Calpico and Calpis - The Japanese Fermented Milk Drink

Calpico, or Calpis, as it is known in Japan, is a refreshing drink that delights thousands of people around the world. With a unique flavor and a fascinating history, Calpico is a true legend in the world of Japanese beverages. Join us on this tasty adventure and discover everything you need to know about this delight!

Calpis is a Japanese fermented milk drink of different styles, ranging from juices, sodas to energy drinks. In the West, it is called Calpico to avoid sounding like “cow piss,” which means cow urine.

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History and Origin of Calpico

Calpico was created in 1919 by Japanese entrepreneur Kaiun Mishima. After a trip to Mongolia, Mishima was inspired by kumis, a fermented drink made from mare’s milk. He decided to create a milder and more accessible version, adapted to the Japanese palate. And thus Calpis was born, which would later be renamed Calpico for the international market.

The secret to Calpis’s unique flavor lies in its special formula. The drink is made from the fermentation of lactose and lactic acid, combined with skim milk and water. Then, the liquid is filtered and mixed with sugar, glucose syrup, and natural flavors, such as vanilla and citric acid. The result is a smooth, slightly acidic, and sweet drink.

Calpico began its international expansion in the 1980s, first reaching the United States and then other countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. To cater to different tastes, the drink was launched in various flavors, such as strawberry, grape, peach, and lychee. Today, Calpico is consumed in over 30 countries and continues to win hearts and palates.

Health Benefits of Calpis

Traditional Calpis may resemble sodas quite a bit due to being fermented, but unlike traditional sodas, Calpis is not usually harmful to health.

Thanks to its fermentation process, Calpis contains live lactobacilli, which are beneficial bacteria for digestive health. These probiotics help maintain the balance of intestinal flora, aid in digestion, and may contribute to a stronger immune system.

Calpico is made with skim milk, which means it has a reduced fat content compared to other milk-based beverages. This makes it a lighter and less caloric option for those concerned about fat and calorie intake.

Although Calpico is not a rich source of nutrients, it still provides a moderate amount of calcium and some other minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin D and phosphorus. Calcium is essential for bone and dental health, while vitamin D helps in the absorption of this mineral.

The combination of water and sugars in Calpico can help with hydration and electrolyte replenishment, especially on hot days or after intense physical activities. However, it is worth noting that the drink also contains sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Different Types of Calpis Drinks

The original Calpico is not a carbonated drink. It is a non-carbonated beverage made from fermented milk, with a smooth and slightly acidic texture. However, there are variations of Calpico that can be carbonated, such as mixed drinks with sparkling water or sodas. In these cases, carbonation is added during the mixing process, resulting in a drink with effervescent bubbles.

Calpis Soda is a carbonated version of the original drink, combining the smoothness and slightly acidic flavor of Calpis with the effervescence of sparkling water. This drink is available in various flavors, just like the original Calpico, and can be found in bottles and cans.

Another pioneering brand in carbonated dairy drinks is the famous Skal, a major competitor of Calpis. Of course, Calpis has several competitors when it comes to milk-based drinks.

In addition to sodas, it is also possible to find mixed Calpis drinks with various fruit flavors and others. Below is a list of different types of Calpis drinks:

1. Calpico Original (Calpis Water): The classic version of the drink, with a smooth and slightly acidic flavor based on fermented milk.
2. Calpico Concentrate (Calpis Concentrate): Concentrated version of the drink that can be diluted in water or used in recipes and cocktails.
3. Calpico Mango: Drink with mango flavor.
4. Calpico Strawberry: Drink with strawberry flavor.
5. Calpico White Peach: Drink with white peach flavor.
6. Calpico Lychee: Drink with lychee flavor.
7. Calpico Grape: Drink with grape flavor.
8. Calpico Melon: Drink with melon flavor.

Calpico in Japanese Pop Culture

Calpico has a strong presence on social media, often used as an aesthetic element in photos and videos. With its colorful packaging and creative design, the drink has become a symbol of style and Japanese culture, gaining popularity among bloggers, influencers, and pop culture enthusiasts.

Calpico also appears in various Japanese animations, the famous animes. Whether in a picnic scene or a moment of relaxation between characters, the drink is present as a symbol of freshness and flavor. This only reinforces its popularity and association with modern Japanese culture.

Did you know that there is a day dedicated to Calpico? In Japan, July 7th is known as “Calpis no Hi” (Calpis Day). The date was chosen because, in addition to being the official launch day of the drink in 1919, it is also the date of the Tanabata Matsuri.

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