What to do with expired Yakult
Yakult is an iconic kid-sized yoghurt drink popular in Asian countries for its delicious acidity and health benefits. It is a sweetened, fat-free probiotic drink made in Japan. Yakult contains natural probiotics that support healthy digestion.
It is known to increase good bacteria in the intestines, help us avoid constipation or diarrhea, reduce harmful substances, and strengthen our body’s immunity in fighting infectious diseases.
Yakult should not be drunk after the expiration date. This has to do with the quality of the drink, including its taste. Dispose of all leftover products after the “best before’ date” After the expiration date, it turns into antibiotics. Be environmentally conscious to avoid waste.
The Science Behind Yakult Expiration
How Yakult works
Yakult’s probiotic LcS increases the number of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, making it difficult for the harmful ones to take over. There are over 6.5 billion LcS in each bottle, making Yakult one of the highest concentrations of probiotics in the market.
Causes of Yakult expiration
It expires because the live microorganisms in the drink may no longer be alive. Probiotics are living bacteria, and they should be alive when consumed for the bacteria to work.
What happens to Yakult when it expires
When Yakult expires, its probiotic bacteria will no longer be viable and can no longer benefit your digestive and immune health.
Health Risks of Consuming Expired Yakult
Bacterial growth in expired Yakult
When opened, the drink should be refrigerated and consumed within 1 month. If the drink has been left out, it should not be because it increases the chances of bacteria and other organisms growing in the drink and making it unsafe to consume (Sciencedirect.com).
Symptoms of food poisoning
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Risks associated with consuming expired Yakult
Consuming expired Yakult comes with stomach upset for some people. Drinking a few sips of spoiled Yakult may not give many side effects, but larger quantities may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Another risk of drinking expired Yakult is serious side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (Healthline.com).
10 Creative Ways to Use Expired Yakult
Yakult facial mask
The mask hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. To make the mixture, you need two ingredients: Yakult and mung bean starch. Cleanse your skin, apply toner, take the sheet mask out of the pouch, and apply it evenly on the face.
Yakult marinade for meat
Yakult tenderizes meat more gently and effectively than regular marinades. While acidic vinegar- or citrus-based marinades can toughen proteins like chicken breast to a rubbery consistency, yogurt slowly tenderizes them.
Yakult popsicles
Yakult popsicle has a light and refreshing milky citrus flavor. The Yakult gives the popsicle a slightly sweet and fruity taste. Sprite adds the extra sweetness needed in the popsicle. Soju adds the final flavor, which is boozy.
Yakult smoothie bowl
Add the strawberry, banana, and two bottles of Yakult gold in a blender for at least 2 minutes or till smooth.
Yakult ice cream
The ice cream uses two ingredients. These are two pieces of Yakult and 410 ml Kremdensada chilled overnight. This Ice cream recipe combines Yakult, a sweetened Japanese probiotic milk beverage fermented with the Lactobacillus paracasei Shirota strain and Kremdensada, the first 2-in-1 product that combines cream and condensed milk.
Yakult bread
Mix Yakult and two tablespoons of flour and cover with a net. Leave it at room temperature. After 3 days, it started bubbling and increasing, adding more flour daily. After 5 days, add more flour, salt, and butter. Knead well to make a soft dough. After resting for a half day, make small balls and rest for 1 hour. Bake in a 180℃ preheated oven for 18 minutes. Enjoy.
Yakult fried rice
When making Yakult fried rice, wash it, boil it, and add your preferred ingredients. Add Yakult, cook for some minutes, and serve.
Yakult salad dressing
Combine a Yakult, fruit cocktail, nata de coco, apple, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
Yakult pickles
Prepare the cukes, prepare the brine, and add Yakult. Prepare your prickles for fermentation in a closed container or jar.
Yakult cheese
Add sugar and Yakult into softened cream cheese and whisk it.
How to Store Yakult to Prevent Expiration
Proper storage techniques for Yakult
Yakult must be refrigerated below 10°C. It should not be frozen or left outside the refrigerator for long. Refrigeration help protect its unique bacteria. The bottles can be out of the fridge for short periods, but treat it as any fresh milk product.
It should also be in a well-sealed container, such as its original bottle or an airtight container. Do not expose it to extreme temperatures or big temperature changes. Store the bottles upright, and do not shake them too much.
Refrigeration tips
- Keep it at a temperature of 4-8 degrees Celsius to preserve the probiotic content and ensure the drink has an optimal flavor.
- Bottles can be out of the fridge for short periods but treat the Yakult as any fresh milk product.
- Refrigerate Yakult as soon as you can after purchasing
How long does Yakult last in the fridge?
The shelf life of Yakult is 40 days from the date of manufacture when kept under refrigerated conditions below 10° C. Yakult will keep for up to two weeks after opening as long as it is kept refrigerated.
Can you freeze Yakult?
Yes, you can freeze Yakult, but cold temperatures can affect the bacteria.
