Asahi Beer Makes Its First-Ever Yeast-Based Milk Alternative
Iconic Japanese brand Asahi has announced its first-ever foray outside of beer: LIKE MILK, a dairy-free milk alternative created using the company’s proprietary yeast technology.
It’s made from yeast extract powder (which comes from microorganisms, not plants), vegetable oil, sugar, powdered caramel sauce, salt, calcium carbonate, cellulose, antioxidants (Vitamin C, tea extract), emulsifier, flavoring, and calcium hydroxide.
According to a press release, the taste is subtly sweet and mellow, which allows it to be enjoyed as is or used in cooking, baking, and other everyday ways. It has 28% less fat than cow’s milk but offers the same amount of protein and calcium, and is a good source of dietary fiber and zinc.
“The current product uses yeast cultivated in-house by our company,” a group spokesperson told Beverage Daily. “Looking ahead, we are also exploring the potential use of spent brewer’s yeast. This approach could contribute to the global upcycling of brewer’s yeast.”
Asahi aimed to offer a milk alternative that people could enjoy no matter their allergies. Unlike others on the market, LIKE MILK is free from the 28 major allergens regulated in Japan, which include: shrimp, crab, walnuts, wheat, buckwheat, eggs, dairy products, peanuts, almonds, abalone, squid, salmon caviar, oranges, cashew, kiwis, beef, sesame, salmon, mackerel, soy, chicken, bananas, pork, matsutake mushrooms, peaches, mountain yam, apples, gelatin.
LIKE MILK is scheduled to hit stores in 2026. It can be stored at room temperature for 6 months, but must be refrigerated immediately after opening. Asahi is currently testing consumer interest with a limited release at select retailers in Japan, but did not reveal where.
