This time, we will introduce Meiji products that are easily available at convenience stores (konbini) in Japan.
These products are not only delicious but also healthy, helping you reduce the guilt of overeating during your travels!
When it comes to Japanese dairy products, Meiji is certainly the first brand that comes to mind for many people!
From milk, yogurt, cheese, chocolate, to protein drinks, everything can be found under this brand.
Since its establishment in 1917, Meiji has emphasized health in every product.
In addition to offering delicious flavors, they also aim to provide health benefits for their consumers. This time, we will discuss four very popular Meiji products.
1. Meiji Oishii Gyūnyū
Even if you’ve never been to Japan, many people already know Meiji Oishii Gyūnyū, a milk that, once tried, is addictive!
Many tourists consider it a must-try milk when visiting Japan. To preserve the natural taste of fresh milk, Meiji applies strict principles in their production process.
Before pasteurization, they remove oxygen from raw milk to prevent oxidation that could cause a sour taste. This process is patented as their exclusive method to maintain the natural flavor of the milk.
Low-fat milk generally has a less rich taste compared to regular milk. However, Meiji has developed an innovative method using ice concentration, where the water content in the milk is removed through freezing without heat treatment.
This keeps the fresh milk aroma rich and more delicious compared to other brands.
In addition to the delicious taste and creamy texture, Meiji milk packaging is also carefully designed. The 450ml and 900ml sizes use Fresh Pack packaging, and the bottle cap features a twist design for easy opening and sealing for refrigerator storage.
For those staying at Japanese hotels, the 450ml size is perfect for storing in the fridge and enjoying in the morning. It can also be used to make your own milk coffee with the hotel’s coffee.
Their newest product, Meiji Oishii Milk Coffee, sells out as soon as it hits the shelves!
If you manage to find it at a konbini, you’re very lucky! In Japan, besides being consumed directly, Meiji milk is often used in cooking.
Meiji’s official website even provides various recipes, including milk hot pot (nabe).
The broth, when mixed with milk, results in a creamier and smoother flavor.
This milk is also perfect for popular dishes like mille-feuille nabe, made with layers of cabbage and pork.
2. Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt
Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt is the best-selling yogurt product in Japan, holding around 30% of the yogurt market in the country.
This yogurt can be found in almost all convenience stores and supermarkets, making it a part of everyday life for the Japanese people.
The product’s history began at the 1970 Osaka Expo, when a Meiji employee tasted authentic yogurt at the Bulgarian pavilion.
Inspired by this experience, Meiji decided to develop high-quality yogurt so that the Japanese could enjoy the true taste of Bulgarian yogurt.
They not only brought samples back to Japan but also traveled to Europe for further research.
Finally, in 1971, they succeeded in creating the first plain yogurt in Japan.
After receiving official approval from the Bulgarian government, in 1973, this product was named Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt.
Today, Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt contains LB81, a probiotic bacterium that helps maintain gut flora balance.
Due to its health benefits, this yogurt received the Tokutei Hokenyou Shokuhin (特定保健用食品) or Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) label from the Japanese Ministry of Health in 1996.
In Japan, yogurt is very popular as part of a healthy diet, especially among women who often replace meals with yogurt for weight loss.
Meiji Bulgaria Yogurt comes in various variants, including plain, low-sugar, strawberry, blueberry, and triple berry, as well as limited edition flavors that change each season.
For a more enjoyable experience, you can buy fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries and strawberries at the konbini and mix them with the yogurt in your hotel.
It can also be combined with vegetables or granola to create a more filling smoothie bowl.
Read:
6 Recommended Delicious Drip Coffees at Japanese Supermarkets
3. Meiji SAVAS High-Protein Milk
For those who are on a muscle-building or fat-loss program and want to maintain their protein intake while traveling, Meiji SAVAS High-Protein Milk is highly recommended and can be easily found at convenience stores.
If you need immediate protein intake after a workout, the Fresh Pack 430ml variant is the best choice.
Meanwhile, if you feel your daily protein intake is lacking, you can opt for the Tetra Pak 200ml variant, which can be stored at room temperature for convenient consumption anytime.
Both variants contain over 15g of protein, with the chocolate flavor in the Fresh Pack even offering up to 30g of protein.
With low calories, zero fat, and controlled carbohydrate levels ranging from 6.8g to 18.4g, it’s no surprise that this product is Japan’s best-selling protein milk.
Meiji SAVAS High-Protein Milk has a light, enjoyable taste, reminiscent of fruit-flavored or flavored milk from childhood.
Even those who are not used to drinking protein beverages will find it easy to enjoy.
Since it provides an adequate amount of protein, this drink also helps keep you full for longer and suppress hunger, making it a great option for those on a diet.
The product is available in two package sizes with over 10 different flavors.
With such a wide variety, drinking protein milk daily never gets boring.
The banana and chocolate flavors in the Tetra Pak version are particularly popular in Japan and can be found in almost every convenience store. If you discover a new flavor while traveling, don’t hesitate to give it a try!
For those accustomed to consuming protein in powder form, Meiji SAVAS Protein Powder is also available as an alternative.
Product Information
- Product Name: Meiji SAVAS
- Available Flavors:
- Tetra Pak 200ml: Chocolate, Banana, Strawberry, Milk, Chocolate, Caramel
- Fresh Pack 430ml: Yogurt, Mixed Fruit Juice, Coffee Latte, Chocolate
4. Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1
Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1 contains R-1 lactic acid bacteria, which is known to boost the immune system.
This bacteria was carefully selected from over 6,000 types of lactic acid bacteria studied by Meiji, making this product Japan’s best-selling drinkable yogurt.
In a survey conducted among 1,064 health-conscious doctors, 94.9% recommended consuming Meiji R-1 as part of daily health management.
Aside from the original variant, there are also low-sugar & low-calorie versions, as well as the GOLD version, which contains twice the amount of R-1 bacteria—all of which are highly popular in Japan.
If you want to maintain your health while traveling, be sure to stop by a convenience store and try it!
Product Information
- Product Name: Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1
- Available Flavors: Original, Low-Sugar & Low-Calorie, GOLD (2x R-1 Bacteria)
A Healthy and Delicious Choice While Traveling
Irregular eating patterns while traveling can often lead to health issues or digestive problems.
The Meiji products introduced here are not only delicious but also healthy and easy on the body. Whether you’re looking for tasty milk, digestive health support, or protein intake, Meiji has a products you can rely on.
With their availability in convenience stores, getting proper nutrition while traveling becomes easier and more practical!
