Yakult 

Yakult was invented in the 1930s and gradually expanded throughout Japan, Asia, and eventually the rest of the world in the latter half of the century. Today, Yakult is sold across Asia, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, the UK, and North America — and in Japan and other parts of Asia, “Yakult ladies” even deliver it door-to-door! 

While Yakult — like many other fermented yogurt drinks — isn’t a miracle cure for every health issue, it is tasty and contains a significant amount of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and your microbiome. That said, it does contain sugar, so it’s best thought of not as a strict health food but as a relatively healthy alternative when you’re in the mood for a slightly sweet drink.

While Yakult — like many other fermented yogurt drinks that market themselves similarly — isn’t a superpowered cure-all for all your health problems, it’s tasty and does pack quite a few probiotics, which are of course great for your gut health and microbiome. At the same time, there is a decent bit of sugar, so the best way to think of it isn’t necessarily as a health food per se, but as a relatively healthy alternative for when you’re feeling like you want a drink with a bit of sweetness. 

In short: compared to many sweet beverages, why not choose one that offers some added benefits? 

You can find Yakult at Uwajimaya, alongside other fermented drinks, sweet drinks, and much more.