Wei Quan (Wei Chuan) 0 Sugar
Wei Chuan is a major food manufacturer originating from Taiwan, offering a wide range of products such as dairy products, seasonings, and frozen foods mainly in China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The company's "Wei Chuan 0 Sucrose Active Probiotic Drink" is a sugar-free probiotic beverage widely sold in various locations, including Beijing, China. As health consciousness rises, the product is gaining support among new consumer groups. Designed for people concerned about sugar intake and those on diets, the drink preserves the health benefits of probiotics while minimizing sweetness compared to conventional products.
- Taste Rating
-
It tastes like a weaker version of Yakult; it's not sweet at all, so it's refreshing and easy to drink.
- Price
- 8.9 Yuan Renminbi
- Meal Date
- 9/26/2025
AI Gourmet Analysis
Product Overview and Features
Wei Chuan is a Taiwanese-origin food manufacturer that mainly offers a wide range of dairy products in regions such as China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The Wei Chuan 0 Sucrose Active Probiotic Drink sold in Beijing is a probiotic dairy beverage made without added sugar, as indicated by the "0 Sucrose" marking. Compared to regular probiotic drinks, it contains less sugar, making it highly popular among health-conscious consumers, people on diets, and those restricting carbohydrate intake.
Tradition and Development of Probiotic Drinks
Probiotic drinks have existed since the early 20th century, with their health benefits, such as aiding digestion and improving gut flora, being recognized worldwide. Famous examples include Yakult from Japan and Bio from South Korea, while unique brands have also taken root in China and Taiwan. Wei Chuan has been offering yogurt drinks in Taiwan since the 1970s, and derivative products are distributed in mainland China's market as well. The sugar-free version was introduced in recent years, reflecting increased awareness of the risks of diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases.
Ingredients and Technology
In addition to the main ingredients of skimmed milk and lactic acid bacteria, this drink generally uses low-calorie alternative sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol instead of sugar. The "active probiotics" listed on the label refer to probiotic lactic acid bacteria that remain alive and do not lose efficacy due to heat sterilization, so a significant number remain alive at the time of consumption. The specific bacterial strains differ by product, but it is common to use Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Demand and Drinking Culture in the Chinese Market
In urban China, the shift toward low-sugar beverages is progressing rapidly amid rising health consciousness. Traditionally, probiotic drinks have been widely consumed by children and families, but in recent years, they have also spread among adults. In supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Beijing, Wei Chuan's 0 Sucrose products are widely available, often consumed alongside meals or enjoyed as a light snack. The catchphrase on the label, "Rice Partner" (飯の相棒), represents a new suggestion for Chinese dining scenes.
Comparison with International Probiotic Drinks
Wei Chuan's 0 Sucrose Active Probiotic Drink is characterized above all by its significantly lower sweetness compared to Japan's Yakult and Pilkul or Korea's Bio. There are also differences in additives, flavors, and milk fat content that reflect each country's health consciousness and taste preferences. International studies have broadly examined the effects of such probiotic beverages on the intestinal microbiome and the health benefits from regular consumption; while all products are shown to improve bowel movements and activate the immune system to some degree, there are also significant differences in sugar content and palatability.
Nutrition and Safety
Wei Chuan's 0 Sucrose probiotic drink is low in calories and carbohydrates, but it also contains nutrients derived from milk, such as calcium, B vitamins, and protein. While individual responses to probiotic intake and its efficacy vary, moderate consumption is likely to contribute to maintaining good health. However, those with lactose intolerance should pay attention to the contents, as even the zero-sugar versions contain dairy-based ingredients that require caution.