Milkis is a Korean soft drink produced by Lotte Chilsung, a South Korean beverage company. It combines many of the common elements of traditional carbonated beverages such as sugar and carbonated water with milk to create a creamy taste; its label proclaims "New feeling of soda beverage". As of 2024, U.S.-market Milkis cans state "Korea's No. 1 Cream Soda". Milkis is available in orange, strawberry, mango, melon, banana, peach, apple, and classic (regular) flavors; the classic flavor is also featured as a glaze in pastries. It is a popular beverage in South Korea, and it is available worldwide.

History

Milkis launched in 1989 with a huge marketing campaign, notably with the appearance of Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat in its television advertisements. Chow was enjoying huge popularity from the success of the film A Better Tomorrow and his saying the catchphrase "Saranghaeyo, Milkis!" (Korean: 사랑해요, 밀키스!, literally "I love you, Milkis!") in his strong accent became a huge hit; sales soared and the catchphrase remains as one of the most popular.

Popularity abroad

The beverage has experienced a sharp increase in popularity in Taiwan. Chilsung began selling Milkis there in late 2020, exporting 200,000 cans. Demand increased rapidly, selling 2.3 million cans in 2021. 10 million cans were sold in the first 8 months of 2022 alone. The drink has also seen success in the United States, selling 10 million cans in 2021, mainly through Asian supermarkets.