You're probably familiar with regular yogurt - that thick, creamy dairy food that's good for you. But have you ever tried drinking your yogurt? This drink is becoming increasingly popular in Japan these days. More and more health-conscious people are choosing these probiotic-rich drinks over traditional one because of the same gut health benefits, but in a convenient, portable format. In this article, we'll explore why this drink is so popular in Japan - its health benefits and its origin.
In Japan, drinkable yogurt is gaining popularity due to its convenience and health benefits, particularly for gut health. This beverage is a liquid version of regular yogurt, blended to a pourable texture with added sweeteners for flavor. It retains the same probiotics as spoonable yogurt, known for supporting digestion and immunity. Historically, Chichiya's Chichiyasu Yogurt was Japan's first commercially packaged yogurt launched in 1917, followed by Nisshin York's introduction of Tokachi Drinkable Yogurt in 1970, marking the beginning of Japan's embrace of drinkable yogurt products. This development led to widespread acceptance, making drinkable yogurt a staple in Japanese diets today. The drink is enjoyed for its ease of consumption, diverse flavors, and health benefits, and is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Various brands offer unique products, each with distinct flavors and ingredient combinations, further enriching Japan’s drinkable yogurt market.