Why July 8th is Soy Milk Yogurt Day in Japan

Today, and July 8th annually, is Soy Milk Yogurt Day 豆乳で作ったヨーグルトの日 (Tōnyū de tsukutta yōguruto no hi) in Japan. It celebrates a unique plant-based yogurt that has quietly become part of Japan's food culture. The day was established by Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage, the company that sells the brand "Yogurt Made from Soy Milk."

They chose July 8th for the anniversary as it is the date of the original release of the product. It was launched on July 8th 1997 as a new kind of dessert made from fermented soy milk. It was originally a product of Toraku Co. Ltd, but was taken over by Pokka Sapporo in 2015. The yogurt is made by fermenting soy milk with lactic acid bacteria, creating a gentle, plant‑based alternative to dairy yogurt.

Because soy protein can help lower serum cholesterol, the product was approved as a Tokuho (Foods for Specified Health Uses) in 2003. A seal of approval that helps keep the yogurt in demand today. Have you ever tried it?