Survey on Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages: Over 60% of Consumers Prioritizing Functional Benefits Seek 'Improved Gut Environment' and 'Enhanced Immunity,' Followed by 'Prevention of Constipation and Improved Bowel Movements' at Over 30%

<< TOPICS >>

Nearly 70% of respondents consume lactic acid bacteria beverages. The main reason for consumption is 'taste' (over 50% of consumers), followed by 'regulating digestive health, improving gut environment, or bowel regularity' and 'maintaining health,' each cited by over 30% of respondents

Among those who prioritize functional benefits in lactic acid bacteria beverages, 'improving gut environment' and 'enhancing body's immunity' rank highest at over 60% each, followed by 'preventing constipation and improving bowel movements' at over 30%

MyVoice Communications Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shintaro Shimizu) conducted its 12th internet-based survey on 'Consumption of Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages' from May 1 to May 7, 2026.

The survey investigated consumer habits and expectations regarding functional benefits of lactic acid bacteria beverages. Below are the key findings.

【Survey Target】 MyVoice Communications' survey panel

【Survey Method】 Internet survey (online research)

【Survey Period】 May 1–7, 2026 【Respondents】 11,207

【Detailed Survey Results】 https://myel.myvoice.jp/products/detail/33401

◆ Frequency of Consuming Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages

Nearly 70% of respondents consume lactic acid bacteria beverages. Around 30% drink them at least once a week.

◆ Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages Consumed in the Past Year

Among consumers of lactic acid bacteria beverages, we asked which products they had consumed in the past year (multiple responses allowed).

'Calpis, Calpis Water, etc.' and 'Yakult' each accounted for around 40%, while 'Meiji Probiotic Yogurt R-1 Drink Type' and 'Pirukuru' each accounted for nearly 20%.

'Calpis, Calpis Water, etc.' showed slightly higher consumption among younger age groups.

◆ Reasons for Drinking Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages

Reasons for consuming lactic acid bacteria beverages (multiple responses allowed) included 'taste' (51.0% of consumers), 'regulating digestive health, improving gut environment, or bowel regularity,' and 'maintaining health,' each cited by over 30% of consumers.

Among those primarily consuming 'Meiji R-1 Drink Type,' 'disease prevention and immunity enhancement' was the most common reason.

Among those primarily consuming 'Mirumiru,' 'Bifidus Drinkable Yogurt,' and 'Megumi Gasseri SP Strain Yogurt Drink Type,' 'regulating digestive health, improving gut environment, or bowel regularity' ranked first, each at around 50%.

※ For additional graphs and trend data over time, please refer to the 【Detailed Survey Results】.

◆ Key Factors Considered When Choosing Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages

Key factors considered when choosing lactic acid bacteria beverages (multiple responses allowed) included 'price' (45.4% of consumers), 'functional benefits' (41.3%), and 'ease of drinking' and 'taste,' each at nearly 40%.

The importance of 'functional benefits' tends to increase with higher consumption frequency. This trend is particularly pronounced among consumers of 'Meiji R-1 Drink Type,' 'Triple Yogurt Drink Type,' and 'Megumi Gasseri SP Strain Yogurt Drink Type.'

◆ Expected Functional Benefits of Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages

Among consumers who prioritize functional benefits when selecting lactic acid bacteria beverages, we asked about their expected benefits (multiple responses allowed).

'Improving gut environment' and 'enhancing body's immunity' ranked highest at over 60% each, followed by 'preventing constipation and improving bowel movements' at 32.4%.

'Preventing constipation and improving bowel movements' is particularly prominent among women, especially those aged 30–40.

'Stress reduction' is higher among respondents aged 10–40.

Among men aged 30–40, 'improvement or alleviation of allergy symptoms,' 'stress reduction,' and 'improved sleep quality' are higher than average, while 'improving gut environment' is slightly lower.

※ For additional graphs and trend data over time, please refer to the 【Detailed Survey Results】.

<< Respondent Comments >>

☆ Consumption occasions for lactic acid bacteria beverages / Reasons for not consuming (Total 5,939 responses)

I drink Meiji's R-1 every morning with breakfast. I heard it's effective for hay fever, so I've continued drinking it. (Male, 30)

I drink Mirumiru in the living room after bathing. My goal is to improve bowel movements. (Male, 43)

I drink it when I'm hungry during dieting. I feel guilty eating snacks, but drinking lactic acid bacteria beverages satisfies my hunger while giving me a sense of health benefits. (Female, 49)

I drink Pirukuru after breakfast to improve my sleep quality. (Female, 58)

<Reason for not consuming> My body has changed; drinking milk or lactic acid beverages now causes digestive issues, so I've stopped. (Male, 37)

<Reason for not consuming> Many contain added ingredients like grape fructose, which seem likely to spike blood sugar levels. (Female, 37)

<Detailed Survey Results>

Survey Results on Lactic Acid Bacteria Beverages

https://myel.myvoice.jp/products/detail/33401

Additional questions included 'occasions for consuming lactic acid bacteria beverages.'

※ Regarding Publication or Citation of Survey Results

This is an original survey conducted via internet research by MyVoice Communications Inc.

When publishing or citing these results, please clearly state 'Survey by MyVoice Communications Inc.'

<Inquiries>

For inquiries regarding the survey results, please contact:

myel@myvoice.co.jp (MyEL Team)

<Related Information>

Explore MyVoice Communications' original survey results through our questionnaire database 'MyEL,' and AI-powered text analysis tool 'CotoEL,' available on note. Please check them out.

note publication page

<Company Overview>

MyVoice Communications Inc.

【Representative】 President and CEO Shintaro Shimizu

【Founded】 July 1999

【Capital】 161.83 million yen (including capital reserves)

【Business】 Internet and offline surveys, text mining, questionnaire databases, AI analysis services

【Headquarters】 5F, Sakuraba Building, 3-17-11 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

【Corporate Website】 https://www.myvoice.co.jp/

MyVoice Communications is a research company within the Itochu Group, specializing in internet-based surveys.

★ We are recruiting 'survey panelists' to participate in future surveys. For details, please visit here.