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Yakult Original

by Yakult

13 reviews analysed · 2 sources · Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Price data: 10 Feb 2026 · Confidence: 43% · Reviewed by Bart, Health & Tech Enthusiast
Yakult Original
66
Overall Score
Above Average

Compare Prices

Amazon UK £2.28/serving
£15.99 View →

Yakult Original is a globally recognised probiotic drink built on the well-researched Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) strain, delivering 6.5 billion live bacteria in a convenient 65ml daily bottle. Best for People seeking a simple, low-effort daily probiotic habit and Adults looking for mainstream digestive and immune support.

According to the AIScored 0–100 scoring system, Yakult Original by Yakult scores 66.0/100, ranking #32 out of 37 products in Probiotics & Gut Health (2026). Strongest category: Side Effects (71.0/100). Weakest: Ingredient Quality (58.0/100).

Data quality note: this page currently has limited evidence coverage (low review/source volume or lower confidence). Treat this as directional and cross-check with primary sources.
EFSA Evaluated Third-Party Tested

Is Yakult Original worth buying?

“Yakult Original has the well-researched Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain in a handy 65ml bottle that's genuinely convenient to take daily, and you'll find it in virtually every UK supermarket with no bother. At 66/100, it's a sound choice for gentle, habitual probiotic support, but if you're after something with serious therapeutic potency, you'd be better served looking elsewhere.”

— AIScored Editorial Team, Mar 2026

What Do Reviewers Say About Yakult Original?

Sample excerpts from currently available source material used in this product analysis.

"Best eye drops. Brilliant eye drops.Can be a little awkward to press the button to administer the drops if using on your own eyes.Great that that once opened you get 6 months to use them and there's a space for you to write the date when yo..."

"Anadin originall. Very quick delivery and able to get more than 2 boxes is very useful."

"+1 ace light’s actually pretty good leh, yakult original taste but not crazy sweet"

"My parents only bought me yakult when I was a kid. I'll happily drink 0% or 25% bbt, but give me a choice between yakult or vitagen and I'll choose the yakult haha. And now as a parent, I only buy vitagen for my kids cos it's less sweet. Bu..."

"Damn, didn't know China had one. But the Thai one does taste similar to the original yakult, just bigger."

How does Yakult Original score?

Detailed score breakdown and key findings from our analysis of 13 reviews across 2 sources.

Effectiveness How well the product works based on user reviews
68.0/100
Average
Ingredient Quality Clean label, bioavailable forms, minimal fillers
58.0/100
Average
Value for Money Price relative to quality and quantity
63.0/100
Average
Side Effects Profile Higher = fewer/milder side effects reported
71.0/100
Good
Certifications & Testing Third-party testing, GMP, and quality certifications
70.0/100
Good
Overall Score Weighted overall recommendation
66.0/100
Average

Pros

  • +Lactobacillus casei Shirota is among the most studied probiotic strains in the world, with evidence for digestive health, immune support, and diarrhoea prevention
  • +Convenient liquid format makes daily compliance easy and habit-forming
  • +Widely available across UK supermarkets — no need for specialist purchases
  • +UK manufactured (Wrexham, Wales) with EFSA evaluation and third-party testing
  • +Trusted heritage brand since 1935 with consistent product quality and cold-chain integrity

Cons

  • -High added sugar content — 8.8g per 65ml bottle including glucose-fructose syrup — is a genuine concern for diabetics, low-sugar diets, and health-focused consumers
  • -Single-strain formula offers narrower spectrum of gut microbiome support compared to modern multi-strain capsule probiotics
  • -Not suitable for dairy-free, lactose-intolerant, or vegan consumers
  • -Modest 6.5 billion CFU dose, while clinically studied, is lower than many capsule probiotic supplements on a per-cost basis

Best For

People seeking a simple, low-effort daily probiotic habit Adults looking for mainstream digestive and immune support Families introducing children to probiotics in a familiar format Those who prefer a food-format probiotic over capsules or powders

Watch Out

  • !Not suitable for dairy-free, lactose-intolerant, or vegan diets
  • !8.8g sugar per bottle makes it unsuitable for diabetics or strict low-sugar protocols
  • !Single LcS strain may not address specific gut dysbiosis conditions that benefit from multi-strain or high-CFU formulations
  • !Flavouring and glucose-fructose syrup mean this is closer to a sweetened functional drink than a clinical probiotic supplement

What is Yakult Original?

