Explains the types, characteristics, and prices of Japanese milk! Also introduces recommended tasty milk!
Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores carry a wide variety of milk brands and types. Since many of the package labels are written in kanji (Chinese characters), many foreigners may be at a loss as to which milk to choose.
Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the characteristics and types of Japanese milk, English descriptions of each type, price quotes, and recommendations for popular and tasty milk in Japan. This article will help you find your favorite milk.
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Characteristics of Japanese milk
Most milk in Japan comes in paper cartons. Almost all milk available at supermarkets and convenience stores comes in paper cartons. On the other hand, you may find milk in old-fashioned glass bottles at public bathhouses.
In addition, most Japanese milk is sterilized using the ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization method. In this method, milk is heated at 120-150°C for 1-3 seconds, effectively killing bacteria contained in the milk. Ultra-high temperature pasteurized milk is characterized by its rich flavor and full-bodied taste.
Another characteristic of Japanese milk is that it must always be kept refrigerated. While some milk can be stored at room temperature, most milk must be kept refrigerated at 10°C or below. The expiration date should also be noted, but if unopened, there is no quality problem as long as it is within the indicated expiration date.
Six Types of Japanese Milk
There are six major types of milk sold in Japan. Understanding the characteristics and differences between them will help you choose the milk that is right for you.
1. milk (Gyuunyuu)
Milk is simply raw milk that has been heat-sterilized; its composition has not been adjusted.
The package uses a barrier-free container that is designed to allow the visually impaired to identify it as milk.
2. milk with adjusted composition (Seibunchousei-gyuunyuu)
Milk whose fat content and nonfat milk solids have been adjusted from raw milk. By increasing or decreasing the milk fat content, a creamier taste and lighter texture can be enjoyed.
3. low-fat milk (Teishibou-gyuunyuu)
This milk has a milk fat content of 0.5-1.51 TP19T and is recommended for those who are concerned about calories.
4. fat-free milk (Mushibou-gyuunyuu)
This milk has had most of its milk fat content removed and is reduced to less than 0.51 TP19T. It is popular among health-conscious consumers.
5. processed milk (Kakounyuu)
This milk is made by adding dairy products to raw milk. It can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors, such as coffee milk and fruit milk.
6. milk beverage (Nyuuinryou)
These are beverages with a milk solids content of 31 TP19T or higher. Milk tea, cocoa, and yogurt drinks fall into this category. There are also dairy drinks fortified with minerals and vitamins.
A drink very similar to these cow's milk drinks is soy milk. Soy milk is a plant-based milk made from soybeans and is a popular alternative to cow's milk, although it is not a dairy product.
In Japan, powdered milk is also commercially available and can be easily purchased at drugstores. Since it can be dissolved and drunk only as needed, it is convenient for people on the go.
Japanese and English descriptions of each type of "milk
Most milk packages in Japan contain only the Japanese notation. Even if you are familiar with the English notation, it is useful to understand the Japanese notation. The following table summarizes the Japanese notation and its English translation for typical types of milk.
| Japanese notation | English translation | how to read |
| (cow's) milk | Milk | (cow's) milk (Gyuunyuu) |
| unadjusted milk | Whole milk | government-managed milk powder (Seibunmutyousei-gyuunyuu) |
| case-mix milk | Homogenized milk | biodistributionally regulated milk (Seibuntyousei-gyuunyuu) |
| low-fat milk | Low-fat-milk | low-fat milk (Teishibou-gyuunyuu) |
| nonfat milk | Skim milk, Fat-free milk | (cow's) milk without fat (Mushibou-gyuunyuu) |
| processed milk | Processed milk | manufactured milk (Kaounyuu) |
| milk beverage | Milk beverage | milk beverage (Nyuuinryou) |
| baby formula | Milk Powder, Powdered milk | baby formula (Kona-milk) |
We recommend that you use this chart as a reference to understand the Japanese notations on Japanese milk packages and to remember the correspondence with English. It will also help you when you talk about Japanese milk in English with local people.
Price of milk in Japan
Private brand milk sold in supermarkets can be purchased at relatively low prices. On the other hand, brand milk from major dairy manufacturers such as Meiji and Morinaga is priced a little higher due to their commitment to quality.
In addition, special milk such as unadjusted, low-fat, and organic milk tends to be more expensive than regular milk.
In Japan, a liter of milk is usually purchased for around 200 yen, but it is worth remembering that the price varies by about 100 yen depending on the brand and type.
On the other hand, the price of powdered milk ranges from 1,600 yen to 3,000 yen for an 800-gram can. Many families choose powdered milk because it is more easily preserved than liquid milk and can be made in just the amount needed.
The price of Japanese milk is a bit higher than in other countries, although it can be said to reflect the high quality of the product. However, the safety and taste of Japanese milk are well worth the price.
Five popular and tasty milk recommendations in Japan
Here are some of the best milk recommendations in Japan. If you are interested in finding a delicious milk that suits your palate, please take a look.
1. oaso milk
This is unadulterated milk born in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture. This milk can be stored at room temperature, and its non-homo process (a method of sterilizing milk without crushing the milk fat globules) allows the original flavor of raw milk to be enjoyed. It is characterized by its sweetness and refreshing taste.
Oaso Milk isclick here.
2. milk at the foot of Mount Kirishima
This is also unadjusted milk, and is made from raw milk collected at the foot of Mount Kirishima, which straddles Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. It can be stored at room temperature and is popular for its mild and rich taste. If you like a strong taste, please try it.
Kirishima Sanroku Milk isclick here.
3. morinaga milk
This is a typical milk produced by Morinaga Milk Industry, a major dairy manufacturer in Japan. It is one of the most commonly seen milk products in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores. It is characterized by its smooth and easy-to-drink texture due to a unique manufacturing process that makes the milk fat content finer.
Morinaga Milk isclick here.
4. Hokkaido Tokusen 3.6 milk
This rich milk is made from raw milk produced in Hokkaido and has a milk fat content of 3.61 TP19T or higher. It is a premium bottle with the original flavor and richness of raw milk.
Hokkaido Tokusen 3.6 milk isclick here.
5. Meiji Oishii Milk
This milk is the signature product of another major dairy manufacturer, Meiji. It is made using a manufacturing process that focuses on deliciousness, and is characterized by its mild taste and refreshing aftertaste. Along with Morinaga Milk, it is one of the most popular products available at supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Japan.
Meiji Oishii Milk isclick here.
These five types of milk are representative of Japan's delicious milk, each with its own producers and production methods. We hope you will try them and find your favorite one.
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summary
We introduced the characteristics, types, price quotations, and popular recommendations for Japanese milk.
Japanese milk is characterized by its high quality and good taste. Packages are mainly in paper cartons, often in kanji characters, but remembering the English notation introduced in this article will help foreigners choose the right product.
There are a wide variety of milk products, including unadjusted, adjusted, low-fat, fat-free, processed milk, and dairy beverages. One of the most attractive features is that you can choose the one that best suits your taste and health condition.
Prices generally range from 150 to 300 yen per liter, but prices vary by brand and type.
Each of the last five recommended products has its own character and taste. From local milk such as Oaso Milk and Kirishima Sanroku Milk to products from major manufacturers such as Morinaga Milk and Meiji Oishii Milk, we encourage you to try them all and compare them.
Japanese milk is a proud product of the producer's passion and dedication. This article will help you find your favorite one.
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