The Foundation: L. casei Shirota
Both the original Yakult and Yakult Plus share a fundamental core ingredient: the unique probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS), formerly known as Lactobacillus casei Shirota. This specific strain was developed by the Japanese scientist Dr. Shirota in 1935 and is scientifically proven to reach the intestines alive. Its primary function is to increase the number of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in the gut, which in turn helps improve the intestinal environment. This shared foundation means that regardless of which version you choose, you are still getting a daily dose of this well-researched probiotic powerhouse. The differences between the two products lie in their additional ingredients and nutritional profiles, tailored to meet different dietary preferences.
Yakult Original: The Classic Recipe
Yakult Original is the iconic, classic version that has been available for decades. It is recognizable by its red foil top and a flavour profile that is often described as a silky mix of citrus and vanilla. Its ingredients list is simple and includes water, skimmed milk, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, and the LcS bacteria. This original formula is known for its higher sugar and calorie content compared to its newer counterparts. A single 65ml bottle contains approximately 8.8g of sugar and 43kcals. The sugar content is crucial for the fermentation process, as it provides the nutrients needed to keep the probiotic bacteria alive during the drink's shelf life. For many years, this was the go-to option for those seeking the benefits of the LcS strain. It is a fat-free and gluten-free product, suitable for most individuals.
Yakult Plus: The Modern Adaptation
Yakult Plus was introduced to provide consumers with a nutritionally updated option, addressing modern dietary trends towards lower sugar intake and added functional ingredients. Visually, Yakult Plus can be identified by its peach-coloured (or sometimes green) foil top, depending on the flavour and region. The most significant changes are found in its nutritional breakdown. For starters, Yakult Plus contains substantially less sugar than the original, with just 2.7g per 65ml bottle. To achieve this, it uses alternative sweeteners such as steviol glycosides (from the stevia leaf) and maltitol syrup. This reduction in sugar also results in fewer calories, with each bottle containing around 29kcals.
In addition to the reduced sugar and calories, Yakult Plus is fortified with two key nutrients: dietary fiber and vitamin C. The dietary fiber (polydextrose) is added to provide further support to the gut microbiota, as fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut. Vitamin C is an important addition for immune system function and contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue. Both versions are fat-free, gluten-free, and suitable for vegetarians.
Comparing Yakult and Yakult Plus
The differences between the two products boil down to more than just taste. The choice between them depends on your personal health goals and dietary preferences.
Here is a detailed comparison of Yakult Original and Yakult Plus:
| Feature | Yakult Original | Yakult Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Probiotic Strain | L. casei Shirota | L. casei Shirota |
| Bacteria Count | Same (20 billion LcS per bottle, in many regions) | Same (20 billion LcS per bottle, in many regions) |
| Sugar Content (per 65ml) | ~8.8g | ~2.7g |
| Calorie Count (per 65ml) | ~43kcal | ~29kcal |
| Sweeteners | Glucose-fructose syrup, sugar | Steviol glycosides, Maltitol syrup, some sugar |
| Added Nutrients | None | Dietary Fiber (Polydextrose) & Vitamin C |
| Gut Benefits | Increases good bacteria, improves gut function | Increases good bacteria, improves gut function, fiber feeds gut bacteria |
| Other Benefits | None | Supports immune system, reduces fatigue (from Vitamin C) |
| Primary Goal | Probiotic intake | Probiotic intake with reduced sugar and added fiber/vitamin C |
Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet
Deciding which Yakult is right for you depends on your priorities. For those who are not concerned about sugar content and enjoy the classic, sweeter taste, the Original version is a perfectly valid choice. The core benefit of the L. casei Shirota bacteria is present in both products, making either a good option for improving gut health.
However, if you are looking to reduce your sugar intake, manage your calorie count, or benefit from added fiber and vitamin C, Yakult Plus is the clear winner. The inclusion of dietary fiber provides additional support for the gut microbiome, and the vitamin C offers an extra immune system boost. The use of alternative sweeteners provides a lower-calorie alternative without sacrificing the probiotic benefits.
- Benefits of Yakult Plus: The added components in Yakult Plus offer distinct advantages that go beyond the basic probiotic effect.
- Reduced Sugar: A major selling point for those managing weight or blood sugar levels.
- Immune Support: The inclusion of Vitamin C helps support the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Fiber for Gut Bacteria: Dietary fiber acts as a food source for gut bacteria, potentially promoting a more diverse and robust microbiome.
Ultimately, both drinks deliver the same beneficial bacteria, but Yakult Plus provides an enhanced nutritional profile for the modern, health-conscious consumer. Your choice comes down to weighing the taste of the original against the additional health benefits of the newer, lower-sugar formula.
Conclusion In summary, the core difference between Yakult and Yakult Plus lies in the nutritional enhancements of the newer version. While both contain billions of the unique L. casei Shirota bacteria for gut health, Yakult Plus offers less sugar, fewer calories, and added dietary fiber and vitamin C. This makes Yakult Plus a more nutritionally optimized choice for those who are watching their sugar intake or seeking additional immune and dietary benefits. For those who prefer the original taste and aren't concerned with the sugar content, the classic Yakult remains a reliable probiotic option. Both products successfully fulfill their primary purpose of delivering live bacteria to the gut.
For more information on Yakult products and their benefits, you can visit the official Yakult UK website.
