The Case for Greek Yogurt
Unpack the secret behind Greek yogurt’s rich reputation.
Kefir, drinkable yogurt, skyr, flavoured yogurt, and Greek yogurt — the options seem endless in today’s market. But how well do we really know their differences? On average, 57% of consumers worldwide regularly buy yogurt. With nearly half of the world’s population enjoying it as a staple, let’s take a closer look at what sets Greek yogurt apart from the rest.
About Greek Yogurt
The term “Greek yogurt” doesn’t necessarily mean the yogurt comes from Greece. Cultures around the world have been straining yogurt for thousands of years.
So why the name? In the 1970s, the Greek company FAGE branded its strained yogurt as “Greek yogurt” to market it internationally — and the name stuck.
Beyond its branding, Greek yogurt differs from regular yogurt in its production method.
The making of...
Regular yogurt
Regular yogurt is made by heating milk, adding bacteria, and letting it ferment until it reaches an acidic pH of around 4.6. This process creates yogurt that is smooth, slightly tangy, and sweeter than Greek yogurt. It has a thinner consistency, making it easy to drink or enjoy with fruit.
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt starts as regular yogurt, but it is strained to remove whey and excess liquid. This gives it its rich, thick texture. Because the straining reduces volume, more milk is required to produce the same amount of Greek yogurt — one reason it usually costs more.
Traditionally, straining was done using cloth bags over several rounds, a labour intensive and time consuming process. Today, some companies shortcut this by using thickeners or dry ingredients. While these alternatives achieve a similar texture, they don’t meet the strict production methods of authentic Greek yogurt. Products made this way are typically labelled “Greek-style yogurt,” which you’ll often see on supermarket shelves.
Why choose Greek yogurt?
Nutritionally, Greek yogurt stands out. It’s lower in carbohydrates and sugar, yet higher in protein, which helps you stay fuller for longer — a plus for weight management.
It’s also rich in probiotics that support digestion, gut health, and overall immunity.
All this talk of yogurt is making us hungry! If you’re ready to taste the difference, we’ve just launched preorders for MEVGAL’s authentic Greek Yogurt — made from pasteurised Greek cow’s milk, all natural and free from additives, with a rich taste and creamy texture.
Reference:
1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/greek-yogurt-vs-yogurt#benefits