If you have ever found yourself standing at the fridge aisle at your local supermarket, wondering whether to buy a pack of Yakult Original or Yakult LIGHT, you’re not alone! While the two bottles look quite similar at first glance, each provide their own unique benefits to enjoy.
Before diving into what sets them apart, let’s take a look at what they have in common.
Both Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT are made fresh onsite at our manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, Victoria. Each bottle shares these unique qualities (1):
- Beneficial probiotic bacteria Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS) strain
- At least 6.5 billion CFU* of the LcS strain in every 65mL bottle
- Low in lactose**
- Shelf life of 45 days
- Fat & cholesterol free
- Gluten free
- Free from artificial colours & preservatives
*CFU = Colony Forming Units
**Less than 2g of lactose per bottle
Figure 1: Shared qualities of Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT (1)
What Are The Health Benefits Of Yakult?
Each bottle of Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT contain the unique probiotic bacteria: Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota (LcS) strain and is backed by over 90 years of clinical research supporting its benefits and efficacy (2).
The key health benefits of the LcS strain include:
- It can survive through the gut to reach the intestines alive (3, 4, 5)
- It can positively alter and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines while inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, thereby supporting a balanced gut (6, 7, 8)
- It can encourage regular bowel movements by improving stool consistency (6, 9, 10, 11)
Figure 2: Health Benefits of Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT (2)
What’s The Difference Between Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT?
Figure 3: Nutrition Information Panel for Yakult Original and Yakult LIGHT (1)
Yakult Original:
Yakult Original is made fresh in Dandenong South, Victoria, using at least 99% Australian ingredients. It is available in both 5 and 10 packs of 65mL bottles, with each containing at least 6.5 billion live LcS strain (1).
Yakult Original Ingredients: Water, Skim Milk Powder (Reconstituted), Sugar, Dextrose, Flavouring and live LcS strain (1).
Yakult LIGHT:
Yakult LIGHT is also made fresh in Dandenong South, Victoria, using at least 88% Australian ingredients. It is available in a 5-pack, with each bottle containing the same amount of live beneficial bacteria as Yakult Original (1).
Compared to Yakult Original, Yakult LIGHT contains:
- 75% less sugar
- 40% less calories
Yakult LIGHT uses stevia, a plant-based sweetener, to maintain its signature refreshing taste, while reducing sugar content.
Yakult LIGHT Ingredients: Water, Skim Milk Powder (Reconstituted), Maltitol, Polydextrose, Sugar, Dextrose, Flavouring, Sweetener (Steviol Glycosides) and live LcS strain (1).
Figure 4: What Makes Yakult LIGHT Different? (1)
Which Product Should You Choose?
Yakult Original has long been enjoyed around the world for its signature taste and probiotic benefits. However, for those looking for a lower-sugar option, Yakult LIGHT offers the same great taste and the same beneficial probiotic strain, with fewer calories. Overall, the choice simply comes down to your personal taste and lifestyle preferences!
References:
- Yakult Australia. About Yakult [Internet]. Victoria: Yakult Australia; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 15]. Available from: https://www.yakult.com.au/product/
- Yakult Australia. Benefits [Internet]. Victoria: Yakult Australia; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 15]. Available from:https://www.yakult.com.au/benefits/
- Nagata S, Asahara T, Ohta T, et al. Effect of the continuous intake of probiotic-fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on fever in a mass outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis and the faecal microflora in a health service facility for the aged. Br J Nutr. 2011; 106(4):549-56.
- Cox AJ, Makino H, Cripps AW, et al. Recovery of ‘Lactobacillus casei’ strain Shirota (LcS) from faeces with 14 days of fermented milk supplementation in healthy Australian adults. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2019; 28(4):734-9.
- Utami T, Cahyanto MN, Juffrie M, et al. Recovery of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LCS) from the intestine of healthy Indonesian volunteers after intake of fermented milk and its impact on the enterobacteriaceae faecal microbiota. Int J Probiotics Prebiotics. 2015; 10(2/3):77.
- Matsumoto K, Takada T, Shimizu K, et al. Effects of a probiotic fermented milk beverage containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota on defecation frequency, intestinal microbiota, and the intestinal environment of healthy individuals with soft stools. J Biosci Bioeng. 2010; 110(5):547-52.
- Nagino T, Kaga C, Kano M, et al. Effects of fermented soymilk with Lactobacillus casei Shirota on skin condition and the gut microbiota: a randomised clinical pilot trial. Benef Microbes. 2018; 9(2):209-18.
- Kato-Kataoka A, Nishida K, Takada M, et al. Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus casei Strain Shirota Preserves the Diversity of the Gut Microbiota and Relieves Abdominal Dysfunction in Healthy Medical Students Exposed to Academic Stress. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2016; 82(12):3649-58.
- Sakai T, Makino H, Ishikawa E, et al. Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota reduces incidence of hard or lumpy stools in healthy population. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2011; 62(4):423-30.
- Van den Nieuwboer M, Klomp-Hogeterp A, Verdoorn S, et al. Improving the bowel habits of elderly residents in a nursing home using probiotic fermented milk. Benef Microbes. 2015; 6(4):397- 403.
- Tilley L, Keppens K, Kushiro A, et al. A probiotic fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Strain Shirota improves stool consistency of subjects with hard stools. Int J Probiotics Prebiotics. 2014; 9