Asahi Group introduces its new yeast-derived milk alternative

JAPAN – Asahi Group, a multinational beverage company, has unveiled the first-ever yeast-derived milk alternative, Like Milk, designed to cater to those seeking alternatives to traditional animal-based milk.

LIKE MILK is produced using fermentation technology, where yeast is leveraged to create a milk-like texture and nutritional profile without traditional dairy ingredients.

The company described the product as free from the 28 major allergens typically found in foods and has a mild and naturally sweet taste with no strong aftertaste.

It offers a nutritional profile comparable to cow’s milk, containing similar amounts of protein and calcium but with 38% less fat.

The product is shelf-stable for six months at room temperature in a 200ml paper carton. A 1000ml trial version is scheduled for release within the year, with nationwide sales planned for 2026.

Asahi Group, Universal Robina Corp launch cultured-milk

The news comes after the company teamed up with Southeast Asian food-and-beverage group Universal Robina Corp. (URC) to launch a range of cultured-milk drinks in the Philippines.

Citing Nielsen data, URC said the cultured-milk segment is “the fastest-growing ready-to-drink beverage category” in its home market and will be marketed under Asahi’s milk brand Goodday.

The segment, which has an estimated market size of P6.5 billion (US$7.67 billion), is said to have outpaced yoghurt and milk, while other dairy product categories have seen a decline.

Goodday, Asahi’s first foray into the Philippine beverage market will contain Lactobacillus Paracasei MCC1849 to help improve immunity, help prevent the common cold, promote antibodies, and enhance the effects of certain vaccines.

The cultured milk drinks will be offered in two packaging sizes, 350ml and 80ml, in three flavours: original, strawberry, and mango.

Hemalatha Ragavan, the CEO of the Japanese giant’s Asahi Beverages Philippines arm, said: “We strongly believe that Goodday will be made available in all of URC’s distribution networks across the Philippines, as the demand for immunity-boosting health beverages continues to rise.”

By being in partnership with the Philippines food and beverage giant, Asahi aims not only to address the needs of Filipino consumers but also to bring its class portfolio to global recognition.

Currently, Asahi’s physical operations in Southeast Asia take place in two factories in Malaysia, two in Indonesia, and one in Myanmar.

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