Why Is Yogurt Often Sold in Packs of Four?

Have you ever wondered why store-bought, commercially produced yogurt is often sold in packs of four? Well, there's a strategic reason behind this common practice.

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Yogurt is a nutritious snack packed with essential nutrients, making it a popular choice for families to buy and consume daily. If you frequently purchase industrially produced yogurt, you may have wondered why it is often sold in packs of four instead of individually or in larger packs.

Why is yogurt sold in packs of four?

The tradition of packaging and selling yogurt in packs of four originated in Japan. The Japanese are known for their attention to detail, and this extends to their product design, aiming to maximize convenience for consumers. For each product, they carefully study consumer needs, habits, and preferences to create the most logical designs, and the same goes for yogurt packs.

Mr. Tomishima Ryoichi of Danon Japan, a food company, explains, “Japanese families often eat yogurt in the morning. During this time, the whole family gathers around the table, so a pack of four yogurts is just enough for the parents and their children.”

Why is yogurt usually sold in packs of four? (Photo: Droneupdelivery)

The model of a couple with two children is common in Japan, and a pack of four yogurts is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Additionally, using four as a base, this yogurt pack design can accommodate other family structures, such as young couples (2 people) or large multi-generational families (6-8 people).

While yogurt is sold in packs of four, Japanese pudding is typically sold in packs of three. This dessert is sweet and rich, usually enjoyed after dinner. Japanese men, who often work late and play the role of breadwinners, tend to skip this dessert. So, a pack of three is intended for the mother and her two children or a daughter-in-law and her parents-in-law.

Health Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is highly nutritious, containing essential nutrients such as protein (with essential amino acids, especially lysine), glucid, lipid, minerals (especially calcium), and vitamins, mainly B-group and A.

Here are some of the key health benefits of yogurt:

Rich Source of Beneficial Bacteria

Yogurt provides the body with a large number of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifido Bacterium), which support digestion and boost immunity. Some bacteria in yogurt even produce antibiotics that can kill harmful bacteria in the intestines.

Yogurt is especially suitable for the elderly, children, and those recovering from illness, particularly digestive issues.

Balances Intestinal Bacteria

Yogurt is highly effective in restoring the balance of intestinal bacteria, especially in cases of antibiotic overuse or misuse. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the intestines, making the body more susceptible to illness.

However, it is important to introduce beneficial bacteria after completing a course of antibiotics, as the two can counteract each other. Antibiotics kill bacteria, while probiotics provide additional beneficial bacteria to the intestines, hindering the antibiotics’ bacteria-killing effect.

Relieves Bloating

For those with stomach aches who take antacids, yogurt can help relieve bloating and discomfort by counteracting the gas-producing bacteria.

Reduces Appetite Loss and Diarrhea

Yogurt can help restore the balance of intestinal bacteria in those with diarrhea or loss of appetite. It also contains lactocidine, which aids in treating diarrhea. Additionally, yogurt is easily digestible, making it ideal for children with poor appetites. Recent research suggests that the body absorbs yogurt three times more efficiently than milk.

Frequently asked questions

The primary reason for this practice is to ensure the yogurt stays fresh and chilled during transportation and storage. Yogurt is a perishable dairy product, and its shelf life is extended when it is kept cool. By packing yogurt in groups of four and sealing them in a compact, rectangular shape, manufacturers create an efficient way to stack and transport the product while maintaining a consistent temperature. This method also helps retailers as it provides a neat and space-efficient way to display the yogurt on shelves.

The rectangular shape of the four-pack arrangement allows for optimal space utilization in transportation crates or pallets. This shape minimizes gaps between products, ensuring more efficient use of space during transportation and storage. It also helps maintain the cold chain, as the packs can be placed closely together, retaining their cool temperature for longer.

Yes, the four-pack yogurt arrangement offers several benefits to retailers. Firstly, it provides a neat and organized display on shelves, making it easier for customers to locate and select their preferred yogurt. Secondly, the rectangular shape allows for efficient stacking and utilization of shelf space, maximizing the number of packs that can be displayed. This results in reduced restocking frequency and improved product turnover for retailers.

While the four-pack arrangement is common and widely accepted, there are alternatives. Some brands offer larger family-size packs, which may contain six or eight yogurt cups. These are often aimed at larger households or those with higher consumption rates. On the other hand, some brands also offer single-serve options, where yogurt is sold in individual cups, catering to those who prefer smaller portions or variety in their purchases.