What is Calpico? This refreshing Japanese beverage, often confused with Calpis, is loved for its unique taste and versatile use in recipes. With a variety of flavors available, including strawberry and lychee, Calpico is not just delicious but also offers healthier options. Learn more about its ingredients, how it tastes, and where to buy it through Japan Flow!
What is Calpico? Are Calpico and Calpis the same thing?
If you wonder what Calpis drink is, known as Calpis in Japan, is a refreshing non-carbonated soft drink with a unique flavor that blends yogurt, buttermilk, and milk.
Its taste is often compared to the popular probiotic drink Yakult but with a smoother and more refined profile. Calpico has a mild sweetness and a slightly tangy note, presented in a cloudy white appearance.
Produced by Calpis Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Asahi Breweries, Calpico is available in both concentrated and ready-to-drink forms, along with various flavors. While Calpis is typically found in concentrate, Calpico is primarily sold as a ready-to-drink option, although both share the same core flavor.
The history of Calpico
Calpico was created over a century ago when Kauin Mishima discovered the health benefits of a local cultured milk drink during a trip to Inner Mongolia.
After returning to Japan in 1915, he researched lactic acid cultures and accidentally developed Calpico in 1919 by adding sugar to a fermented milk product called daigoso.
This drink quickly became a beloved national beverage in Japan. The name "Calpis" combines "Calcium" with the Sanskrit word "Salpis," which refers to milk fermentation. It was rebranded as "Calpico" in the US to prevent confusion.
What ingredients are in Calpico?
Calpico is made from a simple yet delightful combination of ingredients. The primary components include water, sugar (which can vary depending on the flavor and region), and non-fat dairy milk that has been fermented with lactic acid cultures. This unique fermentation process gives Calpico its signature tangy taste.
In addition to these base ingredients, Calpico may also contain a mix of natural and artificial flavors to enhance its overall profile. These flavorings are what allow for the wide variety of Calpico flavors available, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How does Calpico taste?
Calpico offers a delightful flavor experience with its sweet and subtly tangy profile. Imagine a blend of yogurt, milk, and buttermilk—smooth and creamy, yet refreshingly light.
This unique combination results in a harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess, thanks to lactic acid fermentation.
Different flavors of Calpico
Calpico Strawberry: A sweet twist
Calpico Strawberry stands out with its creamy richness and vibrant strawberry flavor. The smooth texture harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries, resulting in a balanced and refreshing drink. This flavor offers a lively burst of fruitiness, making it a perfect summer treat.
Calpico White Peach: A light refreshment
Calpico White Peach captures the essence of ripe peaches, offering a refreshing and elegant twist. Its creamy base enhances the fruity notes, making it a delightful choice for warm days. This flavor appeals to both fans of the classic and newcomers seeking something fresh.
Asahi Calpico: Mango
Asahi Calpico Mango is a tropical delight that combines Calpico's smoothness with the sweet, juicy taste of ripe mangoes.
This refreshing beverage transports your taste buds to sunny locales, making it perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavor is sure to please mango lovers.
Asahi Calpico: Lychee
Asahi Calpico Lychee offers a unique flavor experience with its delicate sweetness and fragrant aroma.
The light, floral notes of lychee blend seamlessly with Calpico's creamy texture, creating a refreshing and exotic drink. It's an excellent choice for those seeking something different.
Healthier options of Calpico
Karada Calpis
Karada Calpis, which translates to "Body Calpis," was launched in April 2017 with a focus on wellness. This special version is crafted using a unique strain of lactobacillus known as CP1563, which helps boost metabolic activity and supports weight management.
Notably, Karada Calpis is calorie-free, making it a guilt-free choice for those mindful of their diet.
Calpis Light Blue
Calpis Light Blue offers a refreshing twist by substituting traditional sugar with natural fruit extracts from lemons and white grapes.
This not only reduces sweetness but enhances the drink's freshness, making it an excellent option for a quick work break. With just 13 calories per 100ml and no artificial sweeteners, it's a lighter alternative to classic Calpico flavors.
Zero Calorie Calpis Sukkiri
For those focused on calorie control, Zero Calorie Calpis Sukkiri is an ideal choice. This version contains zero calories and features a hint of Okinawa sea salt, adding a unique flavor profile.
It's not only refreshing but also serves as a great hydrating drink for sports or hot summer days, helping to replenish electrolytes.
Calpis Reduced Sugar (60% Less Sugar)
If you're concerned about sugar intake but still want to enjoy Calpis, the Reduced Sugar version is perfect.
