What is Calpis?

 

 

There are many unique foods and drinks available in Japan, but Calpis is the one that both young and old Japanese people adore the most, especially every summer. Calpis or Calpico is one of the first names that come to mind when you think of a cool Japanese soft drink. If you've ever visited Japan, you've probably seen Calpico bottles in the country's iconic summer polka-dot (reversed blue or white dots) bottles packaging which represents the Milky Way at vending machines, convenience stores, supermarkets, and even in widely-viewed Japanese media. The milk-based soft drink Calpico has been very well-liked in Japan for a long time. In fact, Calpico was founded in 1919 and has a history spanning more than 100 years. Whether you call it "Calpis" or "Calpico," there is no denying that this legendary Japanese beverage deserves to be known because it is simply too good to pass up. With that in mind, we have put together this guide to provide you with all the information you need about this fascinating Japanese beverage you'll surely love.

 

History of Calpis

 

 

Calpis, known as Japan's "first lactic acid beverage," was created by Japanese entrepreneur Kaiun Mishima in the early 1900s after traveling to Inner Mongolia. To stay healthy in Mongolia's hard climate, the residents drank a fermented milk beverage. Mishima was surprised when he discovered that the fermented milk was not only delectable but also good for his health. He insisted that the native brew had repaired his digestion, positively impacting his lengthy journey. He also claimed to be very energized, both body and mind.

After getting back home, Mishima committed himself to learn the techniques that give the fermented Mongolian beverage its delicious taste and beneficial qualities. He ultimately realized that the fermentation process' entire cause was the lactobacilli bacteria. This technique captivated Mishima. Eventually, Mishima's study into lactic acid fermentation produced the renowned beverage Calpis. Calpis was first released and sold in pre-war Japan in 1919, and its ability to be enjoyed without refrigeration helped it become quite popular.

 

Why is Calpis called Calpico?

 

 

The milk-based soft drink Calpis is very well-liked in Japan and is marketed as Calpico in other countries. Calpico was founded in 1919 and had a history spanning more than 100 years. It is known as "Calpis" in Japan, but the name is changed to "Calpico" outside of Japan because it may confuse English speakers. In Japanese, it is pronounced, "karupisu." However, they thought it sounded a little like "cow piss" for the English market, so they changed it to Calpico. Since milk is a primary ingredient, the name Calpis is a combination of the letters "Cal" for calcium and "Pis," which is derived from the Sanskrit word "Salpis," which describes the fermentation and improvement of milk's flavor as well as the "five flavors" of Buddhism.

 

What does Calpis/Calpico taste like?

 

 

A non-carbonated Japanese soft drink known as Calpis or Calpico has a flavor that has been compared to a blend of yogurt, buttermilk, and milk. It tastes remarkably similar to Yakult, the Japanese probiotic beverage, except it is more refined and mellow. It is mild, sweet, and somewhat acidic. It looks smooth and hazy white. It has a mild, reviving flavor that makes you feel renewed. Additionally, the beverage is primarily available in a wide range of fruit tastes. There are various options, including strawberry, grape, pineapple, mango, matcha, guava, oranges, melons, and peaches, and there are even flavors with less calories and more calcium if you are managing your intake. Calpico also produces butter and vinegar in addition to other household drinks.

This unusual drink made up of water, powdered milk, yeast, and lactic acid. As a result, it has a milky and tangy taste that is extremely stimulating and intended to quench your thirst entirely. It doesn't actually taste like milk and is frequently supplied in concentrated form, to be diluted with water or milk, or it may be pre-diluted with Calpis Water and Calpis Soda. Sometimes, it is used as a mixer in chai, add to dessert, mix in some beverages and to flavor kakigri or shaved ice.

 

What is Calpis Water?

 

 

The majority of Calpis offered in Japan comes in a concentrated form that must be diluted with milk or water before consumption. Although the concentrated form is the original, it is also offered in a ready-to-drink or dilute version that has already been diluted and is referred to as Calpis Water. The concentrated and ready-to-drink versions come in various tastes, including strawberry, lemon, grapes, melon, etc. The mixture can then be diluted with warm water, cold ice water, or milk to create a delicious beverage during any season! Calpis is an excellent way to get young kids to drink their milk because it is so delicious. Additionally, Calpis has additional health advantages that they wouldn't otherwise get from milk alone, so it doesn't only taste better.

 

What is Calpis Soda?

 

 

Their Calpis Soda, a fizzy, carbonated version of Calpis, has you covered if you prefer your soft drinks bubbly. These are offered for sale in various-sized paper cartons, cans, and plastic bottles of plastic. Calpis Soda is perfectly premixed and ready to consume right out of the bottle! Calpis Soda is available in various fruity flavors, including orange, grape, apple, and Chardonnay. On a hot, muggy Japanese summer day, the lactic tang of Calpis pairs especially well with these vibrant fruit flavors.

 

Is Calpis good for you?

 

 

Calpis is labeled a soft cultured milk drink, so you may wonder, "Is calpis healthy?"Although technically, Calpis is not a healthy drink, it has been shown to have positive effects on health. Compared to many other sweetened soft drinks, it is a healthier choice. It is prepared from non-fat dairy products and is free of caffeine, alcohol, and gluten. It contains lactic acids that are said to help digestion and health. It is recommended for people with sensitive stomachs. Your body is helped to relax and recover by the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus Helveticus found in Calpis, which promotes restful sleep, lowers blood pressure, enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture, and lowers melanin synthesis.

With that said, Calpis is therefore thought to be beneficial for digestion. However, it should be noted that it is not advertised as containing live or active probiotics. Live bacteria or yeast supplements are probiotics that benefit your health, particularly the digestive system. This means that although Calpico is a cultured milk beverage made from milk that has undergone fermentation caused by lactobacillus bacteria, it does not include active or live probiotics, so be sure to check the instructions in the packaging first.

 

What can be made using Calpis?

 

 

Calpis is quite good in its original form as a straightforward but filling beverage. But it goes far beyond that. You'll be surprised to learn that Calpis or Calpico may be used in many different ways, from producing specialty cocktails to baking, making dips, and even as an ingredient in fish recipes! The best course of action would be to stock up on Calpico, begin experimenting and use your originality and creativity to use this wonderful ingredient to find your golden ratio in your unique recipes.

Calpis or Calpico can be the primary component in sweets like ice cream, sorbet, and gelato. It can also be used with many ingredients to make a tasty hot or cold beverage. Think about juices, milkshakes, and smoothies. There are countless possibilities to elevate your happy hour beverages. Calpico can be blended with various alcoholic beverages, including whiskeys, vodka, rum, shochu, and fruit, to make stunning and revitalizing cocktails. But wait, there's more! Calpico is a fantastic ingredient for baking delicacies and snacks that aren't overly sweet because of its reviving tangy taste. Take the time to look over the Calpis Company and all of their products as there is a wealth of information about them on the internet.

 

Take a Sip of the Calpis Drink Now!

 

Calpis is a fantastic Japanese soft drink that has recently gained some attention. The beverage truly arrives concentrated and must be diluted with water, but the flavor is different. Although it is a highly distinctive kind of soft drink, it is nonetheless delicious. It can be found as shaved ice and is used to blend alcoholic beverages and many well-known cocktails. Good news! You can purchase this fantastic Calpis drink instantly by clicking this link. We have many great deals you can enjoy! Perhaps you'd like to have a package of treats with a Japanese theme sent to your house each month? Just click this link to sign up right now. Japan Crate will bring you the taste of Japan in no time with our fast and flexible international shipping options. Visit our website japancrate.com for additional information. Enjoy!