What is the Difference Between Kefir and Yakult

Kefir and Yakult are both popular probiotic drinks. Both are made using fermentation and help improve digestion, and may reduce problems like bloating or constipation. However, kefir is not the same as Yakult.

What is the main difference between kefir and Yakult? Kefir is a naturally fermented milk drink with a variety of probiotics and yeasts, while Yakult is a sweetened, factory-made drink with one specific probiotic strain.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kefir  
     – Definition, Features, Design
2. What is Yakult
     – Definition, Features, Design
3. Similarities Between Kefir and Yakult
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Kefir and Yakult
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Kefir and Yakult
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Kefir, Probiotics, Yakult, Yogurt

What is Kefir

Kefir is a sour fermented milk drink. It’s like a yogurt drink and has a taste similar to buttermilk. Making kefir involves combining milk (cows, goats, sheep, or camels) with a live culture of kefir grains, which is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. The milk is then allowed to ferment for 24 – 48 hours and is poured through a sieve to remove the kefir grains from the milk. Some people also flavour the kefir with fruits and sweeteners.

Kefir has a wide range of probiotics and can act as a digestive aid. It also strengthens your immune system. In addition, kefir is a rich source of lactic acid bacteria. There is also another type of kefir, water kefir. It has a non-dairy liquid, like coconut water, that has undergone fermentation. Water kefir has a sweeter and cleaner taste than milk kefir.

What is Yakult

Yakult is a sweet, probiotic milk drink that comes from Japan. It’s made using a special type of good bacteria called Lacticaseibacillus casei Shirota, which helps support a healthy digestive system. The name “Yakult” comes from the Esperanto word jahurto, which means “yogurt.”

Yakult is made by mixing skimmed milk with glucose and heating it to kill off harmful germs. After cooling it down, the good bacteria are added and left to ferment for about a week. Once it’s ready, water, sugar, and a bit of citrus flavor are added to make it tasty.

The main ingredients in Yakult include water, skimmed milk, sugar, natural flavors, and live probiotic bacteria. It’s sold by Yakult Honsha, a company based in Tokyo, and is enjoyed around the world for its health benefits and refreshing taste.

Similarities Between Kefir and Yakult

1. Both are probiotic drinks that support gut health by adding good bacteria to the digestive system.
2. Both are made using fermentation.
3. They help improve digestion and may reduce problems like bloating or constipation.

Difference Between Kefir and Yakult

Definition

• Kefir is a fermented milk drink made using kefir grains (a mix of yeast and bacteria), whereas Yakult is a sweet probiotic drink made with one specific type of good bacteria (Lactobacillus casei Shirota).

Taste

• Kefir tastes tangy, sour, and sometimes fizzy, while Yakult tastes sweet and smooth with a light citrus flavor.

Probiotics

• Kefir contains many types of probiotics (over 30 strains of bacteria and yeast), whereas Yakult contains only one strain of probiotic bacteria.

Sugar Content

• Kefir usually has less added sugar and can be made at home without any sugar, whereas Yakult has added sugar to give it a sweet taste.

Texture

• Kefir is thicker, almost like drinkable yogurt, whereas Yakult is thinner and more like flavored milk.

Home vs Store

• Kefir can be made at home using kefir grains, while Yakult is a branded product and only available in stores.

FAQ: Kefir and Yakult

1. Is it better to drink kefir or take probiotics?

Drinking kefir is often better than taking probiotic pills because it gives you a wide variety of live bacteria, along with nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins. However, probiotic supplements can be helpful if you need a specific strain or can’t tolerate dairy.

2. Is Yakult milk kefir?

No, Yakult is not milk kefir. Yakult is a sweet probiotic drink made with one type of bacteria, while kefir is a fermented milk drink with many types of good bacteria and yeast.

3. Which is better: probiotic, yogurt, or kefir?

Kefir is often considered the best because it has more types of good bacteria and yeast than yogurt or probiotic supplements. But all three can be healthy—it depends on your needs and taste.

4. Can I drink kefir every day?

Yes, you can drink kefir every day. In fact, many people do this. Daily kefir can support digestion, boost your immune system, and improve gut health. Just start with a small amount if you’re new to it, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

5. Can I make kefir at home?

Yes, you can easily make kefir at home. All you need are kefir grains and milk. Just add the grains to milk, leave it to ferment at room temperature for about 24 hours, then strain out the grains and reuse them for your next batch.

Reference:

1. “Kefir.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Yakult.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Kefir smoothie” By anjuli_ayer (CC BY-NC 2.0) via Flickr

2. “Yakult Drink” By Amin – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia