Which is better, Actimel or Yakult? A Probiotic Comparison

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 40 million bottles of Yakult are consumed daily across the world, highlighting the immense popularity of probiotic drinks. This growing interest often leads to a common question: which is better, Actimel or Yakult? Understanding the key differences in these two fermented milk drinks is crucial for making an informed choice for your gut health.

Quick Summary

A detailed comparison of Actimel and Yakult, evaluating their core probiotic strains, nutritional content, sugar levels, and other features to determine which aligns best with individual health goals and preferences.

Key Points

Probiotic Strains: Yakult uses a single, well-researched strain (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota), while Actimel features a proprietary blend including Lactobacillus casei Danone and added yogurt cultures.
Nutrient Fortification: Actimel is fortified with immune-supporting vitamins D and B6, a key difference from Yakult's simpler formula.
Sugar and Calories: On a per-milliliter basis, Yakult's original formula contains more sugar than Actimel's original, though both brands offer reduced-sugar variants.
Flavor and Texture: Yakult is known for its distinct tangy, sweet taste, while Actimel offers a milder, creamier texture and a wider variety of flavors.
Value and Size: Actimel's larger 100ml bottle often represents better value per milliliter compared to Yakult's smaller 65ml serving, though pricing fluctuates.
The Best Choice: The 'better' option depends on personal preference for strains, flavor, nutritional content, and budget, with consistency being the most important factor for probiotic benefits.

Decoding Probiotics: Yakult vs. Actimel

Probiotic drinks have become a staple for many looking to support their digestive and immune systems. Both Actimel and Yakult are leading contenders in this market, but they differ significantly in their composition, target benefits, and nutritional profiles. The core of their difference lies in the specific bacterial strains they contain, which is the key determinant of their effects on the gut.

The Probiotic Strains: An In-Depth Look

The Shirota Strain in Yakult

Yakult's formula is built around a single, highly concentrated strain of bacteria: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota, also known as the Shirota strain (LcS). This strain has a long and extensive history of scientific research, dating back to 1930. The simplicity of Yakult's approach, focusing on a single, well-studied strain, is one of its defining features. Each small bottle is packed with billions of these cultures, which are designed to survive the stomach's acidic environment and reach the intestines alive.

Key characteristics of the Shirota strain in Yakult include:

High Concentration: Billions of live LcS bacteria per bottle.
Intestinal Function: Shown to improve intestinal function and support immunity.
Consistency: Regular consumption helps to balance the gut flora.

Actimel's Multi-Strain Approach

In contrast, Actimel takes a multi-strain approach. While Actimel is a yogurt drink that contains the basic yogurt starter cultures, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, its unique probiotic power comes from the addition of the exclusive Lactobacillus casei Danone (L. casei Danone®). This blend of cultures is intended to offer complementary health benefits, with an emphasis on immune support. Actimel is also famously fortified with essential vitamins.

Key characteristics of Actimel's bacterial blend:

Proprietary Strain: Contains the exclusive L. casei Danone strain.
Immune Support Focus: Added vitamins D and B6 are highlighted for their role in immune function.
Variety: Actimel offers a wider range of flavors than Yakult, providing more options for consumers.

Nutritional and Flavor Differences

Beyond the bacteria, the two drinks also differ in their nutritional content, flavor profiles, and serving sizes. These factors can heavily influence consumer preference.

Sugar and Calorie Content

For those monitoring their sugar intake, the comparison is crucial. While both brands offer lower-sugar alternatives, their original versions show clear differences:

Yakult Original: A 65ml bottle contains approximately 10-11.4 grams of sugar and about 50 calories.
Actimel Original: A larger 100ml bottle contains around 10.5-11 grams of sugar and about 72-74 calories. On a per-milliliter basis, Yakult's original is more sugar-dense, although Actimel's larger serving means a higher total sugar and calorie count per bottle. Both brands have successfully introduced reduced-sugar versions to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Taste and Texture

Taste and texture are subjective but important considerations.

Yakult: Known for its distinct, sweet-tangy flavor, reminiscent of a classic liquid yogurt with citrus notes. It has a thinner consistency compared to Actimel.
Actimel: Offers a milder, creamier flavor profile with a slightly thicker consistency, closer to a drinkable yogurt. Its wider range of fruit flavors provides more variety.

