Which is A Better Drink To Consume Daily – Yakult or Buttermilk? 

One of the most frequent queries I get as a nutritionist is – which probiotic food is best for me? Yakult vs buttermilk is one common question that comes up. 

Yakult and buttermilk are both very popular probiotic foods but very different. So, I recommend that you understand these differences and take a call on which one would meet your requirements. 

Yakult Vs Buttermilk: The Superior Probiotic Food 

So, let’s delve straight into the differences between yakult and buttermilk-  

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 100ml  

Is Yakult Buttermilk ?

No, yakult is not buttermilk. They differ in terms of origin, preparation and composition.

The probiotic drink Yakult originated in Japan in 1935. It is made by fermenting a mixture of skimmed cow milk, sugar, water and a bacterial strain –  Lactobacillus casei Shirota. This is Yakult’s exclusive probiotic strain.

Buttermilk is a fermented milk beverage that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, it was obtained by straining off the liquid that results from churning butter; today, companies use a lactic acid bacteria culture to prepare it. 

Yakult vs Buttermilk: Taste & Textural Differences

Yakult comes in two variations – Yakult Original and Yakult Light. Both are sweet and creamy with a hint of sourness. 

Buttermilk is slightly tangy and slightly sour. It has a thinner consistency and a smooth texture. Personally, I find buttermilk a pleasant combination of creamy, tangy, and refreshing.

How Much of Yakult or Buttermilk Can You Consume in A Day?

Yakult is a packaged product, available in sizes- 65ml, 80 ml and 100ml. You can consume a maximum of 2 bottles a day. I would not recommend going above that because of its high sugar content. 

If we talk about buttermilk, you can consume 1-2 cups a day depending on your needs and weather conditions. I live in Delhi (India) and during summers I consume around two cups of plain, unsweetened and preferably homemade buttermilk. 

Yakult vs Buttermilk: Calorie Comparison

For equal amounts, original yakult has a slightly higher calorie count than buttermilk. Most of these calories come from the added sugar/ carbs (90-95%). If you are consuming yakult regularly, go for Yakut light, the low calorie version.

Plain buttermilk is a low calorie drink but if you consume more of it, you end up increasing the calorie intake. The calories however, are not bad because they come from carbohydrates (55-65%), protein (20-30%), and fat (15-20%).

Which is Better, Yakult or Buttermilk for Low Carb Diets?

If you’re following a low-carb diet, I would recommend consuming buttermilk in moderation. You can drink around a cup or half everyday.  

Buttermilk typically contains fewer carbohydrates than Yakult which makes it a good beverage for people aiming at consuming lower carbs. 

Lower in Fats: Yakult or Buttermilk

Since Yakult is made from skim milk, it is fat free. If you are looking to limit your fat intake, Yakult is a good option. 

The amount of fat in buttermilk depends on the kind of milk used for its preparation. But still, it will have more fat content. 

A lot of people ask me questions about Yakult vs buttermilk for weight loss. Well, fat alone is not the deciding factor here. It is all about limiting carbs. So, Since buttermilk tends to be lower in calories and carbohydrates compared to Yakult, it aligns better with weight loss goals.   

Which Is a Better Source of Proteins – Yakult or Buttermilk ? 

Buttermilk is a better source of protein compared to Yakult. Whether you make buttermilk at home or buy it from a supermarket, it can help you meet your daily protein requirement.

You cannot count on Yakult as a protein source. While it does contain a small amount of protein, it’s relatively low compared to buttermilk.

Yakult or Buttermilk – Which Can Help You Meet Your Calcium Requirements? 

When compared to yakult, buttermilk has more than double the amount of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that is needed for bone health, muscle function, and overall bodily well-being.

So, if you’re looking to increase your calcium intake, buttermilk can be a more significant contributor. 

A More Nutritionally Diverse Drink: Yakult or Buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a food and is definitely more nutritionally diverse compared to Yakult. Apart from being higher in nutrients such as protein and calcium, it also contains vitamins like B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus. 

