Yoghurt vs Yogurt - What's the Difference?
Yoghurt and yogurt - two words that refer to the same dairy product, yet are spelled slightly differently. Both are made by fermenting milk with live bacteria cultures, which thickens the milk into the custard-like texture we know and love.
But is there any real difference between yoghurt and yogurt, other than spelling? Let's take a deeper look into these two dairy delights.
The Origins of Yoghurt vs Yogurt
Yoghurt originates from Western Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. It has been consumed there for thousands of years. The word "yoghurt" comes from the Turkish word "yourt".
Yogurt originated in India and the Middle East. Its name was derived from the Sanskrit word for thickened or curdled milk. Yogurt was likely discovered accidentally when goat or cow milk naturally fermented under the hot climate.
How Yoghurt and Yogurt Are Made
Despite the different origins, yoghurt and yogurt are made using virtually the same process:
- Milk is heated to kill off any bad bacteria and help solidify proteins. This gives yoghurt or yogurt its signature thickness.
- After cooling the milk, bacterial cultures like Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are added. These good bacteria are what make milk into yoghurt or yogurt.
- The milk thickens over 3-12 hours as lactic acid is produced. The milk proteins solidify into that soft, creamy yoghurt or yogurt texture.
- The yoghurt or yogurt is often flavored with sugar, fruit, or other flavors once the culturing process completes.
Nutrition Content of Yoghurt vs Yogurt
Since yoghurt and yogurt come from the same process, their basic nutrition content is very similar:
- Protein: About 5-10 grams per 6oz serving. Excellent source for vegetarians or athletes.
- Calcium: 30% of your Daily Value. Yoghurt and yogurt promote strong bones.
- Vitamin B12: Necessary nutrient for metabolism that's lacking in plant foods.
- Healthy fats: Around 5 grams per serving to help absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Of course, the nutrition can vary based on using whole milk vs low fat milk, or fruit flavors that add more sugar. But overall, yoghurt and yogurt contain high-quality proteins and minerals in balance with probiotics.
The Gut Health Benefits of Yoghurt vs Yogurt
The live cultures used to make yoghurt and yogurt set them apart from milk nutrition-wise. These probiotics or "good bacteria" impart many gut health benefits when consumed:
- Better digestion of lactose
- Immune boosting properties
- Reduced diarrhea from antibiotics
- Relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Protection against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
Some yogurt brands list the specific probiotic strains too, like bifidobacteria and L. reuteri. These strains relieve constipation, diarrhea, and other gut issues. Always go for yoghurts and yogurts with live cultures!
Yoghurt vs Yogurt: What's the Difference in Taste?
Yoghurt tends to have a tangier, sour taste compared to yogurt. It can be an acquired taste. The tartness comes from it containing more lactic acid than yogurt.
Yogurt overall has a milder,creamier flavor than yoghurt. Its fermentation process isn't as long, so less acidity develops. This makes yogurt an easier transition for yogurt newbies or children.
Nonetheless, both yoghurt and yogurt pack a nutritious probiotic punch. The choice comes down to your taste preferences and if you want fruit flavoring added or not.
Types of Yoghurt vs Yogurt
Given their thousands of years-long histories, yoghurt and yogurt come in endless flavor varieties today. But some major categories include:
- Regular: Made from cow's milk. Typically thinner and more sour than Greek yoghurts or yogurts.
- Greek: Extra thick style from straining out the whey. Higher protein too.
- Skyr: Icelandic yogurt naturally high in protein with no added thickeners.
- Frozen: Soft serve texture great for smoothies or heat resistant cooking.
- Drinkable: Smooth, drinkable yoghurts and yogurts make on-the-go snacks.
The choices are endless, from coconut or almond-based to full fat, lactose-free, organic, and beyond. Check labels to find yoghurts and yogurts tailored to your dietary needs.
How To Use Yoghurt vs Yogurt
Yoghurt and yogurt shine in sweet and savory dishes:
- Topping for breakfast cereal, oatmeal, or fruit
- Smoothies
- Chia pudding
- Yoghurt salad dressings and dips like raita
- Marinades for chicken, pork, or lamb
- Baking ingredient to make cakes and breads moist
You can even make frozen yoghurt or yogurt popsicles for healthy summer snacks. Let your imagination run wild with yogurt recipes!
Key Differences: Yoghurt vs Yogurt
In summary, here are the main ways yoghurt and yogurt differ from one another:
| Yoghurt | Yogurt |
|---|---|
| Originated in Western Asia and Eastern Europe | Originated in India and the Middle East |
| Spelled with an "h" | Spelled with a "g" |
| Tangier, more sour taste | Milder, creamier taste |
| Typically higher in lactose | Sometimes lower lactose from longer culture fermentation |
Yet despite these subtle differences, yoghurt and yogurt are nutritionally almost equivalent foods. Their gut-friendly probiotics set them apart from regular milk or cheese.
The Health Benefits of Consuming Yogurt
Yogurt has long been celebrated as healthy convenience food. Yes, it can be sweetened and flavored into sugary snacks sometimes devoid of real nutrition. But in its plain full fat Greek form especially, yogurt offers true healing benefits.
Here are some of the top science-backed ways yogurt boosts human health:
1. Yogurt Strengthens Bones
That high calcium content in dairy yogurt helps children and adults build stronger bones and prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Just one cup of yogurt provides 49% your daily calcium needs.
