Calpis

Calpis karupisu

CALPIS logo

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KaiunMishima

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Still Life with Calpis Wrapping Paper by Nakamura Tsune (MOMA Ibaraki)

Calpis (カルピス, Karupisu) is a Japanese uncarbonated soft drink, manufactured by Calpis Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings. The beverage has a light, milky, and slightly acidic flavor, similar to yogurt or buttermilk. It is made from nonfat dry milk and lactic acid, and it is produced through a fermentation process.

History

Calpis was first introduced on July 7, 1919, by Kaiun Mishima, the founder of Calpis Co., Ltd. The inspiration for Calpis came from a traditional Mongolian dairy product called airag. Mishima encountered airag during his travels in Inner Mongolia and decided to create a similar beverage for the Japanese market.

Production Process

The production of Calpis involves fermenting nonfat dry milk with lactic acid bacteria. The fermentation process creates the distinctive tangy flavor and slight effervescence of the drink. After fermentation, the product is diluted with water and sweetened to create the final beverage.

Varieties

Calpis is available in several varieties, including:

• Calpis Water: The original flavor, diluted with water.
• Calpis Soda: A carbonated version of the original Calpis.
• Calpis Concentrate: A concentrated syrup that can be mixed with water or other beverages.
• Flavored Calpis: Variants that include flavors such as grape, mango, and strawberry.

Cultural Impact

Calpis has become a popular beverage in Japan and has also gained a following in other countries. It is often used as a base for cocktails and other mixed drinks. The brand has also expanded to include a range of dairy products and other beverages.

Related Products

Calpis Co., Ltd. has diversified its product line to include various dairy products, such as yogurt and butter. The company also produces a range of other beverages, including fruit juice and tea.

See Also

• Asahi Group Holdings
• Yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Fermentation
• Lactic acid bacteria