What Is Yogurt and How Can I Use It?

Here's everything worth knowing about yogurt and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 388 recipes to cook tonight.

What is yogurt?

Yoghurt or yogurt is a dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. Fermentation of lactose produces lactic acid, which acts on milk protein to give yoghurt its texture and its characteristic tang.

Dairy yoghurt is produced using a culture of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp.bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus bacteria.

The milk is heated to about 80 °C to kill any undesirable bacteria and to change the milk proteins so that they set together rather than form curds. It is then cooled to about 45 °C. The bacteria culture is added, and this temperature is maintained for 4 to 7 hours for fermentation. Soy yoghurt, a non-dairy yoghurt alternative, is made from soy milk.

Health Benefits

Yoghurt is nutritionally rich in protein, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. It has nutritional benefits beyond those of milk. People who are moderately lactose-intolerant can consume yoghurt without ill effects, because much of the lactose in the milk precursor is converted to lactic acid by the bacterial culture.

Yoghurt may also be used in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Yoghurt is believed to promote good gum health, possibly because of the effect of lactic acid present in yoghurt.

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity (11 January 2005) also found that the consumption of "low-fat yoghurt can promote weight loss", especially due to the calcium in the yoghurt.

Flavored yoghurt

To offset its natural sourness, yoghurt can be sold sweetened, flavored or in containers with fruit or fruit jam on the bottom. If the fruit has been stirred into the yoghurt before purchase, it is commonly referred to as Swiss-style. Most yoghurts in North America have added pectin, found naturally in fruit, and/or gelatin to artificially create thickness and creaminess at lower cost.

This type of adulterated product is also marketed under the name Swiss-style, although it is unrelated to the way yoghurt is eaten in Switzerland. Some yoghurts, often called "cream line," are made with whole milk which has not been homogenized so the cream rises to the top. Fruit jam is used instead of raw fruit pieces in fruit yoghurts to allow storage for weeks.

Strained yoghurt AKA Greek yogurt

Strained yoghurts are types of yoghurt which are strained through a paper or cloth filter, traditionally made of muslin, to remove the whey, giving a much thicker consistency and a distinctive, slightly tangy taste.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup (8 fl oz) (245g)

Amount per Serving

Calories 149Calories from Fat 71

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8.0g 12%

Saturated Fat 5.1g 26%

Trans Fat ~

Cholesterol 31mg 11%

Sodium 112mg 5%

Total Carbohydrate 11.4g 4%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 11.4

Protein 8.5g

Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 2%

Calcium 30% • Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

recipeland.com/nutrition

Where found

Yogurt is usually found in the dairy section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Yogurt is a member of the Dairy and Egg Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does yogurt weigh?

Amount	Weight
1 cup (8 fl oz)	245 grams
1 container (8 oz)	227 grams
½ container (4 oz)	113 grams

Dairy and Egg Products

Butter 14585 Ghee (clarified butter) 240 Blue cheese 95 Havarti cheese 6 Cheddar cheese 1679 Cheese 557 Cheddar cheese, very old, sharp 334 Cheddar cheese, medium 23 Cheddar cheese, mild 32 Colby cheese 26

In Chinese:	酸奶
British (UK) term:
en français:	la yaourt
en español:	el yogur

Recipes using yogurt

There are 388 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Potato & Scallion Casserole

A comforting and savory dish featuring layers of golden-brown potatoes and tender scallions, bound together with a creamy yogurt-egg sauce and baked to perfection. Ideal as a hearty side or a light main course.

Spinach & Strawberry Smoothie

Here’s another healthy breakfast recipe that we’ve created for Fertility Road magazine. For those that are short on time in the morning, this quick and simple smoothie recipe is the perfect fertility boosting breakfast option.

Muesli with Apples & Yogurt

Muesli with Apples and Yogurt

Dahi Bhalley

India is known for its delicious recipes. When it comes to food, there are umpteen kinds of dishes available throughout the length and breadth of the country. On the occasion of festivals such as Diwali, Dusshera and Holi, people relish on delightful delicacies. Especially in Holi, people indulge themselves in smearing color on each other, teasing their loved ones and relishing on scrumptious recipes like Gujia, Namak Pare, Kheer and Dahi Bhalle. In most of the North Indian homes, Dahi Bhalle is a must to make recipe. Made of Curd and Urad Dal pakode, Dahi Bhalle is liked by most of the people. Check out the article and get to know how to make Dahi Bhalle.

Light Double Chocolate Muffins with Yogurt

Guilt-free chocolate muffins made with nonfat yogurt and cocoa powder for rich flavor, perfect for a healthier chocolate fix.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer tikka, cubes of Indian paneer marinated in spiced yogurt with tandoori spices, chaat masala, ginger, and garlic, then pan-fried golden and served with peppers and onions. A vegetarian Indian classic.

South Indian Vegetable Biryani

Hi friends this is my first recipe hope you all like it.

Cold Minted Pea Soup

Chilled minted pea soup with Boston lettuce and fresh mint, pureed silky and served cold. A vegetarian summer starter that takes 15 minutes on the stove.

Beral's Berry Coffee Cake

Berry coffee cake with a soft, yogurt-tender crumb studded with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or whatever berries you have on hand. A simple square-pan breakfast cake ready in 40 minutes.

Chilled Leek & Potato Soup

Chilled leek and potato soup blended silky and lifted with Greek yogurt instead of cream, finished with fresh chives for a light vichyssoise that's vegetarian and summer-ready.

Simply Delicious Black Forest Cake

Black Forest cake the shortcut way: devil's food cake mix spiked with cinnamon and cherry yogurt, layered with cherry pie filling and whipped topping. A faster take on the German classic.

Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake

Cranberry swirl coffee cake layered with whole berry cranberry sauce in a tube pan, topped with nuts and almond icing. A buttery, yogurt-tender brunch cake with ruby-red cranberry ribbons.

Sada Naan

Sada naan is soft, pillowy homemade Indian flatbread leavened with yeast and yogurt, brushed with ghee and scattered with poppy and sesame seeds. Bake it in a home oven, no tandoor required.

Super Fresh Tomato Soup

Fresh tomato soup made with whole Roma tomatoes, celery, onion, and chicken broth, simmered and strained for a clean, bright bowl. Topped with cool yogurt. Gluten-free, low-fat, ready in 45 minutes.

Breakkfast Power Muffins

Healthy breakfast power muffins sweetened with apple juice concentrate and bananas, packed with raisin bran, oats, raisins, and yogurt. No added sugar or oil.

Spiced Peach Muffins

These Spiced Peach Muffins are a delicious treat with a delightful crunch topping that adds an irresistible texture to the moist and flavorful muffins. The crumbly topping is a perfect complement to the softness of the muffins, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or a snack any time of the day.