What is the Difference Between Greek and Natural Yogurt

Greek yogurt and natural yogurt are two of the most popular yogurts in the world. They are made by fermenting milk with bacteria. They have many nutrients like protein, calcium, and probiotics. But Greek yogurt is not the same as natural yogurt.

What is the difference between Greek and natural yogurt? Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier because it’s strained to remove extra liquid, while natural yogurt keeps a smoother, lighter texture.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Greek Yogurt
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Natural Yogurt
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Greek and Natural Yogurt
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Greek and Natural Yogurt
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Greek and Natural Yogurt
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Greek Yogurt, Natural Yogurt, Strained Yogurt

What is Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that has been strained to remove most of the liquid whey. This makes it much thicker, creamier, and richer than regular yogurt, but it still keeps its classic slightly sour taste. To make it thicker, manufacturers sometimes take extra steps like boiling off water from the milk or adding a bit of butterfat or milk powder. 

Greek yogurt has been eaten in many parts of the world for a long time, especially in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. It’s also similar to skyr, a traditional yogurt-like food from Iceland. In cooking, Greek yogurt holds up well to heat and doesn’t curdle easily. This makes it useful in both sweet and savory recipes.

One of the main benefits of Greek yogurt is its high protein content. Straining removes some of the sugar (lactose) and whey, leaving behind a yogurt that’s not only thicker but also higher in protein and lower in sugar than regular yogurt. It’s also a good source of calcium, vitamin B12, and iodine.

What is Natural Yogurt

Natural yogurt is a simple, traditional food made by fermenting milk with bacteria. These bacteria are harmless and help turn milk into yogurt by producing lactic acid, which gives the yogurt its thick texture and tangy flavor. The most commonly used milk is cow’s milk, but goat, sheep, ewe, or buffalo milk can also be used.

To make natural yogurt, warm milk is kept at a temperature of around 30–45°C (86–113°F), which is ideal for the bacteria to grow without being killed. The most common starter cultures are Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The milk is left to ferment for 4 to 12 hours.

Some yogurt is made using milk with more solids, or by adding dried milk, which makes it firmer. After fermentation, the yogurt can also be strained to remove some liquid (whey) and make it thicker, similar to Greek yogurt.

Most natural yogurt sold today is “live” yogurt, meaning it still contains live cultures. These live bacteria are believed to support gut health by increasing good bacteria and reducing harmful ones.

In terms of nutrition, natural yogurt made from whole milk is about 81% water, 9% protein, and contains healthy amounts of vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and selenium.

Similarities Between Greek and Natural Yogurt

• Greek and natural yogurt are made by fermenting milk with bacteria.
• Both have a tangy flavor from the natural fermentation process.
• They are good sources of protein, calcium, and vitamins like B12.
• Both can contain live cultures that may support gut health.

Difference Between Greek and Natural Yogurt

Definition

• Greek yogurt is a thick, creamy yogurt made by straining out most of the liquid (whey), whereas natural yogurt is a smooth, unstrained yogurt made by fermenting milk with bacteria.

Straining Process

• Greek yogurt is strained to remove most of the whey, whereas natural yogurt is not strained, so it stays lighter and more fluid.

Texture and Taste

• Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and has a rich texture, whereas natural yogurt is smoother and more runny with a lighter feel.

Protein and Nutrients

• Greek yogurt has more protein, while natural yogurt has less protein.

Sugar Content

• Greek yogurt has less natural sugar (lactose) while natural yogurt has slightly more sugar.

Cost

• Greek yogurt is usually more expensive than natural yogurt.

FAQ: Greek and Natural Yogurt

1. Which yogurt is the healthiest?

The healthiest yogurt is usually plain, unsweetened, and made with live cultures. Greek yogurt is often considered healthier because it has more protein and less sugar due to straining.

2. Can I use natural yogurt instead of Greek?

You can use natural yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, but it will be thinner and less creamy. It still works well in most recipes, especially smoothies, dressings, and baking.

3. Why is it called natural yogurt?

It’s called natural yogurt because it’s made with just two basic ingredients: milk and bacteria. There are no added flavors, sugars, or thickeners. It’s the simplest and most traditional form of yogurt.

4. Is it okay to eat natural yogurt every day?

Yes, it’s okay to eat natural yogurt every day. It’s a healthy food that gives you protein, calcium, and good bacteria for your digestion. But make sure to choose plain, unsweetened yogurts.

5. Why is Greek yogurt so expensive?

Greek yogurt is more expensive because it takes more milk to make. In fact, you need about three times more milk to get the same amount of yogurt. It also takes more time and effort to produce, which adds to the cost.

6. Is Greek yogurt or natural yogurt better?

Greek yogurt is better if you want more protein and a thicker texture. But natural yogurt is better if you prefer a lighter feel and lower cost.

Reference:

Image Courtesy:

1. “Turkish strained yogurt” By Takeaway – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Plain Yogurt” By Alabama Extension – (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia