Does Milkis Have Dairy? Unpacking the Milky Soda's Ingredients

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

First launched in South Korea in 1989, the popular Lotte Milkis beverage combines the unexpected flavors of milk and soda for a creamy, fizzy treat. So, does Milkis have dairy? The answer is yes, as the original formulation explicitly contains skim milk powder.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Milkis contains dairy, specifically skim milk powder, and is therefore not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. It details the beverage's ingredients, addresses common dietary concerns, and compares Milkis to other similar soft drinks.

Key Points

Contains Dairy: Milkis is not dairy-free, as it is made with skim milk powder.
Not Vegan: Because it contains dairy, Milkis is unsuitable for a vegan diet, though it is vegetarian-friendly.
Lactose Intolerance: Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid Milkis due to its dairy content.
Unique Process: Manufacturers use milk powder and stabilizers to prevent curdling when mixing dairy with carbonated water.
Check Labels: While the original contains dairy, always check packaging for the most current and specific ingredient list.
Creamy and Fizzy: The skim milk powder is what gives Milkis its distinctive creamy texture combined with carbonation.

Understanding the Ingredients in Milkis

To truly answer the question, "Does Milkis have dairy?", one must look at its component parts. The manufacturer, Lotte Chilsung, uses a combination of ingredients to create the unique milky and carbonated flavor profile. While the exact formula can vary slightly by country and flavor, the core components for the original flavor are consistent.

The ingredient list for Milkis typically includes:

Filtered Water
Cane Sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup
Carbon Dioxide
Powdered Skim Milk or Skimmed Milk Powder
Citric Acid
Yogurt Flavoring
Soybean Polysaccharide
Stabilizers

The presence of skim milk powder is the definitive reason Milkis is not a dairy-free product. This powdered form of milk is what provides the characteristic creamy texture and taste, which sets it apart from traditional sodas. While some sources mention milk solids, this refers to dairy-based components as well.

Implications for Dairy-Sensitive and Vegan Diets

For individuals with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet, the dairy content in Milkis is a significant concern. The inclusion of skim milk powder means the beverage contains both dairy proteins and lactose. A direct consultation of the ingredients list on the can or bottle is always recommended to be certain, especially for flavored varieties, but the original and most common versions are not suitable for these dietary restrictions. Some variants of Milkis are explicitly labeled as containing milk and soy for allergy purposes.

Milkis and Vegan Lifestyles

The presence of powdered skim milk makes Milkis unsuitable for those adhering to a strict vegan lifestyle. Dairy products are derived from animals, and therefore, do not align with vegan principles. The beverage is, however, suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. It's crucial for consumers to read labels carefully, as some international markets might have different product formulations or new non-dairy alternatives could emerge, though none are standard for the classic version at this time.

Comparison Table: Milkis vs. Calpis Soda

For those seeking alternatives, it is helpful to compare Milkis to other Asian cream sodas. Calpis, a popular Japanese drink, is often compared to Milkis for its tangy, lactic flavor. However, their dairy sources differ, which is important for those with specific dietary needs.


Feature	Milkis	Calpis Soda	Notes
Origin	South Korea	Japan	Both are popular East Asian soft drinks.
Dairy Source	Skim milk powder	Cultured milk and non-fat milk solids	Both contain dairy, so neither is vegan.
Flavor Profile	Creamy, milky, and fizzy	Tangy, light, and lacto-flavored	Calpis is often described as a lighter, less creamy taste.
Consistency	Smooth and milky texture	Thinner, more watery consistency	Different textures lead to different drinking experiences.
Vegan Friendly?	No	No	Neither is a suitable vegan choice.

Frequently Asked Questions and Clarifications

Beyond the primary dairy query, there are other questions consumers often ask about Milkis. The beverage's unique composition and cross-cultural appeal can lead to confusion about its properties and best consumption practices. By addressing these, consumers can make more informed decisions about enjoying the product safely and to its full potential.

The Science Behind Carbonated Milk

It's worth noting the careful manufacturing process that allows for carbonation with milk. Directly mixing milk and carbonated water at home would cause the milk to curdle. Milkis avoids this issue by using powdered milk and specific stabilizers (like soybean polysaccharide) that prevent separation, creating a stable, milky, and fizzy drink.

Conclusion

The definitive answer to "Does Milkis have dairy?" is yes. The Korean soft drink contains powdered skim milk, giving it its signature creamy texture and flavor. As a result, it is not suitable for individuals with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet. Consumers should always check the ingredients list, as product variations can occur. However, the consistent use of milk-derived ingredients means this beverage is a dairy product, despite its classification as a soda. For those without dairy-related dietary restrictions, Milkis remains a unique and popular choice for a sweet and creamy carbonated beverage.

For more information on the company behind Milkis, you can explore the Lotte Chilsung website. While the site may be in Korean, it provides details about their range of beverages and company history.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Milkis is not safe for individuals with a milk allergy because its ingredients include skim milk powder, a direct dairy derivative.

No, people with lactose intolerance should not drink Milkis. The presence of dairy ingredients means it contains lactose and could cause an adverse reaction.

The original Milkis is not vegan, but some reports suggest that in some markets, non-dairy versions may exist or be developed. Always check the packaging and ingredient list carefully for a 'dairy-free' or 'vegan' label.

Milkis is often described as a Korean-style cream soda due to its creamy and fizzy profile. However, it's different from Western cream sodas because it contains actual milk solids (powder) for its creaminess.

The creamy texture and milky flavor of Milkis come from the addition of skim milk powder, which is a key component in the beverage's recipe.

The manufacturing process for Milkis uses milk in powdered form along with stabilizers (like soybean polysaccharide) to prevent the curdling that would occur if liquid milk was mixed directly with carbonated water.

Yes, many versions of Milkis, including the original, contain soy polysaccharides as a stabilizer. People with soy allergies should check the allergen information on the label.