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Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Health, Taste and Culinary Uses

Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Schäferle

What is the difference between Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt? Below, we’ll take a look at the differences between the two and show you how to use them in the kitchen.

Yogurt is a popular dairy product that is derived from milk, combining two live cultures known as lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus. These are heated to create yogurt, which has a thicker and creamer texture when compared to milk. 

There are several different types of yogurt available, including Greek yogurt, French yogurt, drinkable yogurt, and lactose-free yogurt. Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are popular choices among consumers. However, what are the key differences when comparing Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt, and how can you use them in your cooking? We’ll take a look below. 

Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt

Greek yogurt has a sour taste when compared to regular yogurt.
Greek yogurt has a sour taste when compared to regular yogurt.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / TerriC)

Both Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are made from the same ingredients and are classed as fermented dairy products. Despite the fact both products are derived from milk, Greek yogurt and regular yogurt have different qualities when it comes to nutritional benefits and health.

Greek yogurt is characterized by its sour taste and thicker texture. It also contains less sugar, has higher amounts of protein, and is rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and riboflavin. 

Regular yogurt, on the other hand, has a thinner consistency and a naturally sweeter flavor. It’s generally considered to be less healthy than Greek yogurt. 

The production of Greek yogurt is also different from regular yogurt, as it is strained multiple times in the process, whereas regular yogurt is not. These extra steps are what help to give Greek yogurt its thicker and creamier texture.

Culinary Uses for Greek and Regular Yogurt

Yogurt can be incorporated into a breakfast fruit bowl.
Yogurt can be incorporated into a breakfast fruit bowl.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Einladung_zum_Essen)

There are many ways that you can incorporate yogurt into your diet. Some culinary uses for Greek and regular yogurt include: 

  • Breakfasts: Enjoy it alongside homemade granola or a fruit salad
  • Baking: Use it when baking muffins, breads, cakes, and cookies for extra moisture. 
  • Substitutes: Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream.
  • Sauces & dressings: Yogurt can be used to whip up tasty sauces or dressings.
  • Spicy food: Adding a dollop of yogurt into a spicy dish can help to ‘cut through’ the heat.
  • Soups: You can add a swirl of yogurt to a soup like borscht for an extra dash of flavor and texture.     

    Plant-Based Alternatives

    Try a plant-based yogurt as a tasty alternative.
    Try a plant-based yogurt as a tasty alternative.
    (Foto: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash / Anshu A)

    If you’re vegan, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that you can opt for over dairy-based yogurts. You could try some of the best 7 yogurt alternatives, or even try a homemade vegan yogurt with dairy or milk alternatives.  

    Many people opt for plant-based options as they are considered to be kinder to the planet, as their production uses less land and produces less greenhouse gas emissions. Data shows that the production of cows’ milk uses up to 10 times more land when compared to plant-based production. It also produces around three times as many greenhouse gas emissions. By opting for plant-based alternatives, you will be lowering your own carbon footprint in the process.  

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