Calpis: Japan’s Favorite Fizzy, Tangy, and Unique Drink!

If you’ve ever wandered into a Japanese convenience store or supermarket, you’ve probably seen a familiar bottle of milky-white drink standing out among the sea of sodas and teas. That drink is Calpis (or Calpico outside Japan), a legendary beverage that has been satisfying thirst since 1919!

What makes this drink unique, and why does it have a strong following across generations and continents? Let’s dive into the bubbly and tangy world of Calpis and its sparkling sibling, Calpis Soda!

What is Calpis?

Like many great inventions (chocolate chip cookies, the Post-it Note, and the microwave oven), it resulted from a happy accident. It all began in 1919, when a Japanese man named Kaiun Mishima traveled to Mongolia and encountered a traditional fermented milk drink. Known for its slightly sour taste, the drink was refreshing, nutritious, and packed with probiotics—perfect for a long journey across the vast Mongolian steppes.

Inspired by this drink, Mishima returned to Japan and began working on creating a similar beverage, using milk, sugar, and lactobacilli (good bacteria), which are known for their tangy flavor and ability to aid digestion. The result was a slightly sweet, mildly tangy drink that was refreshing and nutritious. And just like that, this drink was born.

Its name is a fusion of two elements: calcium (important for health) and the Sanskrit word sarpis, meaning “best taste.” The drink quickly became popular in Japan for its unique flavor and health benefits. Little did anyone know, this humble concoction would become one of Japan’s most beloved beverages!

Does Calpis offer other flavors?

What makes it even more amazing is its willingness to play with flavors. Japan is known for its adventurous approach to food and beverages and has embraced that spirit with open arms. Over the years, the brand has released a wide array of flavors, each with a twist on the classic drink. These include:

Strawberry: A fruity, sweet version that packs the flavor of fresh strawberries and the signature tanginess.

Grape: Imagine the taste of grape candy but in drink form! This version is a perfect mix of fruity sweetness and tangy goodness.

Mango: For those who love tropical flavors, Mango Calpis is like drinking a refreshing mango smoothie with a fizzy twist.

Matcha: Japan’s love for green tea meets the creamy tang of Calpis. The result is a delicate, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the original drink.

Aloe: This version is light, refreshing, and subtly herbal, with a clean and unique flavor.

But that’s not all! Calpis has also created some more experimental and fun variants over the years, like:

Soda Melon Cream: A flavor combining melon juice and a creamy vanilla ice cream taste, turning Calpis Soda into a delightful, almost dessert-like treat.

Silky Cola: Yes, you read that right—Cola and Calpis in one drink. It’s a wild combination that blends the familiar cola flavor with the tangy, creamy essence of Calpis. It’s a weird, wonderful mix that’s surprisingly delicious!

As you can see, it is far from a one-flavor wonder. It’s all about pushing the boundaries and offering new experiences while staying true to its tangy roots.

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Are there similar products?

Yes! For example, Calpis-flavored snacks, candy, and ice cream are common, and there are even Calpis-scented erasers. Yes, you read that right—it has found its way into the stationery world, proving how far this drink’s influence has spread!

And let’s not forget the Calpis float—perhaps one of the greatest inventions of all time. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a glass of Calpis Soda, and you have an instantly refreshing dessert drink. It’s the perfect treat for hot summer days and makes for a fun twist on the classic root beer float.

It is also a popular mixer for alcoholic drinks, especially for creating a refreshing cocktail or a Japanese chūhai (a type of fruit-flavored alcoholic drink). 

Is this drink popular in other countries?

While it is a staple in Japan, it has managed to cross borders and win hearts worldwide. The drink is marketed under Calpico in English-speaking countries to avoid any unfortunate associations with the word calpis (which could sound slightly off-putting in some languages).

Calpico can now be found in various countries, including the United States and parts of Europe, where it’s introduced to curious drinkers ready to experience something different. As the global demand for Japanese drinks and snacks continues to rise, Calpis and Calpis Soda are becoming increasingly accessible to people all over the world.

Should I try Calpis?

If you want to try something refreshing and uniquely Japanese, absolutely yes! Calpis, with its subtly tangy and slightly sweet taste, offers a unique experience that many people worldwide have come to love.

Next time you spot a bottle, take a moment to enjoy it—it’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of Japan’s rich culture. Cheers—or as they say in Japan, kanpai! Have you ever tried this drink or any of their products? Let us know in the comments below!