Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Differences Between Yogurts

Yogurt is a fermented dairy product just like sour cream, kefir, and certain types of salad dressing. To create yogurt, you ferment whole milk or another type of dairy by converting lactose—milk’s naturally occurring sugar content—into lactic acid with bacterial cultures. These live cultures are also probiotics, which can improve digestion in your gut’s microbiome. Yogurt is a high source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

There are two main types of yogurt: regular yogurt and Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt is heated and left out to begin its fermentation, whereas its Mediterranean counterpart goes through a straining process to ferment and achieves a thicker consistency.

Regular yogurt and Greek yogurt come in a few varieties, including plain or flavored, and sweetened or unsweetened. Plain yogurt is usually offered with no added sugar, sweeteners, or additives, while other yogurts might feature sweeteners or other flavorings added later in the manufacturing process. Yogurt’s fat content can also vary. At the grocery store, you might find options ranging from regular low-fat yogurt and nonfat Greek yogurt brands to full-fat vanilla or strawberry-flavored yogurt and many kinds in between.

Greek-style yogurt serves as a breakfast, snack, or side dish option. Here are three attributes of the Mediterranean style of yogurt:

1. 1. High protein content: The straining process for Greek yogurt leaves it with higher protein than regular yogurt. These milk proteins—almost twice the amount as regular yogurt—can leave you feeling full for a very long time.
2. 2. No whey: This strained yogurt has no liquid whey (the leftover remnants after milk has been strained), which leaves Greek yogurt thicker than its regular equivalent.
3. 3. More sour taste: Plain Greek yogurt has a more sour taste than regular yogurt as a result of its more rigorous fermentation and straining process.

Regular yogurt can be a high source of nutrients. Here are three key attributes of regular yogurt:

1. 1. Higher carbohydrates: Regular yogurt is higher in carbs than Greek yogurt.
2. 2. Less thick: Unless it contains a thickening agent, regular yogurt is a little less thick than Greek yogurt. This explains why some regular yogurt options can be served as drinks, whereas Greek yogurt is usually served with a spoon.
3. 3. Sweeter taste: Since regular yogurt doesn’t go through as arduous of a fermentation process as Greek yogurt, it retains a greater amount of sweetness as opposed to the sourness of its Mediterranean counterpart.

Yogurt is a delicious treat, but it also complements a wide range of other foods. Here are three foods you can enjoy with a side of this dairy snack:

1. 1. Granola: Granola’s mild sweetness pairs well with the slightly sour, slightly sweet taste of yogurt. Its high fiber content can also assist the probiotics in yogurt aid digestion even more.
2. 2. Veggies: Unsweetened yogurt can serve as a dressing for vegetables. For instance, tzatziki sauce—a Mediterranean staple—is made largely from Greek yogurt.
3. 3. Fruit: Sweetened yogurt and fruit can be a nourishing and complementary combination. Both possess a natural, smooth sweetness.

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