Quick answer: Yakult nutrition facts for one UK Original bottle are 43 kcal, 8.8 g of sugars, 0.8 g of protein, no fat and 20 billion live Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) bacteria. Bacteria counts and recipes differ by country. In Australia the maker states at least 6.5 billion per bottle. Probiotic research is strain-specific, and Yakult does not prevent diabetes, obesity or ulcers.
Yakult is a small sweetened fermented milk drink sold in many countries. It contains the LcS strain of Lactobacillus casei. Below you will find the label numbers, why they differ between sources, and what the evidence supports.
Yakult Nutrition Facts: UK Original Label
| Nutrient | Per bottle (about 65 ml) | Per 100 ml |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 43 kcal (182 kJ) | 66 kcal (280 kJ) |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 8.8 g | 13.6 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g | 1.3 g |
| L. casei Shirota | 20 billion | 30 billion (refrigerated) |
Why Yakult Nutrition Facts Differ Between Sources
Bacteria counts depend on the market. The UK page lists 20 billion LcS per bottle. Yakult Australia states at least 6.5 billion colony-forming units for both Original and Light. Both can be true, because recipes, minimum guarantees and test methods differ.
Recipes differ. The UK Original uses glucose-fructose syrup, sugar and maltodextrin. The Australian Original lists sugar and dextrose. Some websites quote about 50 kcal and 10 g of sugar per bottle. That does not match the UK panel, so always check the label on your own bottle.
Light is a different product. Yakult Australia says Light has 40% fewer calories and 75% less sugar than Original. It adds steviol glycosides, maltitol and polydextrose. I could not read exact Light panel numbers from the text on that page, so none are listed here.
Yakult Benefits: Evidence Table
NCCIH says that for most conditions we still do not know which probiotics help and which do not. A benefit from one strain does not transfer to another.
| Claim you may see | Where it stands | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Supports digestion | Strain-specific; not established for LcS in the sources reviewed here | Do not expect a guaranteed effect. |
| Prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhoea | Moderate evidence for probiotics in general; not shown in people over 65 | Ask your clinician about a product with tested strains. |
| Relieves constipation | Some benefit in adults, especially with B. lactis | That finding is about another strain. |
| Boosts immunity | Overstated; low-quality evidence for fewer upper respiratory infections | Probiotics do not replace vaccination or medical care. |
| Prevents diabetes | Not supported | No source I reviewed shows this. |
| Prevents obesity or helps weight loss | Not supported | The drink contains sugar and energy. |
| Lowers cholesterol | Not supported | Follow your clinician’s advice and prescribed treatment. |
| Fights ulcers by killing harmful bacteria | Not supported | See a doctor for stomach pain that persists. |
| Supplies calcium and vitamin B12 | Not supported | The UK nutrition panel lists neither. |
Who Should Be Careful With Yakult
- Weakened immune systems and serious illness: NCCIH says the risks of probiotics should be carefully weighed against benefits. Ask your clinician first.
- Premature infants: the FDA has warned of severe or fatal infections linked to probiotics in this group.
- Milk allergy: Yakult contains skimmed milk.
- Sugar: people watching sugar may prefer Light, which uses sweeteners. Check the label.
- Storage: the UK page gives counts for refrigerated bottles. Keep bottles in the fridge.
- Medical care: a probiotic should not replace seeing a provider about a health problem.
Yakult Nutrition Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
The UK Original bottle has 43 kcal. Labels differ by country, so check your own bottle.
The UK Original bottle has 8.8 g of sugars, or 13.6 g per 100 ml.
The UK page lists 20 billion LcS per bottle. Yakult Australia states at least 6.5 billion. Counts differ by market.
It is a sweetened probiotic drink. Benefits depend on the strain and the condition, and NCCIH says evidence for most conditions is unclear.
Probiotics have a long record of apparent safety in healthy people. Check with a clinician first if you have a weakened immune system or a serious illness.
Some probiotics help with certain conditions, but effects are strain-specific. Studies on other strains do not prove Yakult works the same way.
Yakult Australia says Light has 40 percent fewer calories and 75 percent less sugar. It uses stevia, maltitol and polydextrose.
Yes. The ingredients include skimmed milk, so it is not suitable for people with a milk allergy.
Related Reading
- Foods that support the immune system
- How to read nutrition labels
- High-fibre fruits and vegetables
- Balancing protein, carbs and fats
Sources
- Yakult UK: Yakult Original
- Yakult Australia: Original vs Light
- NCCIH: Probiotics, Usefulness and Safety (last updated 2019)
- FDA: Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels
This page is for general information only. It is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before using probiotics if you have a weakened immune system or a serious illness. Last reviewed and rewritten October 2026.
