FAQ
What is a probiotic?
Probiotics, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, are “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts confer, a health benefit on the host”.
Why do I need probiotics?
Some of today’s lifestyle factors such as stress, ageing, medications like antibiotics, and poor diets can upset the balance of bacteria in your gut. Probiotics can assist in maintaining the balance of good and potentially harmful bacteria in the gut.
Why drink Yakult?
Yakult is a refreshing way to include probiotics in your diet. Yakult contains the unique probiotic bacteria, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain, with 6.5 billion beneficial bacteria in every 65mL bottle.
How often can I drink Yakult?
Yakult can be consumed daily. Drinking one bottle daily is an easy way to restore and maintain the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut. All consumable probiotics cannot permanently stay in your gut and will need to be replenished regularly.
Can I drink more than one bottle per day?
Yes, drinking more than one bottle a day is not harmful when included as part of a balanced diet. Drinking Yakult regularly helps to ensure a regular supply of the Shirota strain in your gut.
Is there any particular time of day to drink Yakult?
No. Yakult can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, if you would like to have more than one bottle per day, you may choose to space them out by having one in the morning and one in the evening.
Can I add Yakult to other foods?
Yes. Yakult can be added to cereals, smoothies, milkshakes, cheesecakes or any other cold foods. You can find some recipe inspiration here. Do not add Yakult to hot foods and drinks as high temperatures may kill some of the bacteria.
Why is there sediment in the bottom of my bottle?
As Yakult contains skim milk powder, if the bottle isn’t moved for a period of time, this powder can settle at the bottom of the bottle. This can be re-incorporated with a quick shake of the Yakult bottle before opening.
How to open your bottle of Yakult?
To open a bottle of Yakult
- Starting from the tab on the cap, lift the edges of foil away from the bottle
- From the tab, pull the foil gently away from the rim of the bottle
- Enjoy your bottle of Yakult
Or watch our HOW TO video:
Why are the bottles only 65ml and not bigger?
Each 65mL bottle of Yakult contains sufficient beneficial bacteria and is regarded as a single serve. Bigger bottles run the risk of contamination or spoilage if not consumed in a timely manner once opened.
Is it better to consume Yakult before or after meals?
Yakult can be enjoyed at any time, regardless of whether it is before, during or after a meal. The Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain has been proven to survive strong gastric and bile acids to arrive alive in the digestive system, favourably increasing the numbers of beneficial bacteria there.
How should Yakult be stored?
Yakult needs to be kept at 4°C or below, so it is best to refrigerate Yakult as soon as you can after purchasing.
What is the shelf life of Yakult?
The shelf life of Yakult is 45 days from the date of manufacture. The use-by-date can be found in two places:
- On the back of our outer product packaging.
- On the waist of each individual bottle.
Can I freeze Yakult?
It is not recommended to freeze Yakult as the bottle may crack so when it is thawed, the Yakult would leak out.
Can I heat up Yakult?
Yakult should always to be stored at 4°C or below. High temperatures can cause the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain to weaken and even die.
Can my bottle be recycled?
Yakult bottles are code 6 polystyrene recyclable. Most councils take code 6 recyclables, please check with your local council.
Yakult bottles are eligible for the 10c refund from the container deposit scheme in South Australia and Northern Territory only. Eligibility of containers to the recycling scheme is independently decided by each state government.
How long has Yakult been available in Australia?
Yakult was first launched in Australia in 1994. However, Yakult originated in Japan over 80 years ago.
When did Yakult get introduced to New Zealand?
Yakult was introduced to New Zealand in 2004 and has been growing in popularity since its introduction.
How long has Yakult LIGHT been available in Australia?
Yakult LIGHT was first available in 2004. In 2017, Yakult reformulated Yakult LIGHT to boast further reductions in sugar and energy content and to use Stevia, a plant-based sweetener.
Where can I buy Yakult?
Yakult is stocked in Coles, Woolworths, and a variety of independent grocers around Australia. You can find Yakult in Countdowns across New Zealand also.
How did Yakult get its name?
Dr. Shirota was keen to choose a name that could be understood globally, so he chose the word Yakult from the ‘universal language’ of Esperanto. The word Yakult is derived from ‘Jahurto’ which translates to ‘yoghurt’. However, it is important to remember Yakult is not a yoghurt but a fermented milk drink.
Is Yakult available in other countries?
As of 2020, Yakult is available in 40 countries! You can find out which countries here.
Why is the Yakult bottle shaped like that?
