Do you know what is Greek yogurt? Have you even heard of it? Whenever we hear about yogurt, the first thing that comes to mind is the white creamy dairy product that contains live and active cultures. It is often mixed with various kinds of fruits and comes with a sweet taste. But there is also a new type of yogurt that is available today called Greek Yogurt!
So what is Greek yogurt actually? First, Greek yogurt is a yogurt that is increasingly gaining popularity across the country. People love it for its distinctive taste and great health benefits. Greek yogurt is special. It is as thick as sour cream and carries a uniquely tangy flavor, and it contains significantly more protein and less sugar content than a regular yogurt.
Although Greek Yogurt may seem fairly recent, it has in fact been around for thousands of years. Originally known as labneh or strained yogurt, it was a staple in many countries across the Mediterranean region. While the yogurt is popularly named after Greek, Greece isn’t the only country with the culture of making this thick and rich yogurt. The synonymous name of Greek Yogurt is started with Fage, a brand name by a Greek owned company that makes Total Greek Yogurt, which later set the craze in the United States when everyone is passionate about healthy Mediterranean diets.
What Is Greek Yogurt Compared To Regular Yogurt?
While both Greek Yogurt and regular yogurt are made from pasteurized milks, they differ in the way they are processed. Basically, cream from the milk is removed and then bacteria are added to convert the milk lactose into lactic acid. This is how yogurt is made, but to make ‘Greek Style’ yogurt, an additional straining process of removing whey is made. The removal of whey also reduces the amount of carbohydrates as well as sugar content in the yogurt.
Also unlike typical American style yogurt, the milk that is used is made thicker by either boiling off some of the water content, or by adding powdered milk and butter fat to make it more concentrated. This is what makes Greek yogurt creamier and contains higher level of protein and fat.
It usually takes up to 3 pounds of milk to make a single pound of Greek yogurt. This is a reason why Greek Yogurt is more expensive than regular yogurt. It is not even surprising to see Greek yogurt costs up to three times as much.
While generally Greek Yogurt is a healthier choice, you do need to read the label carefully before purchasing one. Since you already know what is Greek yogurt made from, the thicker Greek Yogurt normally contains higher amount of calories and fat than a regular cup of traditional yogurt. But with today’s wide range of choice selections available, you should insist on getting one that is zero-fat or at least a low fat alternative. So you will get to enjoy the best of Greek Yogurt minus the extra calories and fat.
Leave a Reply