What is the Difference Between Yogurt and Greek Yogurt

The main difference between yogurt and Greek yogurt is that yogurt is made up of fermentation of milk, while Greek yogurt is made up of eliminating the whey and other liquids from regular yogurt and straining regular yogurt several times.

Both yogurt and Greek yogurt are made up using milk, and they are rich in nutrients. Although both yogurt and Greek yogurt have the same ingredients, there are slight differences among these two types of yogurts.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Yogurt  
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Greek Yogurt
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Yogurt and Greek Yogurt
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Yogurt, Greek Yogurt

What is Yogurt

The main ingredient in yogurt is milk. In fact, yogurt is a mixture of fermentation of milk. The fermentation of milk produces lactic acid. Manufacturers also add other types of bacteria as well as other ingredients like sweeteners and flavors to the yogurt. The final output of yogurt has a smooth consistency. Yogurts are often drinkable; we can also eat them using a spoon.

There are different types of yogurts as low-fat yogurt, fat-free yogurt, Greek yogurt, and Icelandic yogurt. Moreover, yogurts with different brands can also be found in the market. As milk is the main ingredient of yogurt, it has many nutrients. Nutrients such as protein, calcium, and potassium are included in yogurt. Yogurts give many health benefits, including the ability to digest food properly.

We can eat yogurts as a snack or a breakfast meal at any time. Some even consume fruits along with yogurt. We can even make different types of food items like smoothies using yogurt.

What is Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is made by removing the whey and other liquids from regular yogurt. Greek yogurt takes more volume of milk in making the yogurt. It has a thick consistency. Since Greek yogurt is strained, it is nearly solid. Traditionally, yogurt is strained using cloths bags three times until it gets the anticipated texture. In the modern production method, centrifuges are used to get the same effect in the yogurt.

Greek yogurt also contains many nutrition values like vitamins, calcium, and potassium. Since Greek yogurt contains more milk than other types of yogurts, it is rich in calcium. The other main benefit of Greek yogurt is its probiotics content. Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which help to digest food properly.

At the same time, it helps to protect from heart diseases. The consumption of Greek yogurt may also help to reduce weight. We can also eat Greek yogurt consumed with fruits, nuts, and granola. Chefs use Greek yogurt for many other purposes like making dressings and different types of sauces.

Difference Between Yogurt and Greek Yogurt

Definition

Yogurt is a semi-solid food made from milk fermented by added bacteria, while Greek yogurt is a type of yogurt that has been strained to remove the whey, offering it a characteristically thick consistency.

Consistency

The main difference between yogurt and Greek yogurt is that Greek yogurt is thicker than plain yogurt. Although Greek yogurt is almost solid, yogurt is not solid and it can be drinkable or can be eaten using a spoon.

Straining

Although Greek yogurt is strained many times, plain yogurt is not strained like that.

Milk Content

Greek yogurt consists of more milk than plain yogurt.

Taste

 Moreover, Greek yogurt is sourer than plain yogurt.

Nutrition Values

Greek yogurt has more vitamins and calcium than plain yogurt since it contains more milk.

Conclusion

The main difference between yogurt and Greek yogurt is that yogurt is made by fermenting milk while Greek yogurt is made by removing the whey from regular yogurt and straining regular yogurt several times. Moreover, Greek yogurt is sourer than plain yogurt since it has more milk.

Reference:

1. “5 Reasons to Love Yogurt.” U.S. Dairy, National Dairy Council, 14 Mar. 2014.
2. Delany, Alex. “What Is Greek Yogurt.” Bon Appétit, 16 Jan. 2018.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Milk Blueberries Berries Food Dessert Yogurt” (CC0) via Max Pixel
2. “Breakfast” By Janine (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

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