2. Yogurt Aids Digestion
Eating yogurt helps your gut microbiome thrive with friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus. This improves digestion, especially lactose intolerance, prevents diarrhea, and normalizes bowel habits.
3. Yogurt Boosts Immunity
The probiotics in yogurt regulate the immune system to work properly. Yogurt reduces inflammation overall too. Some studies find yogurt shortens how long infections like the common cold last.
4. Yogurt Promotes Heart Health
Probiotic yogurt lowers high blood pressure, a major heart disease risk factor. It also reduces LDL "bad" cholesterol and body-wide inflammation tied to clogged arteries.The vitamins and minerals in yogurt support healthy circulation.
5. Yogurt Aids Weight Loss
Despite being high calorie, studies indicate yogurt helps people lose more fat when dieting. Probiotics and calcium specifically attack belly fat. The protein satisfies appetite and reduces overeating too.
Simply put: yogurt should be in your fridge, not just for a quick snack, but for preventing chronic disease. Its unique nutritional profile outshines regular dairy products for complete body benefits.
Finding the Healthiest Yogurt Options
Not all yogurt works equally well in the body or offers true probiotic power. The rise of low fat, zero fat, and sugary fruit yogurts overwhelms grocery aisles - but aren't necessarily "healthy".
When shopping for the most nutritious yogurt, keep this buying checklist in mind:
- Go full fat
Higher fat yogurt has richer taste and keeps you fuller longer. People eating full fat dairy actually gain less weight over time in studies.
- Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt
Skip flavored yogurts with lots of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup. Sweeten plain yogurt yourself with fresh fruit and honey if needed.
- Check the cultures list
The best yogurts list specific strains like bifidobacterium, lactobacillus, and streptococcus. These cultures have the strongest probiotic effects.
- Seek grass-fed and organic
Grass-fed yogurt comes from pastured cows eating grass, not feedlot grain diets. This yogurt has higher omega-3s and a healthier fat profile overall. Going organic ensures no hormones or pesticide residues either.
- Know your ingredients
A short, recognizable ingredient list signals natural, high quality yogurt. Steer clear of thickeners and preservatives like pectin, gelatin, and food coloring.
Stick to these smart shopping guidelines and you'll end up with the cream of the yogurt crop nutrition-wise. Your gut and taste buds will thank you!
Delicious Yogurt Recipes to Try
From sweet to savory dishes, yogurt adds protein, richness, moisture, and probiotic power to all types of recipes. Here are some irresistible ways to cook and bake with yogurt:
- Overnight yogurt oatmeal
For make-ahead breakfasts, stir together oats, yogurt, chia seeds, and berries. Chill overnight for an easy morning meal.
- Chicken marinade
Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs and let chicken breasts marinade for added tenderness and flavor.
- Fruit and nut yogurt parfaits
Layer yogurt alternately with granola, fresh berries, sliced bananas, raisins, toasted nuts or anything you like for a tasty low-effort dessert.
- Cucumber yogurt tzatziki
Grate cucumber and combine with thick Greek yogurt, olive oil, dill, lemon, and garlic for a classic Greek meze dip.
- Carrot cake protein muffins
Pour yogurt into the batter of protein-packed muffins along with shredded carrots, raisins, and spices for perfectly moist teat-time snacks.
And so many more possibilities! Swap out sour cream for yogurt when baking quick breads for extra rise and moisture. Or make Indian raita salad dressed with minty yogurt. Let yogurt inspire your kitchen creativity.
Frequently Asked Yogurt Questions
Lastly, here are answers to some common yogurt questions that may come up when buying, storing, and consuming it:
Is yogurt dairy free?
By definition, yogurt made from traditional cow's or goat's milk is a dairy food. However, plant-based "yogurts" made from coconut, soy, oat, cashew, or almond milk exist for vegan diets.
Does yogurt need to be refrigerated?
Yes, the live cultures means yogurt requires constant refrigeration below 40F ideally. Leaving yogurt unrefridgerated overnight can kill off probiotics.
How long does yogurt last when refrigerated?
Commercially sold yogurts stay fresh 1-2 weeks past the sell by date typically when sealed and refrigerated. Homemade yogurt lasts 7 days maximum.
Can yogurt help lactose intolerance?
Yes! The cultures used to make yogurt pre-digest some lactose already. Start with small servings of plain yogurt first for easier digestion.
What's the healthiest yogurt for weight loss?
Nonfat Greek yogurt tops rankings for fat burning, appetite control, and probiotic power. But full fat yogurt can aid weight loss too without backfiring.
FAQs
Is yogurt keto diet friendly?
Full fat plain Greek yogurt fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Just watch added sugars in flavored yogurts. The higher fat content keeps you satisfied plus provides probiotics without carbs or gluten.
Can I bake with yogurt?
Yes! Yogurt works great in baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and cakes. It helps keep them moist and tender. Replace each cup of sour cream called for in recipes with one cup yogurt.
Will frozen yogurt give me probiotics?
Unfortunately most commercial frozen yogurts lack live cultures after pasteurization and processing. But you can make probiotic-rich frozen yogurt at home using your favorite plain brand and fresh fruit.
What causes yogurt to be watery?
Watery yogurt usually results from one of two reasons: letting yogurt sit too long past its expiration so whey separates, or issues stabilizing milk proteins if you make homemade yogurt.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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