How to Check if Yakult is Expired
How to read Yakult expiration date
Yakult can have an expiration date of about 45 days after it is produced. There is the printed date on the bottle.
Signs that Yakult has gone bad
- Foul smell
- Bad taste
How to tell if Yakult is still safe to consume
If the Yakult is still in good taste and has no foul smell, it is safe to consume.
How to Dispose of Expired Yakult Properly
Environmentally-friendly disposal methods
Try composting, or it goes in the trash. Remove dairy products from plastic tubs and wrappers. Put empty plastic tubs in the recycling. Put wrappers in the trash.
Recycling Yakult bottles
Remove the labels from the bottle to prepare your Yakult bottle for recycling. Ensure that the bottles are cleaned out properly. Place all your bottles in a recycling bin and await collection.
Creative ways to reuse Yakult bottles
Instead of throwing away your empty Yakult bottles, use them for art projects, DIY home decorations, or even miniature dolls. Use them for creative projects, which will help you connect with your artistic side while doing the environment a favor.
Tips for reducing food waste
- Initiate plastic waste collection and recycling through two Waste Management Companies.
- Register with the Central Pollution Control Board to ensure a cleaner environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expire Yakult make you sick?
Expired Yakult can make you sick when eaten because it may contain harmful bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause food poisoning or other illnesses. It is important to check the expiration date on the bottle before consuming Yakult. If it has expired, use your senses to determine if it is still safe to drink. If Yakult has a foul or unpleasant odor, a sour taste, or a lumpy consistency, it is probably spoiled and should not be consumed. If you have drunk expired Yakult and experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, you should seek medical attention.
Can you use expired Yakult for baking?
It’s generally not recommended to use expired Yakult for baking because the quality and effectiveness of the probiotic bacteria may be compromised. Expired Yakult may also have a different taste and consistency than fresh Yakult, affecting the taste and texture of baked goods. It’s best to use fresh, non-expired ingredients for baking to get the best results. If you don’t have fresh Yakult, you can use other acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar or buttermilk as a substitute, depending on the recipe.
How long does Yakult last in the fridge after opening?
Once opened, Yakult is generally stable for up to two weeks if kept in the refrigerator at an appropriate temperature of 36-46°F (2-8°C). It is important to pay attention to the expiration date on the bottle and use the Yakult before that date, even if it has not yet been opened. Also, it is best to store Yakult in the main part of the refrigerator and not in the door, as the temperature can fluctuate more.
Can you drink Yakult after the expiration date?
Although Yakult may still be safe to drink after the expiration date, the quality and effectiveness of the probiotic bacteria may be compromised. It is important to pay attention to the expiration date before consuming Yakult, and if it has passed, use your senses to determine if it is still safe to drink. If Yakult has a foul or unpleasant odor, a sour taste, or a lumpy consistency, it is probably spoiled and should not be consumed. Yakult is generally recommended to be consumed before expiration to ensure that the probiotic bacteria are still active and effective.
How do you know when Yakult is bad?
You can tell if Yakult is bad if it smells bad, tastes sour, or has a different taste than usual. If the consistency is lumpy or there are signs of mold or other growth, the yakult is probably spoiled and should not be consumed. It is important to pay attention to the expiration date and storage guidelines to ensure that yakult is fresh and safe for consumption.
Can you use expired Yakult for skincare?
Some people use expired Yakult as a face mask because of its probiotic content, but it is not recommended to do so. Expired Yakult may contain harmful bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause skin irritation or infection. Using fresh, sterile ingredients for skin care is best to avoid potential risks. Many other safe and effective alternatives exist if you are looking for natural skin care products.
Can you make Yakult yogurt from expired Yakult?
It is not recommended to make yakult yogurt from expired yakult because the live bacteria in the drink may have already died, reducing its effectiveness in promoting digestive health. In addition, expired Yakult may have a different taste and consistency unsuitable for making yogurt. It is best to use fresh Yakult to ensure the live bacteria are active and effective. If you are unsure whether your Yakult is still fresh or safe, be careful and dispose of it properly.
How do you properly recycle Yakult bottles?
To properly recycle Yakult bottles, rinse them and remove any caps or labels before placing them in your recycling garbage can. The bottle may need to be separated from other plastics in some areas, so checking your local recycling guidelines is important. Also, some recycling programs may require the bottle to be crushed or flattened before recycling. Following local recycling guidelines and best practices is important to properly process and reuse materials.
Is it safe to freeze Yakult?
Freezing Yakult is safe for consumption, but it may affect the live bacteria in the drink, which may reduce its effectiveness in promoting digestive health. It is recommended to consume Yakult when it is fresh and properly stored in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
In summary, the consumption of expired Yakult can be harmful to health. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but that does not mean expired Yakult can not be eaten. You can still use it for baking and crafts. Finding creative ways to use expired Yakult can help you avoid waste and show off your creativity. Being environmentally conscious and reducing food waste will keep your space clean.