Yogurt (ヨーグルト）

Yogurt has become extremely popular in Japan since the introduction of "Bulgaria Yogurt" by Meiji Co, Ltd in the Early 1970's. Until then, yogurt in Japan was just a yogurt flavored jelly. In the store shelf you will see plain yogurt and yogurt with fruit and other sweeteners added.  

For the plain yogurt there is usually two kinds - normal and fat free. The Fat Free Yogurt usually has a light blue lid and has the number "0" which stands for zero fat. There are only a few major manufacturers of yogurt which dominate the market. Some supermarkets will have their private brand yogurts too.

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Examples of popular Yogurt Brands in Japan 

Click on the image to enlarge.

Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt
The Number "LB 81" stands for "Lactic Acid Bacteria Lot 81" which improves your bowel movement.  (From Left: Plain, Fat Free and Premium Creamy Type)

Morinaga Bifidus Plain Yogurt
Plain Yogurt using Lactobacillus Bifidus BB536  (From Left : Plain, Fat Free)

Yukijirushi Meg Milk Megumi Yogurt
This yogurt contains Lactobacillus Gaserri and  Lactobacillus Bifidus. (From Left : Plain, Fat Free)

Koiwai Farm
Yogurt from this brand is known to be less sour and creamy in texture. (From Left : 100% Raw Milk, Premium Yogurt using full cream)

Greek  Yogurt
Greek style yogurt is becoming very popular in Japan. Compared to the import yogurts, the Japanese brands are cheaper but you will see them only in small cups. (From Left Top clock wise : Partheno, Aeon Private Brand, Oikos by Danon, Shiroi Hoseki (White Gem) )

Functional Foods
Some yogurts is categorized as "functional foods" and claims to have some health benefits. The difference being the bacteria used in each yogurt. (Image from "Hanamaru Market TBS TV program" )

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