Yakult, on the other hand, is not a food but a probiotic formulation. Although it does contain some essential nutrients and calories, its nutritional diversity is not as wide-ranging as buttermilk. 

What is the Best Time to Consume Yakult Or Buttermilk?

Although Yakult can be consumed at any time during the day, I recommend having it in the afternoon. This is because it is high in sugar and you should avoid sugar consumption post evenings or early morning. You can consume it before or between meals.   

Buttermilk is best consumed after meals or along with meals. You can also drink buttermilk as a light evening snack. 

Which is More Sustainable- Yakult or Buttermilk?

Yakult and buttermilk are both milk based. So, both these dairy derived products aren’t really environmentally friendly. 

However, in terms of sustainability, buttermilk can be considered a more sustainable option. This is because traditional buttermilk is a byproduct of butter-making. So, this method minimizes waste and maximizes the use of the entire dairy product. 

Yakult production requires resources such as milk, energy, and packaging material, contributing to a higher environmental footprint. So, overall, buttermilk demonstrates a more sustainable approach.

Which One’s Available as a Vegan-Friendly Option: Yakult or Buttermilk ?

Yakult and buttermilk are made using milk and are thus not suitable for a plant based diet. 

Buttermilk, however, can be made with plant based milk, so you can find a vegan version for buttermilk. 

What is Better for Oral & Bone Health: Yakult  or Buttermilk?

Both Yakult and buttermilk can help in supporting oral health and strong bones. 

Yakult contains probiotics or good bacteria, along with small quantities of  calcium, Vitamin E and D. These can help in maintaining the overall oral health and maintain strong bones. 

Buttermilk is rich in good bacteria as well and is also a good source of calcium. Calcium is vital for maintaining healthy teeth and bones. 

Which One’s Better for Digestion: Yakult or Buttermilk Probiotics?

Both Yakult and buttermilk can support digestion, but in slightly different ways. 

Yakult has a high concentration of one type of bacteria (6-20 billion CFUs) which is resistant to stomach acids and reaches the intestines alive. This makes it very effective in tackling digestive issues. 

Buttermilk, being  fermented, also contains probiotics. Studies suggest that the bacterial density can range anywhere from 1 million to 1 billion CFUs. Their number and types may vary between production methods. Some versions may have more than one type of bacterial strain. 

Which Has a Bodily Hydration Effect: Yakult or Buttermilk? 

Yakult does provide hydration due to its water content but also contains sugars and other ingredients. So, for this reason, I don’t prefer its consumption daily. 

Buttermilk is my preferred choice here. Other than the water content, buttermilk is rich in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium . These help maintain the water level in the body. .

Which One Has Lesser Allergens – Yakult of Buttermilk 

Yakult and buttermilk both contain lactose which can be problematic for some people.

However, when compared to regular milk, the level of lactose in these is quite less. So, a lot of people with just a mild lactose intolerance are able to digest them. 

Yakult or Buttermilk – The More Versatile Option?

In terms of versatility, buttermilk  takes the cake. At home I use it for cooking and baking. It can be used for making smoothies, pancakes, biscuits, salad dressings, marinades, etc. If nothing else, just add in some natural sugar or ground spices and enjoy it as such. 

Yakult, is consumed as a standalone drink and is less versatile. How I like to use it is by adding it to smoothies, cocktails and mocktails.

Which is More Readily Available and Pocket Friendly: Yakult or Buttermilk? 

Buttermilk is easily available and is more budget friendly. It is easy to make at home without the use of any fancy ingredients or equipment.  

Yakult may have limited availability in certain regions or countries, especially in areas where it’s not as widely distributed. If you are thinking of adding it to your everyday meal, it might turn out to be an expensive affair. 

Overall, while I do like Yakult for its specific probiotic benefits, I prefer buttermilk. It is more versatile, does offer probiotic benefits and is an affordable dairy product rich in essential nutrients. 

However, you don’t have to go by my choice. Look at these metrics and  choose the one that aligns with your nutritional goals and preferences.