Yakult is a popular probiotic drink that originated in Japan and is now sold worldwide, including in the Philippines. Yakult contains beneficial bacteria and is known for its distinctive small bottle size.
Quick Answer
The standard bottle size for Yakult sold in the Philippines is 65 ml.
Yakult Bottle Sizes
Yakult comes in different bottle sizes depending on the country. Here are some of the common Yakult bottle sizes worldwide:
- 65 ml – Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore
- 80 ml – Japan, Korea, Indonesia
- 100 ml – China, India
- 200 ml – Australia, New Zealand
As you can see, the standard Yakult bottle size in the Philippines is 65 ml. This 65 ml bottle is the typical size that you will find for Yakult sold in convenience stores, groceries, and supermarkets across the Philippines.
Reasons for the 65 ml Bottle in the Philippines
There are a few reasons why Yakult Philippines sells their product in 65 ml bottles:
- Portion control – The small 65 ml bottle contains 1-2 servings of Yakult, so it provides portion control.
- Tradition – The 65 ml bottle size maintains the tradition of the original Japanese Yakult bottle size.
- Cost – The small bottle represents an affordable single serving of Yakult.
- Convenience – The compact 65 ml bottle is easy to carry around and consume on-the-go.
The 65 ml bottle size has become synonymous with Yakult, especially in Asian countries. Filipinos are very familiar with the distinctive petite Yakult bottle that delivers just the right amount of the probiotic beverage.
Nutrition Facts of Yakult 65 ml Bottle
Each 65 ml bottle of Yakult contains:
- Calories: 61 kcal
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Vitamin B6: 0.38 mg (29% DV)
- Vitamin B12: 0.38 μg (15% DV)
The 65 ml Yakult bottle also contains at least 5 billion live Lactobacillus casei Shirota probiotic bacterial strains. The good bacteria support digestive and immune health.
Yakult Light Bottle Size
Aside from the regular Yakult, there is also a Yakult Light version available in the Philippines. Yakult Light has 30% less sugar than regular Yakult but contains the same amount of beneficial probiotics.
The Yakult Light bottle size sold in the Philippines is also 65 ml, just like the regular Yakult. So whether you consume the regular or Light version, you will find it in the iconic 65 ml bottle.
Buying Individual or Packaged Yakult
You can find 65 ml bottles of Yakult sold individually or in packs of 5 or 10 bottles:
- Individual – Single 65 ml bottles are conveniently available at sari-sari stores, convenience marts, groceries.
- 5 pack – Get 5 x 65 ml Yakult bottles packaged together.
- 10 pack – Some groceries sell Yakult in packs of 10 x 65 ml bottles.
The individual 65 ml bottles are great for grabbing and drinking on-the-go. But the 5 or 10 packs offer more value for your money if you drink Yakult regularly.
Uses for Yakult Other Than Drinking
While Yakult is typically consumed as a probiotic drink, some creative home cooks have come up with other ways to use the 65 ml bottles:
- Use as a marinade – Yakult can be used to marinate meats or seafood
- Add to smoothies – For a probiotic boost in your favorite fruit smoothie
- Make popsicles – Freeze Yakult in popsicle molds for a cool summer treat
- Flavor yogurt – Stir in some Yakult to plain yogurt to liven it up
- Bake with it – Add Yakult to your baked goods for a tasty twist
So while drinking it straight is the most convenient way to enjoy Yakult, don’t be afraid to get creative with the 65 ml bottles in your kitchen!
Yakult Availability in the Philippines
Yakult has become widely available across the Philippines since it was first introduced in the country in 1996. Here is where you can find 65 ml bottles of Yakult in the Philippines:
- Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Mini Stop, Family Mart
- Groceries – SM Supermarket, Waltermart, Puregold, Shopwise, Rustan’s Supermarket
- Drug stores – Mercury Drug, Watsons
- Online – Lazada, Shopee, GrabMart
- Sari-sari stores – Neighborhood variety stores
Yakult can be purchased affordably at supermarkets, with prices ranging from ₱25 to ₱30 for individual bottles. Convenience stores sell them at a slightly marked-up price of ₱35 to ₱40 per bottle.
Thanks to Yakult’s widespread distribution network across the country, the iconic probiotic drink in 65 ml bottles can be purchased almost anywhere in the Philippines.
Yakult Production in the Philippines
Yakult Philippines has its own manufacturing facility located in Calamba, Laguna. This production facility exclusively supplies Yakult products to the Philippine market.
The Yakult Philippines factory opened in 1996 and produces over 30 million bottles annually. All the beneficial Lactobacillus casei Shirota probiotic strains are imported from Yakult’s factories in Japan.
The Yakult facility in the Philippines has a Quality Control Center to ensure each 65 ml bottle meets stringent safety and quality standards before distribution.
The Story Behind Yakult’s 65 ml Bottle
The tiny 65 ml bottle size was specifically chosen by Yakult’s founder, Dr. Minoru Shirota, when he launched the product in Japan in 1935.
Dr. Shirota believed that a small bottle size would encourage people to consume Yakult every day to receive its beneficial probiotic effects. He wanted to make the price affordable so even children could enjoy Yakult.
The petite glass bottle was also designed to be hygienic and able to withstand shipping without breaking. This bottle innovation and Dr. Shirota’s probiotic research paved the way for Yakult’s success.
Over many decades, the distinct 65 ml bottle has become recognized worldwide as the standard size for Yakult. The small bottle makes a big impact by delivering billions of good bacteria daily to consumers.
Yakult Bottle Recycling
The 65 ml Yakult bottles are made from plastic or glass and recyclable. However, recycling rates for the bottles remain low in the Philippines and most bottles end up in landfills.
There are some nascent recycling initiatives starting up in certain areas to recover used Yakult bottles:
- Binhi Yakult – Yakult Philippines partners with junk shops to receive used plastic Yakult bottles which are then turned into armchairs.
- School recycling drives – Some schools collect used Yakult bottles for income generating projects.
However, more systematic nationwide programs are needed to properly collect and recycle Yakult bottles and reduce plastic waste.
Yakult Outside the Philippines
Yakult is now sold in over 40 countries worldwide, though the bottle sizes vary across different markets. Some interesting facts about Yakult globally:
- Largest market – Taiwan, where average consumption per person is 50 bottles a year.
- First overseas market – Taiwan in 1964
- Highest consumption – Japan, with over 30 bottles consumed per person annually.
- Newest market – India in 2007
While the bottle sizes range from 65 ml to 200 ml internationally, the signature tiny Yakult bottle remains a beloved icon of the brand globally.
The Bottom Line
The standard Yakult bottle size sold across the Philippines is the petite 65 ml bottle. This contains 1-2 servings of the popular probiotic drink. The small bottle represents a portable, affordable way to get a boost of beneficial bacteria anytime, anywhere in the Philippines.
