A Product That Used to Cost 50,000 Won Now Sells for 2,000 Won... Released After "Please Sell It" Requests, It Becomes a Sensation [The Way We Shop Now]

Daiso's 2,000-won "whey separator" triggers a sold-out frenzy
Homemade demand surges amid Greek yogurt boom
Strategy targeting cost-effectiveness and trends hits the mark again

Editor's NoteWhat are people buying these days? From daily necessities that everyone picks up at Daiso, to cosmetics that sell out at Olive Young, to bread that people line up for. Everyday consumption scenes perfectly reflect current market trends. is a series that deciphers today’s consumer trends through the best-selling products in our daily lives. Which products are chosen and what strategies persuade people to open their wallets? We present the changes at the frontlines of consumption in an engaging and accessible way.

Greek yogurt stock photo. Clipart Korea

Recently, the so-called "Healthy Pleasure" trend, which emphasizes both health and enjoyment, has been rapidly spreading, leading to a surge in demand for "Greek yogurt," a high-protein, low-sugar snack. Amid this trend, Daiso has released a whey separator for Greek yogurt at the remarkably low price of just 2,000 won, capturing the full attention of consumers. Thanks to its overwhelmingly lower price compared to other products on the market, word-of-mouth spread quickly, triggering a "sold-out frenzy" as the product repeatedly sold out both online and offline immediately after its launch. This explosive demand is especially being driven by dessert preferences and the home-cooking trend among women in their twenties.

'Healthy Pleasure' Craze... Greek Yogurt, the Healthy Snack, Is Trending

Recently, keywords such as "low sugar," "high protein," and "slow aging" have been leading consumer behavior in the food market. Greek yogurt in particular is consistently chosen by consumers who are managing their weight or adjusting their diets, as it is thicker and relatively higher in protein due to the removal of moisture and whey compared to regular yogurt.

A Daiso store in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

However, Greek yogurt sold on the market tends to be expensive, and large-sized products can feel burdensome. As a result, there is a fast-growing trend of making "homemade Greek yogurt" by purchasing plain yogurt and separating the whey at home.

In fact, according to an open survey conducted last year by Namyang Dairy Products with 480 consumers, 40% of respondents cited "cost-effectiveness" as the main reason for purchasing large-sized yogurt. The perception that homemade yogurt is economical and suitable for long-term storage has therefore spread.

Homemade Greek Yogurt for Just 2,000 Won

Whey separator product sold at Daiso. Daiso Mall

Targeting this demand, Daiso introduced its "whey separator" product. This small kitchen appliance is designed to separate whey from yogurt to make Greek yogurt, and it can be used easily without any separate electronic device.

Made from transparent material, the separator allows users to observe the separation process, and its filter mesh uses stainless steel 304 for enhanced durability. With a capacity of up to approximately 600ml, it is considered suitable for everyday use.

Most importantly, its price is the key. While most whey separators or yogurt makers on the market are typically priced in the tens of thousands of won, the 2,000 won price point has drastically lowered the barrier to entry for consumers. This pricing strategy is seen as more than sufficient to stimulate demand from those who "want to try making it just once."

Buzz Even Before Launch... Sold Out Both Online and Offline

Netizens' reactions to Daiso's launch of a whey separator: "Finally it's here," "I'll buy it no matter what," as they welcome the news. Online community

Interest in the product began even before its launch. Online communities and social networking services (SNS) were filled with anticipatory reactions such as "Is 2,000 won even possible?" "I'll definitely buy it when it's released," and "I've waited years for this." Some consumers even shared restocking schedules and eagerly awaited its arrival.

The response became even more intense after sales began. At major stores, stock sold out immediately after being displayed, and online malls also continued to report sold-out status. Currently, only pre-order schedules are being announced on the Daiso online mall, and offline stores have limited stock, leading to repeated sell-outs. Some consumers have reported difficulty finding the product even after visiting multiple stores, and there have even been cases of resale at higher prices on secondhand trading platforms.

Daiso Mall is selling a small whey separator. You can see that 170 people have already signed up just for the next sale-start notification. Daiso Mall

Beyond Cost-Effectiveness: A "Trend Spotting" Strategy

Industry insiders view this popularity not merely as the result of price competitiveness but as a product of Daiso’s "product planning" capabilities. The strategy succeeded by simultaneously capturing three trends: healthy foods, home-cooking, and cost-effective consumption.

Ultimately, the sell-out of the 2,000 won whey separator is seen as more than just the popularity of a household item—it reveals "what today’s consumers want." By combining cost-effectiveness, practicality, and the joy of making something yourself, this small everyday product has emerged as yet another "hit item."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.