What is greek yogurt made out of

Science has seem to come down in favor of yogurt, because all things considered, yogurt is good for your health. But once you hit the dairy aisle in your supermarket, it's hard to know exactly which type of yogurt is healthiest and what's real yogurt and what's been heavily process and thickened with cornstarch. There are so many different types of yogurt that it's easy to get confused. Like, what's the difference between regular and Greek yogurt, again? And I'm pretty sure there's a difference between yogurt and kefir, but I couldn't really tell you what it is. Then there's Icelandic yogurt, which is its own thing entirely, but how different can it really be? It's just yogurt, after all.

With dozens of different containers staring you down and waiting to be picked from the shelves at the grocery store, it's no surprise if you've ever been woefully confused by all these different types of yogurt. But it's worthwhile spending the time to learn what you're getting from your yogurt, because there is a significant difference between all these different kinds of yogurt—even when it comes to health benefits.

So if you're ready to become the master of fermented milk and bacterial cultures, read on, and never be confused by the difference between regular and Greek yogurt ever again.

In the last decade, there has been an astronomic rise in the demand for Greek yogurt, a healthy alternative to other yogurts, outside of its home country, especially in the United States.

Once hard to come by outside of Greece, the country’s famed healthy yogurt is now available in hundreds of flavors and varieties in supermarkets around the world.

That’s only understandable since the distinctively thick yogurt has long been lauded by doctors and nutritionists for its health benefits, and consumers love its taste and texture.

Many specialists recommend it to those looking to make positive dietary choices as a healthy and nutritious alternative to the standard, thinner yogurt.

But why is this? Quite simply, Greek yogurt has a lot more protein and far less sugar than regular yogurt. This is due to the way it is produced.

What is greek yogurt made out of

Is Greek yogurt healthy?

Traditionally, yogurt from Greece can be made with sheep’s or cow’s milk. Usually, the Greek yogurt people buy at the grocery store is made from cow’s milk.

The biggest difference between Greek yogurt and other yogurts is that Greek yogurt is strained, removing the whey and creating a creamier, thicker texture.

The higher protein and lower sugar content in Greek yogurt come from the straining process.

The high protein content can help you feel fuller for longer, and also makes the strained yogurt a good source of protein for vegetarians. It’s also packed with probiotics, which help with digestion.

What is greek yogurt made out of
Tzatziki. This beloved Greek dip is made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers. Credit: Nikodem Nijaki /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The higher fat content may scare some health-conscious people away, but there are lower and non-fat options available for those who follow a low-fat diet.

Yogurt made the Greek way pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes, as it has a pleasant taste and texture without being too sweet or too sour.

Additionally, it can be substituted for sour cream and heavy cream in nearly all recipes that call for that calorie-laden food, including dips.

Greek cuisine is loaded with recipes that include the super-thick yogurt, such as tzatziki and sweets that combine the yogurt with nuts, fruits, and honey.

It makes a great addition to smoothies and can even be consumed as a side dish for spicy and savory meals.

Its creamy, rich texture makes the Greek dairy product especially delectable, much like a decadent dessert despite the fact that it’s really a nutritious food.

If you’re still buying regular yogurt, do yourself a favor and try Greece’s iconic yogurt instead. You can enjoy the creamy texture and delicious taste while also reaping the health benefits!

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When it comes to Greek yogurt, we may think that the authentic version is made of cow's milk and is strained of its own liquid to reach the perfect creamy consistency. But this isn't actually true. Real Greek yogurt, the kind made not in factories but in villages, has never been strained and probably never will be. Here, yogurt is made with full-fat sheep's milk. This rich milk, together with a combination of time and temperatures, is going to give us a yogurt that is already thick, tart and creamy, without the need to be strained at all. We visited Antonis Nikolopoulos at his dairy in Floka, Greece, to learn how he makes yogurt from his sheep herd.

Is Greek yogurt healthier than regular yogurt?

Because nutritionists urge us to avoid too many sweets, going Greek is a smarter choice. “Greek has a lower amount of sugar (around 5-8 grams, compared to 12 or more grams) than the regular yogurt, while still having the high levels of vitamins and minerals,” Ewoldt says.

Is Greek yogurt made with cows milk?

Old-fashioned Greek yogurt is made with goat's milk while American yogurt, and many of the American-made “Greek-style” products, are made from cow's milk. (“Greek-style” yogurts may also contain thickening agents like condensed milk or gelatin.) All yogurt starts out the same, with milk and live cultures.

Is Greek yogurt actually good for you?

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that's high in protein and other nutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and selenium. It's linked to a few health benefits, such as supporting muscle and bone health, and certain types may help contribute to a healthy gut.

Is Greek yogurt from cow or sheep?

So a real Greek yoghurt is going to be made from sheep's milk or goat's milk, or some combination of the two (like most Greek cheeses, including feta). As you would expect, apart from the various health benefits over cow's milk, all that wild pasture will come out in the milk.