Who doesn’t know yogurt? This dairy product has become a staple for many in maintaining a healthy diet, whether as a snack or a cooking ingredient. But did you know that there are countless types of yogurt around the world? Each type has its own unique characteristics, flavors, and nutritional benefits. Some are better suited for cooking, while others are best enjoyed as-is. To help you make the right choice during your next supermarket trip, let’s dive into the most popular types of yogurt worldwide!
1. Greek Yogurt
Let’s start with the superstar—Greek yogurt. This type is likely the one you’ve seen the most on supermarket shelves, as it’s currently a big trend. Known for its thick, creamy texture, Greek yogurt undergoes a straining process that removes most of its liquid and lactose. It has a sharper taste compared to regular yogurt and is typically tangier.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: High (around 10–15 grams per 170g serving)
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fat: Varies (available in full-fat, low-fat, or non-fat versions)
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Contains beneficial bacteria for digestion
Best Uses
- Baking: Perfect as a substitute for butter or oil, creating moist results with less saturated fat.
- Cooking: Great for sauces or dressings thanks to its creamy texture. Its acidity also makes it excellent for tenderizing meat in marinades.
- Snack: Delicious on its own with fruit or granola toppings.
2. Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt)
If you prefer a yogurt with a denser and smoother texture, Skyr might be your new favorite. Originating from Iceland, Skyr is more like a soft cheese than regular yogurt. It’s thicker than Greek yogurt but has a milder, less tangy flavor. Icelanders have been enjoying this for over 1,000 years!
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Extremely high (about 17 grams per 170g serving)
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fat: Usually low-fat, though full-fat options are available
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Present, though slightly less than traditional yogurts
Best Uses
- Baking: Works well as a fat substitute in cakes or muffins.
- Cooking: Ideal for soups and sauces due to its smooth consistency.
- Snack: Enjoy it with fresh fruit to balance its tanginess.
3. Greek-Style Yogurt
Many confuse Greek yogurt with Greek-style yogurt. While the names are similar, Greek-style yogurt is not made using the traditional straining process. Instead, thickening agents like gelatin are added to achieve a similar texture, but it has lower protein content.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Lower than authentic Greek yogurt
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Fat: Varies by brand
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Depends on the production process
Best Uses
- Baking: Usable, but not as effective as authentic Greek yogurt for creating moist textures.
- Cooking: Suitable for soups or sauces, but consistency may vary by brand.
- Snack: Often sweeter due to added sugars, making it enjoyable as-is.
4. Probiotic Yogurt (Set Yogurt)
This yogurt is recognized for its smooth texture and richness in probiotics. Typically sold as plain yogurt or with fruit flavors, it’s made through live bacterial fermentation, resulting in a light texture and balanced tangy flavor.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Moderate (5–8 grams per serving)
- Carbohydrates: Higher due to added sugars (especially in flavored options)
- Fat: Low to moderate
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Very high
Best Uses
- Baking: Works well in recipes requiring soft textures, like cheesecakes.
- Cooking: Ideal for salad dressings or dishes needing a lighter consistency.
- Snack: Perfect for direct consumption, especially if you prefer sweeter yogurts.
5. Labneh (Middle Eastern Yogurt)
Labneh is an ultra-thick yogurt, denser than Greek yogurt. In the Middle East, it’s often used as a spread for bread or as a dip, paired with olive oil and spices. Its texture resembles cream cheese but has a fresher, tangier taste.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Moderate to high
- Carbohydrates: Low
- Fat: Depends on the version (full-fat or low-fat)
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Present
Best Uses
- Baking: Great for pastries or as a cream cheese substitute.
- Cooking: Perfect for dips or as a complement to Mediterranean salads and dishes.
- Snack: Spread on pita bread or enjoy with olive oil and sesame seeds.
6. Lassi (Indian Yogurt Drink)
Lassi is a refreshing Indian yogurt-based drink. Made with diluted yogurt, water, spices, or fruits like mango, it offers a mild, tangy taste and is sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: High (especially in sweetened varieties)
- Fat: Varies
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Present, though slightly reduced due to water dilution
Best Uses
- Baking: Not suitable due to its liquid consistency.
- Cooking: A great pairing with spicy dishes or as a light salad dressing.
- Snack: An ideal cooling drink, especially on hot days.
7. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented yogurt drink made from kefir grains and milk. Unlike other yogurts, kefir is more liquid and has a sharper tang. Packed with probiotics, it’s often regarded as a superfood for gut health.
Nutritional Value:
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: High (especially in sweetened varieties)
- Fat: Low to moderate
- Calcium: High
- Probiotics: Exceptionally high
Best Uses
- Baking: Unsuitable due to its watery consistency.
- Cooking: Works well in sauces or fruit-based drinks.
- Snack: Best consumed as a drink or smoothie base.
With so many yogurt options available, you can choose the one that best suits your health and cooking needs. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein snack or a butter substitute for baking, there’s a yogurt type you can rely on.
For those passionate about exploring the culinary world—from healthy ingredients like yogurt to professional cooking techniques—PIB College’s Culinary Arts & Gastronomy program is here to guide you. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about modern culinary arts and healthy cooking. Register now at daftar.pib.ac.id to enjoy special enrollment promotions this year!
Author: Stephanie Gunawan