Comparison Table: Actimel vs. Yakult


Feature	Yakult	Actimel
Primary Probiotic Strain	Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS)	Lactobacillus casei Danone (L. casei DN-114 001) + other yogurt cultures
Focus	High concentration of a single, well-researched strain	Multi-strain approach with added vitamins for immune support
Fortification	Minimal (some variants have vitamins D & E)	Fortified with vitamins D and B6
Original Sugar/100ml	~17.5g* (Based on 11.4g/65ml)	~11g
Original Calories/100ml	~77kcal* (Based on 50kcal/65ml)	~72kcal
Serving Size	65ml	100ml
Taste	Tangy, sweet, distinct citrus/vanilla	Creamier, milder, wider range of fruit flavors
Value	Often higher price per milliliter	Often better value per milliliter

*Note: Original Yakult values normalized to 100ml for direct comparison.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, deciding which is better, Actimel or Yakult, is a matter of personal preference and specific health goals. Neither is inherently superior; rather, they serve different purposes and cater to different tastes.

Choose Yakult if: You prefer a product with a long-standing, focused history of research on a single probiotic strain. You enjoy a classic, tangy yogurt-drink flavor and are comfortable with a smaller serving size. Some might find the per-milliliter sugar content higher, but lower-sugar options are available.
Choose Actimel if: You prefer a multi-strain probiotic approach and want the added immune-supporting benefits of vitamins D and B6. You prefer a wider variety of flavors and a creamier texture. Actimel also tends to be more economical on a per-milliliter basis.

Whichever you choose, the most important factor for reaping probiotic benefits is consistency. Regularly incorporating one of these drinks into your diet is the best way to support your gut health journey. It is also recommended to consider your specific health needs and consult a doctor or dietitian for personalized advice. A healthy gut also depends on a balanced diet rich in fiber and a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about the science of probiotics.

How to Make the Right Choice for Your Needs

When standing in the supermarket aisle, consider these questions to guide your decision:

What are your goals? Are you looking for general digestive support or specific immune benefits? Actimel's added vitamins might sway you towards immune support, while Yakult's long-researched strain is a reliable choice for general gut function.
Do you prefer variety? If you like to switch up flavors, Actimel's wide range of fruity options will be more appealing than Yakult's limited original and light variations.
How sensitive are you to sugar? While both offer low-sugar versions, comparing the per-milliliter content of the originals is helpful. Alternatively, a low-sugar yogurt or food-based probiotic could be a better option.
What is your budget? Price can be a factor, especially with regular consumption. Actimel is often more cost-effective per milliliter, but promotions vary.

Both products are viable options for incorporating probiotics into your daily routine. The 'better' drink is simply the one that best fits your individual taste, health goals, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yakult contains a single, specific probiotic strain called Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS). Actimel uses a combination of probiotic cultures, including the exclusive Lactobacillus casei Danone (L. casei Danone®) and yogurt starter cultures.

Actimel is fortified with vitamins D and B6, which are known to contribute to the normal function of the immune system. This gives Actimel a stronger marketing position for immune support, while Yakult focuses on overall gut health through its singular, robust strain.

Based on a normalized per-milliliter comparison, the original Yakult has a higher sugar density. However, Actimel’s larger serving size means a bottle-for-bottle comparison can be misleading. Both brands also offer lower-sugar alternatives.

Yes, Actimel offers a wider variety of fruit flavors beyond its original, whereas Yakult typically sticks to its classic tangy citrus/vanilla flavor in its original and light versions.

When compared on a per-milliliter basis, Actimel often provides better value. Its larger bottle size for a comparable price means you get more product for your money, though this can vary by retailer.

While it is safe to consume both, there is no evidence to suggest that consuming multiple probiotic drinks or combining their strains offers a significant extra benefit. The key to seeing results is consistent daily consumption, rather than mixing products.

Both drinks are formulated to support digestive health by delivering beneficial live bacteria to the gut. The 'better' choice depends on whether you prefer the focused research behind Yakult's single strain or the multi-strain approach of Actimel, along with your personal taste preference.

Yes, Yakult has introduced plant-based alternatives in some markets. Consumers should check local product availability, as formulations can differ by country.