Yakult Original
A short, simple ingredient list with a real probiotic, but it is surprisingly high in sugar for its tiny bottle.
Ingredients (6)
Water
Water is the base of the drink and poses no health concern.
Sugar (Sucrose)
ControversialSugar is the main non-water ingredient and gives the drink its sweet taste. In a small bottle, one serving adds up quickly, especially if you drink it daily on top of other sugary foods.
Skimmed Milk Powder
This is the fermentation base. It provides some protein and calcium with almost no fat. It is a major allergen and contains lactose.
Glucose / Glucose-Fructose Syrup
This is another added sugar. It makes the sugar content higher and offers no nutritional benefit. The exact sweetener varies by country and recipe.
Natural Flavouring
This is a vague label term that covers many flavor compounds from natural sources. It is generally considered safe, but you cannot tell exactly what it contains. This is a minor point.
Lactobacillus paracasei strain Shirota (formerly L. casei Shirota)
This is a well-studied probiotic strain that survives stomach acid and has been researched for gut health. Evidence for broader health claims is mixed. It is generally safe for healthy people, though people who are severely immunocompromised should check with a doctor first.
Healthier alternatives
It has far more probiotic strains and little or no added sugar.
Find on AmazonIt is high in protein, has no added sugar, and contains live bacteria. You can add fruit for sweetness.
Find on AmazonIt has the same probiotic strain with about half the sugar, though it uses sweeteners.
Find on AmazonIt is a dairy-free fermented option with less sugar. Probiotic content varies by brand.
Find on AmazonYakult was developed in the 1930s by Japanese doctor Minoru Shirota, who isolated the bacterial strain that now carries his name. The brand name is said to come from 'jahurto', the Esperanto word for yogurt.