Greek vs Regular Yogurt
There is not much difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt. However, it is important to know the differences between them and what makes these two types unique when various recipes call for different ingredients. Both yogurts are made by fermenting milk with live bacterial culture. In this article, we will explain the differences in the process of making these yogurts.
While everyone is aware of the health benefits and nutritional values of regular yogurt, some people are put off by its distinct flavor and sour taste. Many who are recommended by their doctors to consume regular yogurt, to have their extra dose of calcium, consider it a punishment. In contrast, others find it delicious and savor the flavor. Fortunately, Greek yogurt is a good alternative for those who prefer a less tangy taste. This article is for those who have heard about Greek yogurt but are not so sure about what it is and how it is different from regular yogurt.
What is Regular Yogurt?
As mentioned before, regular yogurt is made by fermenting milk with live bacterial culture. Once the milk ferments, the resulting yogurt will have excess liquid, which is strained through a cheesecloth. This is done to let the liquid whey part of the milk drain. In the case of regular yogurt, it is strained twice in this manner. However, regular yogurt still has excess liquid. It has a runny texture and is less tangy. Also, regular yogurt has less protein but more carbohydrates, sodium, and calcium.
What is Greek Yogurt?
Greek yogurt is also made by fermenting milk with live bacterial culture. But in this case, the excess liquid, which is a characteristic of regular yogurt, is strained out while making Greek yogurt. This is done by straining Greek yogurt three times. This makes the yogurt thicker with a greater consistency and gives it an appearance of almost a dessert that is delicious when served with fruits. Greek yogurt has a consistency that places it between yogurt and cheese, and many people say that it tastes delicious. Greek yogurt has become very popular lately, and there are numerous American companies producing it today. Greek yogurt has the added advantage of liquid whey being strained out, making it very low in carbohydrates. Due to the straining procedure, the yogurt becomes thicker and has less fat, as most of the water containing salts and sugars get removed. Nutritionists say that Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as regular yogurt but considerably fewer carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium than regular yogurt.
Some environmentalists are concerned about the leftover liquid whey. Factories producing Greek yogurt usually give it to farmers to either use it as an animal feed or as a fertilizer. However, recently there have been efforts to turn this waste into energy to power factories.
What is the difference between Greek Yogurt and Regular Yogurt?
• Greek yogurt is so-called because of the marketing of a Greek company called Fage.
• Greek yogurt is just strained regular yogurt.
• Straining removes all the liquid whey, giving yogurt greater consistency. Regular yogurt is strained twice, while Greek yogurt is strained three times.
• It should be mentioned that both regular and Greek yogurt are exceptionally good for our health. Both are rich sources of calcium, full of protein, help in digestion with live, beneficial bacteria, and are low in calories. However, being concentrated, Greek yogurt naturally provides extra grams of protein per serving compared to regular yogurt. That is to say, Greek yogurt is lower in fat than regular yogurt and has twice as much protein as regular yogurt.
• The sour taste of regular yogurt is gone in Greek yogurt, and it is thus preferred by a majority of people, although it is more expensive than regular yogurt.
Images Courtesy:
Regular yogurt by Schwäbin (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Greek yogurt by Alpunin (CC BY-SA 3.0)
