A Brief Guide to the Different Types of Yogurt - The Dairy Alliance (2024)

The dairy aisle is always introducing new varieties of yogurt snacks and flavors. Now more than ever, the different types of yogurt available at the grocery store are continuously expanding and evolving. Though there’s plenty of variety, the many options can be overwhelming.

What is Australian yogurt and how is it different thanSkyr? Is French yogurt different than Greek yogurt, or is it just a difference in packaging?Below we break down the different options you are likely to see in the yogurt section of the dairy aisle.

“Traditional” Yogurt

Yogurt is created and thickened by adding cultures to milk, creatingthat familiartangy,sour flavor.Milk is heated to prevent curds from forming. Then, it is cooled and bacterial culture is mixed in.Most yogurt hasliveand active cultures (probiotics) that promote gut and digestive health.The traditional yogurtAmericans are used tohas a smooth, creamy texture.It is unstrained, so it’s not as thick asotheryogurtoptions, butit’sstilltoo thick to drink.

GreekYogurt

Once the yogurt base is created,Greek yogurt is strained to remove the liquid and whey, creating a thicker consistency than traditional yogurt. Greek yogurt has astrong tangy flavor, which makes it apopular substitution for saucesused in savory dishes.(Did you know that the liquid and whey removed to make Greek yogurt is used to make ricotta cheese?)

AustralianYogurt

Like traditional yogurt, Australian yogurt is unstrained.However,it's cooked slower and longer than regular yogurt, creating a creamier texture that is somewhere between traditional and Greek yogurt in thickness.

FrenchYogurt

Insteadof being made in a large vat and then divided into containers,French-style yogurt is culturedintheindividual-sized containersit is sold in. It is unstrainedlike traditional yogurt, but it has a smooth, creamy textureandis not as sweetasotheryogurts.

Skyr/Icelandic Yogurt

IcelandicyogurtorSkyrismildlytangy and noticeably thicker than Greek yogurt.There is a debate on whetherSkyrshould be considereda variety of yogurt. Because the process allows curds to form, it can be argued that it’s a cheese.WhateverSkyrtechnically is, it is consumed like a yogurt,and so itis marketedas Icelandic yogurtto Americans.Skyris strained 4 times, creating one of the thickest consistencies of yogurt available.

Lactose-freeYogurt

Though yogurtwith live, active cultures is alreadya good choice for those with alactose sensitivity, there is yogurt available with no lactose. Lactose-free yogurt has been treatedwith a special enzymethatbreaksdown the lactose found in milk.Without this lactose, yourbody doesn’t experience the discomfort of lactose intolerance.It tastes like traditional yogurt because it is, the lactose has just been broken down before it enters your body.

DrinkableYogurt

Drinkable yogurts come in a variety of options, and we’re not only talking about flavors. They have a consistency for everyone, ranging from a thinner consistency like skim milkto thicker consistencies closer to traditional yogurt.You can also choose if you want to sip on a yogurt that istartorsweet.This type of yogurt makes a great choice for a healthy snack on the go and while traveling.

Kefir

Kefir is asimilarfermented drinkto drinkable yogurt, but withalongerfermentation process. What makes kefir unique is the kefir grainsblended into the milk. The taste is slightlytartand you’ll notice analmostbubbly quality to it.

The Dairy Alliance Has Recipes for All Types of Yogurt

Here at The Dairy Alliance, we have hundreds of recipes for every dairy product available, including the different types of yogurt. Count on our library of recipes to leave you satisfied.