This option cuts sugar and calorie content by 60% compared to the original, offering just 17 calories per 100ml serving while maintaining the beloved taste of Calpis. It’s a smart choice for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the extra sugar.
How to mix Calpico concentrate: The right ratio
Mixing Calpico concentrate is simple and customizable, allowing you to enjoy this delightful drink at your preferred strength.
For a balanced flavor, the suggested dilution ratio is 1:4, meaning one part Calpico concentrates into four parts water. If you prefer a creamier texture, try a ratio of 1:6 with milk.
Calpico’s mildly sweet and tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with various mixers beyond just water and milk. Consider enhancing your drink with lemon juice, soda, liqueurs, fruit juices, or even yogurt for a refreshing twist.
Pro tip: For a classic experience, serve your diluted Calpico over ice. The addition of ice cubes not only elevates the drink’s chill factor but also creates an inviting presentation, making it the perfect refreshment for hot summer days. Enjoy the visual appeal of ice floating in your milky white glass of Calpico, enticing you before your first sip!
Using Calpico in recipes
Calpico Kakigori
Elevate the classic Japanese shaved ice dessert by using Calpico as a syrup topping. Drizzle Calpico Lychee and a touch of condensed milk over fluffy shaved ice, and garnish with fresh fruit slices. This combination creates a refreshing summer treat that’s sure to impress.
Calpico cheesecake
For a unique twist on traditional cheesecake, mix Calpico into the batter. The creamy and slightly tangy profile of Calpico adds depth to the rich cheesecake, balancing sweetness with a refreshing hint of flavor that your guests will love.
Calpico salad dressing
Create a zesty salad dressing by blending Calpico with olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of herbs. This creamy and tangy dressing will elevate any simple salad, turning it into a gourmet dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
Calpico marinade for seafood
Use Calpico as a marinade for shrimp or fish to infuse them with flavor. The lactic acid in Calpico helps tenderize the seafood while imparting a delightful sweetness and tang. Marinate for a short time before grilling or sautéing for a deliciously unique dish.
Where to buy Calpico?
Local Asian grocery stores
If you're eager to try the delightful flavors of Calpico, a great place to start is your local Asian grocery store. These shops typically have a wide selection of Japanese beverages, including Calpico in its various forms. Whether you’re looking for the classic version or a fruity twist, visiting these stores can be a fun adventure in discovering authentic Japanese drinks.
Online orders from the Japanese website with Japan Flow
For those who prefer the convenience of shopping from home, Japan Flow offers an easy way to purchase Calpico online. With just a few clicks, you can explore a range of flavors, including Calpico Strawberry and Calpico Mango, all available on Japanese websites like Rakuten, Honeydaea, and Akazuki.
Enjoy the original Calpico experience or try out unique variations that tantalize your taste buds.
Simply visit Japan Flow, add your favorite URL products to the Japan Flows’ purchasing request form, make the payment process, and enjoy the refreshing taste of Calpico delivered straight to your door!
To get information, you can check our guide here
Frequently asked questions
Is Calpico healthy?
Calpico is considered beneficial for digestion due to its lactobacillus culture, which is a type of bacteria that supports gut health. However, it is important to note that Calpico does not contain active probiotics, as it lacks live bacteria typically found in yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods.
Does Calpico contain probiotics?
While Calpico is a cultured milk drink with beneficial bacteria, it does not contain live probiotics. The fermentation process includes lactobacillus, but the drink is not labeled as having active or live cultures, limiting its probiotic benefits.
Is there alcohol in Calpico?
Calpico itself is a non-alcoholic beverage. However, for those seeking an alcoholic option, Asahi Breweries offers a cocktail called "Calpico Sour," which is a vodka-based drink featuring the sweet and tangy flavor of Calpico.
Is Calpico lactose-free?
Calpico is not lactose-free as it contains dairy ingredients, including milk. For individuals who are lactose-intolerant, it's important to note that a lactose-free, plant-based version called "Calpis Green" is available, made with fermented soy milk.
Does Calpico have caffeine?
Calpico is completely caffeine-free, making it safe for consumption at any time, even before bedtime. This means children can enjoy it without the risk of disrupting their sleep patterns.
The article has explained what Calpico is and addressed the questions surrounding this wonderful beverage. If you're interested in trying Calpico and exploring more Japanese drinks, visit Japan Flow for a wide selection of authentic Japanese products!