Is Yakult Better Than Greek Yogurt Nutritionally? 

Yakult vs Greek yogurt, which is better? If this is the choice you are struggling with, I am here to help. 

Being a nutritionist, I often get asked by my clients about the more nutritious option between Yakult and greek yogurt. Here, I bring you a detailed analysis of the two, basis which you can make your decision. 

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Yakult Vs Greek Yogurt: Understanding Their Similarities & Differences 

Before I can delve into the details of difference between yakult and greek yogurt, here is a quick overview of the same

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 100g/ 100ml 

Let’s head over to the detailed analysis of these differences  – 

What is the Method of Preparation of Yakult Vs Greek Yogurt?

Yakult is a fermented probiotic drink that is made using water, skimmed milk, sugar, and a specific bacterial strain called strain Shirota. Strain Shirota is an exclusive strain of Yakult.

Greek yogurt is a strained variety of regular yogurt. Once the yogurt is set by mixing milk and yogurt culture it is strained to remove extra whey or water. This thicker version is what we call Greek yogurt. 

How does Yakult Differ in Taste & Texture From Greek Yogurt?

Yakult is a drink with a skim milk-like consistency. It is sweet and slightly sour in taste.  

Greek Yogurt is much thicker than Yakult. You will need a spoon to eat this creamy and tangy dairy product. 

How Much Yakult or Greek Yogurt Can Be Consumed in A Day?

You can consume about 1-2 bottles of yakult in a day. Yakult is generally available in packs of 65ml, 80 ml and 100ml. You can drink around 1-2 bottles of Yakult a day to enjoy its benefits.

Greek Yogurt is a very nutritionally dense dairy product and to enjoy all its benefits you can consume a maximum of 1 cup a day.  1 cup approximately holds around 200-250 grams of Greek yogurt.   

Which Has More Calories – Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

Yakult is available in two main variations- regular and light. The light version has half the calories when compared to the regular yakult.  

Whole milk based Greek yogurt has higher calories when compared to yakult. However, greek yogurt made using low fat milk would have a much lower calorie-count.  

Which is Lower in Carbs: Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

One of the main ingredients of Yakult is sugar, which makes it a high carb drink. The regular version has twice as much sugar as the Light variation. So, if you are controlling the intake of your carbs, limit the intake of Yakult and choose the low sugar version.

Greek Yogurt is moderate in carbs since it is made using milk. However, its carb content is lower than yakult.

Lower in Fats: Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

Yakult has absolutely no fats since it is made using skimmed milk. This however, is not necessarily a good thing because this milk does contain any good fats.  

Despite being higher in fats compared to yakult, Greek yogurt has a healthy fat profile. However, if you wish to limit fat intake, choose greek yogurt made using low fat milk.

Yakult or Greek Yogurt: Better for Meeting Your Protein Requirements?

Yakult is not high in protein. Both its variations – rehular and light, contain very low quantities of protein. 

Greek yogurt is one of the best sources of protein for vegetarians. This is the reason it is a favourite amongst gym goers and fitness enthusiasts.

Better Source of Calcium: Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

Although Yakult does contain calcium, the amount of it is not very high.  

Greek Yogurt, being a complete dairy product, is much higher in calcium than Yakult. 

Which Offers More Nutritional Diversity: Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

As is evident from the discussion above, Yakult is not that diverse when it comes to nutrients. Sure it contains good bacteria, protein, calcium and potassium, but the amount is very less. 

Greek Yogurt is very nutritious and boasts high levels of good bacteria, vitamins, minerals and most significantly proteins. This makes Greek yogurt much more superior to yakult in terms of nutrition.

Best Time to Consume Yakult Vs Greek Yogurt

Yakult can be consumed at any time during the day. But as a nutritionist, I recommend having it in the afternoon because of its high sugar content. You can consume it on an empty stomach or after meals.  

Greek Yogurt is best consumed either with breakfast or with lunch. Because of its high protein content, it keeps you full for a longer time and prevents craving. It thus plays an important role in weight management. 

Yakult or Greek Yogurt: Which One Has Vegan-Friendly Options?

Greek Yogurt and yakult both use milk, therefore they are not vegan friendly. 

While Yakult has no vegan variants, you can find many plant based greek yogurt variations. But remember they vary nutritionally from the dairy versions.   

Quark Vs Greek Yogurt: Their Impact on the Environment?

Dairy industry is increasingly being called out for its negative impact on the planet. It is associated with higher greenhouse gasses, deforestation and soil erosion, among other problems. 

Therefore, dairy based greek yogurt and yakult are not good for the environment. An additional problem with yakult is the plastic packaging.

Yakult or Greek Yogurt: Better For Your Oral Health 

Yakult contains small amounts of some mouth friendly nutrients like calcium, Vitamin E and D. These together can help in preventing gum diseases and keep your mouth healthy. However, since it is loaded with sugar, I advise that you rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking.

Greek Yogurt is rich in good bacteria, calcium and phosphorus. Together these help in making your teeth strong and preventing the growth of  bad bacteria in the mouth.

More Tummy- Friendly : Yakult or Greek Yogurt?

Yakult is known for having a concentrated quantity of “live” good bacteria. These bacteria can reach the intestines unharmed and thus help in fighting infections and aiding digestion. 

Greek Yogurt  too is rich in good bacteria. This makes it a gut-friendly food. It helps ease the process of digestion.

Which one Is Better for Summers: Yakult or Greek Yogurt? 

Greek Yogurt is definitely better for summers as it has a cooling and hydration effect. The water and electrolytes (minerals) like calcium, pottasium, sodium, etc, help the body maintain the water levels.  

Yakult on the other hand, is not known for its cooling or hydration effect.  

Thus we can safely conclude that greek yogurt  is more nutritious in comparison to yakult. This however, does not mean that you should not drink yakult. You can, but in moderation. 

Let me know in the comment section, which fermented drink is your favourite.