s relatively low in calories, it’s important to note that these calories mainly come from sugar.

Sugar Content

Speaking of sugar, Yakult contains about 12 grams of sugar per bottle. The sugar contributes to the sweet-tangy taste but can add up if you’re consuming multiple bottles a day.

Low in Fat

Good news for those watching their fat intake—Yakult is virtually fat-free! It contains less than 1 gram of fat per serving, making it a low-fat beverage option.

yakult USA nutrition facts
Image from Facebook

Protein in Yakult

Despite being a dairy product, Yakult isn’t a high source of protein. Each bottle contains only around 0.9 grams of protein.

Energy Value

With about 211 kilojoules of energy per bottle, Yakult provides a small energy boost.

Sodium Content

Each bottle of Yakult contains around 19mg of sodium. While not high, it contributes to the overall daily intake, especially for those on a low-sodium diet.

Not a Source of Fiber

Despite its probiotic benefits for digestion, Yakult itself does not contain dietary fiber.

No Artificial Colors or Preservatives

Yakult prides itself on not using any artificial colors or preservatives. The natural ingredients make it a relatively safe and healthy beverage choice.

Yakult Light: A Lower Sugar Alternative

If the sugar content in regular Yakult worries you, Yakult Light offers a lower-sugar alternative. It contains around 7.5 grams of sugar and fewer calories per bottle.

yakult light
Image from Wiki Commons Media

Yakult is Gluten-Free

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, Yakult is a safe choice. The probiotic drink is gluten-free.

Has Lactic Acid

The tart flavor of Yakult comes in part from lactic acid, produced during the fermentation process. Lactic acid can help improve digestion.

Contains Skimmed Milk

The main ingredient in Yakult is skimmed milk, which is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. However, the quantities in a small Yakult bottle may not contribute significantly to your daily recommended intake.

Includes Water

Apart from skimmed milk, water is one of the main ingredients in Yakult.

Contains Natural Flavors

Yakult contains natural flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the drink.

It’s Not a Source of Vitamins or Minerals

Yakult doesn’t contain any significant amounts of vitamins or minerals. The primary health benefits come from its probiotic content.

yakult and yakult llight in ice box
Image from Flickr

Made with Nonfat Dry Milk

Yakult is made using nonfat dry milk, contributing to its virtually fat-free status.

Contains Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is included in Yakult, contributing to its sweetness and sugar content.

Lactose Content

Although Yakult is a dairy product, the fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose. This makes Yakult tolerable for many individuals with lactose intolerance.

Final Word

There you have it—19 Yakult nutrition facts to keep in mind the next time you enjoy this tasty probiotic drink. Remember, while Yakult offers some health benefits, especially related to gut health, it also contains sugar and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Enjoy your journey to improved gut health with Yakult!

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.