Calpico, or Calpis as it is known in Japan, is a refreshing drink that delights thousands of people around the world. With a unique taste and a fascinating history, Calpico is a true legend in the world of Japanese drinks. Embark with 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, from juices, soft drinks to energy drinks. In the West it is called Calpico to not sound 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 smoother, more accessible version tailored to the Japanese palate. And so Calpis was born, which would later be rebranded as Calpico for the international market.
The secret to Calpis' unique taste lies in its special formula. The drink is made from the fermentation of lactose and lactic acid, combined with skimmed milk and water. Afterwards, 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, arriving first in the United States and then in other countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America. To cater to different tastes, the drink was launched in different flavors, such as strawberry, grape, peach and lychee. Currently, Calpico is consumed in more than 30 countries and continues to conquer hearts and palates.
Health Benefits of Calpis
Traditional Calpis can resemble soft drinks a lot because they are fermented, but unlike traditional soft drinks, Calpis are not usually so bad for health.
Thanks to its fermentation process, Calpis contains live lactobacilli, which are beneficial bacteria for digestive health. These probiotics help maintain a balanced gut flora, aid digestion, and may contribute to a stronger immune system.
Calpico is made with skimmed milk, which means it has a reduced fat content compared to other milk-based drinks. This makes it a lighter, lower-calorie option for anyone concerned about their 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 like vitamin D and phosphorus. Calcium is essential for bone and dental health, while vitamin D helps with the absorption of this mineral.
The combination of water and sugars in Calpico can help hydrate and replenish electrolytes, especially on hot days or after intense physical activity. However, it is worth remembering that the drink also contains sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Different types of Calpis Drinks
The original Calpico is not a carbonated beverage. It is a non-carbonated drink based on fermented milk, with a smooth and slightly acidic texture. However, there are variations of Calpico that can be carbonated, such as mixed drinks with carbonated water or sodas. In these cases, carbonation is added during mixing, resulting in a drink with fizzy bubbles.
Calpis Soda is a carbonated version of the original drink, which combines the smoothness and slightly acidic flavor of Calpis with the fizz of carbonated water. This drink is available in a variety of flavors, just like the original Calpico, and can be found in bottles and cans.
Another pioneer brand in carbonated milk drinks is the famous Skal, a great competitor of Calpis. Of course, Calpis has several competitors when it comes to milk-based drinks.
In addition to soft drinks, you can also find Calpis mixed drinks with different fruit and other flavors. See below for a list of different types of Calpis drinks:
- Calpico Original (Calpis Water): The classic version of the drink, with a smooth and slightly acidic flavor based on fermented milk.
- Calpico Concentrate (Calpis Concentrate): Concentrated version of the drink that can be diluted with water or used in recipes and cocktails.
- Calpico Mango: Mango flavored drink.
- Calpico Strawberry: Strawberry flavored drink.
- Calpico White Peach: White peach flavored drink.
- Calpico Lychee: Lychee flavored drink.
- Calpico Grape: Grape flavored drink.
- Calpico Melon: Melon flavored drink.
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Calpico in Japanese Pop Culture
Calpico has a strong presence on social networks and is often used as an aesthetic element in photos and videos. With its colorful packaging and creative design, the drink has become a symbol of Japanese style and culture, making it a hit with bloggers, influencers and pop culture lovers.
Calpico also appears in several Japanese animations, the famous anime. Whether in a picnic scene or in 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, the 7th of July is known as “Calpis no Hi” (Day of Calpis). 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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