Inspired by the small, round shape of the traditional Japanese Kokeshi doll, the signature Yakult bottle design enables it to be functional, stable, easy to hold and recognizable around the world.
Can I come on a tour of the Yakult factory?
Yes, you can visit our modern manufacturing facility here in Dandenong South, Victoria. Click here for more information about factory tours or our virtual tours.
Enjoy Yakult at any time of the day, morning, noon or night, with or without food!
What is Yakult made of?
Yakult contains: Water, Skim Milk Powder (Reconstituted), Sugar, Dextrose, Flavouring, and the unique Live Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain
What is the difference between Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT?
Yakult LIGHT is a reduced sugar version of Yakult Original. It contains 75% less sugar and 40% less calories than the original. Yakult LIGHT uses Stevia, a plant-based sweetener, as a sugar substitute.
Why is there sugar in Yakult?
Sugar is necessary for taste; otherwise, the drink will taste sour due to the lactic acid produced by the bacteria during the natural fermentation process.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in Yakult?
No. Yakult is fat and cholesterol-free.
Is Yakult artificially coloured?
No. The colour of Yakult is acquired from the Maillard reaction during the heating of the skim milk powder and sugar mixture, prior to fermentation.
Where do the ingredients come from?
Yakult Original is made in Australia from at least 99% Australian ingredients, while Yakult LIGHT is made in Australia from at least 88% Australian ingredients.
Yakult Original Yakult Light
Is there anyone who should not drink Yakult?
Individuals who experience allergies to dairy, cow’s milk protein or those with sensitivity to citrus should not drink Yakult.
Is Yakult suitable for those with lactose intolerance?
Yes. Yakult and Yakult LIGHT are low in lactose, containing only a small amount of lactose (less than 2 grams of lactose per serve). Most people with lactose intolerance are still able to tolerate small amounts of lactose.
Is Yakult gluten-free?
Yes. Yakult and Yakult LIGHT are gluten-free and suitable for individuals with Coeliac Disease.
Is Yakult suitable for babies and children?
Yakult is suitable for children who can safely consume cow’s milk and citrus fruits without any allergies or sensitivities. Children can drink Yakult as part of their normal diet when they start on solids and are consuming a varied diet. For younger children, you may prefer to dilute or give a smaller amount of Yakult.
Is Yakult suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Yes. Yakult is safe to drink during pregnancy and can be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Probiotics are often recommended to assist with bowel issues associated with pregnancy.
Is Yakult suitable for Diabetics?
Yes. People with diabetes can enjoy Yakult as part of a healthy diet. If you would like a lower sugar option, try our Yakult LIGHT which has 75% less sugar and 40% less calories than Yakult Original.
Is Yakult suitable for vegetarians?
Yakult is suitable for individuals following a vegetarian diet who consume milk-based products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt. However, Yakult may not be appropriate for individuals following a vegan diet, where no animal products are consumed, as Yakult contains skim milk powder.
Is Yakult Halal?
Internationally some of our overseas Yakult companies have received Halal certification. However, in Australia, we have not pursued the application process to be considered Halal and thus cannot claim the Yakult drinks produced here as Halal.
Is Yakult beneficial for people taking antibiotics?
Yes. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria by potentially removing many of the beneficial bacteria along with the harmful bacteria. Including a probiotic like Yakult before, during and after a course of antibiotics may help to reduce the disruption of balance in your gut.
Yakult contains NO artificial colours or preservatives!
What is the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain?
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota are probiotics which meet the World Health Organisation definition for probiotics. This particular strain has been proven to survive strong gastric and bile acids to arrive alive in the digestive system, favourably increasing the numbers of beneficial bacteria there.
How many bacteria are in a bottle of Yakult?
There are 6.5 billion Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain in every 65ml bottle of Yakult. This means there are 1010 (10 billion) Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota in every 100ml of Yakult.
When refrigerated, do the Yakult probiotic bacteria continue to multiply or slowly reduce in number?
While the number of the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain will gradually decrease while stored in the fridge, we guarantee at least 6.5 billion CFU in every bottle is maintained until the expiration date when stored correctly.
What is the difference between Yakult and the supermarket brand fermented milks?
Yakult contains the unique probiotic strain, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain, discovered by Yakult’s founder – Dr Minoru Shirota. This probiotic strain can ONLY be found in Yakult products backed by over 80 years of research on safe and effective use.
Each millilitre (ml) of Yakult contains 100, 000, 000 (100 million) bacteria!