Yakult Original is a probiotics & gut health product by Yakult in liquid form, scoring 66.0/100 on AIScored.

  • Yakult Original is a fermented milk drink for daily use, containing the exclusive Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain.
  • Each 65 ml bottle provides 6.5 billion live bacteria.
  • Invented in Japan in 1935, Yakult is presented as the world's most recognised probiotic brand.
  • The drink comes in a small, sweet 65 ml serving and is commonly enjoyed as part of an everyday routine.
  • Yakult Original is widely available across UK supermarkets, so it is easy to buy for regular daily use.

What's Inside Yakult Original?

Yakult Original contains 1 active ingredient: Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS).

Active Ingredients

Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS)
6.5 billion per bottle

Other Ingredients

Water, Skimmed milk, Sugar, Glucose-fructose syrup, Flavouring

Clean Label Analysis

Contains significant added sugar (8.8g per bottle) and glucose-fructose syrup, which are the main drawbacks. While the probiotic itself is well-researched, the sugar content is a genuine concern for health-conscious consumers.

Allergens: Contains milk. Not suitable for dairy-free or vegan diets

Is Yakult Original Independently Tested?

Third-Party Tested

This product has been independently tested by third-party laboratories for purity, potency, and safety.

Certifications

EFSA Evaluated

Additional Specifications

Strains
1
Cfu
6.5 billion per 65ml bottle

How We Score Supplements

Our methodology analyses review data, ingredient science, and product information, then scores each product on a 0-100 scale across evidence-based categories:

1

Effectiveness

How well the product delivers its claimed benefits, based on reviews and ingredient evidence.

2

Ingredient Quality

Bioavailable forms, clinically effective dosages, clean label, minimal fillers.

3

Value for Money

Price relative to ingredient quality, dosage count, and effectiveness.

4

Side Effects Profile

Higher score = fewer side effects. 100 means virtually no adverse reactions reported.

5

Certifications & Testing

Third-party lab testing, GMP certification, and independent quality verification.

6

Overall Score

Weighted combination of all factors. Our bottom-line recommendation.

How Does Yakult Original Compare?

See how this product stacks up against the top-rated probiotics & gut health in our database.

Product Score Price
Yakult Original (this) 66.0 £15.99
Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus 82.0 £25.49

Price History (90 days)

Quick Facts

Form
Liquid
Dose
1 bottle (65ml) daily
Serving
1 bottle (65ml)
Servings
7
Vegan
No
Made in
UK (manufactured in Wrexham, Wales)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yakult Original worth buying in 2026?
Yakult Original scores 66.0/100 in our analysis, based on 13 reviews. Yakult Original is a globally recognised probiotic drink built on the well-researched Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) strain, delivering 6.5 billion live bacteria in a convenient 65ml daily bottle. Reddit users highlight strong brand loyalty and no...
What is the best price for Yakult Original in the UK?
The best price we found is £15.99 at Amazon UK, which works out to £2.28 per serving. We compare prices from 1 UK retailer and update them regularly.
What are the pros and cons of Yakult Original?
Pros: Lactobacillus casei Shirota is among the most studied probiotic strains in the world, with evidence for digestive health, immune support, and diarrhoea prevention. Convenient liquid format makes daily compliance easy and habit-forming. Widely available across UK supermarkets — no need for specialist purchases. Cons: High added sugar content — 8.8g per 65ml bottle including glucose-fructose syrup — is a genuine concern for diabetics, low-sugar diets, and health-focused consumers. Single-strain formula offers narrower spectrum of gut microbiome support compared to modern multi-strain capsule probiotics. Not suitable for dairy-free, lactose-intolerant, or vegan consumers.
Is Yakult Original third-party tested?
Yes, Yakult Original is third-party tested for purity, potency, and safety. This means an independent laboratory has verified the product's contents match the label claims.
How does Yakult Original compare to Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus?
Yakult Original scores 66.0/100 while Advanced Multi-Billion Dophilus scores 82.0/100. Read full comparison →

Disclaimer: AIScored provides research-backed summaries based on publicly available reviews and product information. This is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

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