Many savoury, dessert-like dishes that would suit meals for one contain yoghurt. Surprisingly, yoghurt is used to flavour many sauces, especially curries, as well as to make dips and dressings. What's more, it can be consumed for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a flavour-providing role in desserts and main meals. Creamy Greek yoghurt is often the best one to choose for home cooking. Why? Read on to find out.
What makes Greek yoghurt distinct from other types?
Bear in mind that Greek yoghurt doesn't have to be exclusively used only in Greek recipes. It actually offers home cooks much more versatility. The answer as to why it is worth using instead of plain yoghurt comes in two parts: for culinary reasons and its health benefits.
Culinary qualities of Greek yoghurt
For some people, the reason to eat more Greek yoghurt compared to other yoghurt types is that it simply tastes better. You may agree, but this is very much a question of personal taste. What is undeniable, however, is that Greek yoghurt has a richer, creamier texture than nearly all other natural yoghurts. This consistency occurs because Greek yoghurt is strained during the manufacturing process to remove excess liquid. As a result, it is often more appealing when served as a dip or on the side of a plate as a condiment, lacking the runniness of other types.
Additionally, Greek yoghurt is often preferred for making smoothies. That's because it forms a richer liquid once blended with the other smoothie ingredients. In addition, Greek yoghurt has a tangier flavour than many other varieties. Given its slight sourness, it is often chosen for marinades, where it will be paired with other strong flavours. It can also be used to substitute for mayonnaise or salad cream, thanks to its bold taste.
Health benefits of Greek yoghurt
For those on a protein-rich diet, Greek yoghurt contains more per portion than other types. In fact, it can be about twice as much protein per portion on average. Nutrients, including calcium, potassium and vitamin B12, are also available in greater quantities than some other yoghurts. Unless flavoured, Greek yoghurt can be lower in sugar and other carbohydrates than most yoghurts. Even better, Greek yoghurt is a probiotic food that promotes good gut health.
How do the probiotic properties of Greek yoghurt promote health?
Greek yoghurt has live cultures within it. This means it is probiotic—like kefir, tempeh and kimchi, among others—and contains gut-friendly bacteria and yeast. Usually, people avoid consuming bacteria because they know it will make them ill if they consume too much. However, certain types are known to be safe for people to eat. In fact, doing so actually improves their gut biome, the environment in which food is digested.
Typically, Greek yoghurt contains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, which live in the gut, aiding the digestion of foods long after the yoghurt has been eaten. The gut can be devoid of such bacteria following a course of antibiotics, so eating Greek yoghurt can help to restore them. As well as assisting with healthy digestion, probiotic food can enhance the immune systems of people who eat them. Greek yoghurt is also known to assist with conditions such as IBS, diarrhoea or constipation, with varying results across the population.
Greek yoghurt recipe ideas
Greek-style natural yoghurt can be eaten all on its own without any other ingredients. Nevertheless, it tends to be used to bring out other flavours with its creamy tanginess. It is often chosen as an accompaniment to fresh fruit for this reason, as this delicious granola & red berry compote yoghurt bowl makes abundantly clear.
You can also use it for a wide variety of savoury dishes, including this family-favourite chicken with honey-infused Greek yoghurt recipe. What's more, it only takes half an hour to put together, meaning it is perfect for a midweek teatime when you want something a bit different but don't have much time on your hands.
Greek Yogurt Benefits FAQs
Are Greek-style yoghurts good for you?
Greek yoghurts are good for you, offering plenty of protein, probiotics and calcium. They are low in sugar compared to other yoghurt types, but full-fat ones should be consumed in moderation. Take care if you are serving a Greek yoghurt to someone with a dairy intolerance, however. The best Greek yoghurts also promote gut health, thanks to the inclusion of gut-friendly bacteria.
Which Greek yoghurts have probiotics?
When it comes to Greek yoghurt, probiotics are the norm, not the exception. Live and active cultures are usually added to the label so you can check. However, if a product is marketed as pasteurised Greek yoghurt, then its probiotic cultures will have been destroyed.
How many Greek yoghurts can you eat a day?
One or two servings per day is about right for most adults. Typically, a serving will be between 10 and 20 grams of Greek yoghurt, which could account for a sizeable proportion of your daily calcium intake needs. Low-fat versions may contain added sugar, however, as can some flavoured varieties, so stick to just one serving if this is the type you're consuming.
What are the best Greek yoghurts?
The best Greek yoghurts are authentic. This means they'll contain one or more live bacterial ingredients: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis. These should be listed as ingredients. Many branded and supermarket options have these probiotic bacteria in them.
Is Greek yoghurt probiotic?
Yes, most yoghurts marketed as Greek yoghurt are probiotic, but check the label. Probiotic Greek yoghurt means it has safe bacteria in it, which helps promote gut health.