New Large-Capacity Type of Functional Food 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' to be Released on May 25

Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. will release a large-capacity type of the functional food 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha', targeted at individuals with a slightly high BMI, from the 'BifiX Yogurt' brand (*2) that generates TANSA (short-chain) fatty acids. The product will be available nationwide at supermarkets and drugstores starting Monday, May 25, 2026.

The newly released large-capacity type comes in two varieties: 'Slightly sweet, zero fat' and 'Plain no sugar, low fat'. The 'Slightly sweet, zero fat' type has a mild sweetness and a smooth texture, making it enjoyable on its own. The 'Plain no sugar, low fat' type, despite being sugar-free, has low acidity and a creamy texture, and can be eaten as is or topped with fruits according to preference. Each container holds 400g, equivalent to four servings per person, and is designed for individual stocking up or sharing with family.

'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' was launched on Monday, March 2, 2026, as Japan's first (*1) functional food that provides dual support by 'improving resting energy expenditure' and 'reducing body fat' for those with a slightly high BMI, available in three drink types and two single-serving types at supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores nationwide (*3). Since its release, it has been praised for being 'delicious and easy to continue every day.' With the addition of these two large-capacity types, consumers can now choose from a total lineup of seven products to suit their lifestyle and preferences.

'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' is formulated with 'Bifidobacterium BifiX (B. lactis GCL2505)' and 'Inulin (dietary fiber).' By increasing bifidobacteria and short-chain fatty acids in the gut, these ingredients have been reported to support the improvement of resting energy expenditure—a part of daily energy metabolism—and the reduction of body fat in individuals with a slightly high BMI.

The 'BifiX Yogurt' brand will continue its efforts aiming for 'body conditioning, starting from the gut.'

*1 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' is the first yogurt in Japan to be registered and published as a food with function claims for two functions: 'improvement of resting energy expenditure' and 'reduction of body fat.'
*2 Yogurt containing Bifidobacterium BifiX, which produces TANSA (short-chain) fatty acids, and inulin (dietary fiber).
*3 Refer to the press release dated Friday, January 16, 2026.

■ 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' Dual Effect Part 1: 'Improvement of Resting Energy Expenditure'
'Resting energy expenditure' refers to the energy consumed while resting, such as sitting quietly, and it actually accounts for about 60% of total daily energy expenditure (*4). Resting energy expenditure is said to decrease with age, and to achieve a body resistant to weight gain, it is important to increase resting energy expenditure in addition to managing diet and exercising.

Results from a human trial involving 44 healthy adult men and women with a slightly high BMI (25 to under 30) showed that the group continuously consuming 10 billion Bifidobacterium BifiX and 5g of inulin (dietary fiber) for four weeks experienced an increase in resting energy expenditure compared to the placebo group after two weeks (*5). Converting the improved resting energy expenditure observed in the trial into exercise, 84.4 to 101.8 kcal per day is equivalent to 1,800 to 3,300 steps, or an 18 to 33-minute walk (*6).

*4 Horton ES. Am J Clin Nutr. 1983, 38, 972-977.
*5 From the paper targeted for systematic review: Baba Y et al. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 20;16(14):2345.
*6 Based on reference materials for the promotion of 'Health Japan 21 (2nd Term)' by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

■ 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha' Dual Effect Part 2: 'Reduction of Body Fat'
Results from a human trial involving 120 healthy adult men and women with a slightly high BMI (23 to under 30) showed that the group continuously consuming 10 billion Bifidobacterium BifiX and 2g of inulin (dietary fiber) for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in abdominal visceral fat and total abdominal fat compared to the placebo group after eight weeks (*7).

*7 From the paper targeted for systematic review: Baba Y et al. Nutrients. 2023;15(24):5025.

■ Developer's Comment
Chika Kuwata, Fermented Milk Marketing Group, Marketing Dept., Dairy Business Division
At Glico, we have continuously conducted research believing in the power of Bifidobacterium BifiX and TANSA fatty acids. And this spring, we finally launched 'BifiX Yogurt Alpha,' a food with function claims for those with a slightly high BMI, packed with our research results.