How does Greek yogurt differ from regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt is regular yogurt with most of the liquid whey strained off, so it is thicker, tangier and higher in protein. US Dairy lists 15 g protein in a 170 g serving of Greek yogurt against 6 g in regular, and about 14 percent less lactose and 15 percent less calcium. Both are made with the same yogurt bacteria.
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In this article
How does Greek yogurt differ from regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt starts like regular yogurt, but the liquid whey is strained out, leaving a thicker, creamier and tarter product. In the US, yogurt is defined as dairy cultured with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and Greek yogurt uses the same cultures; the US standard does not mention straining.
Side by side
| Per 170 g serving | Greek yogurt | Regular yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g | 6 g |
| Lactose | 7 g | 8 g |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 206 mg |
These are US Dairy industry figures for typical products. Brands, fat levels and added ingredients change the numbers, so read the label.
What else is different?
- Texture: Greek is dense and spoonable; regular is looser.
- Taste: Greek is tangier; regular is milder.
- Lactose: about 14 percent less in Greek, according to US Dairy, which may matter for people with mild lactose sensitivity.
- Calcium: about 15 percent less in Greek, though it varies by brand.
- Price: Greek usually costs more per pot, because more milk is needed to make it. This is general retail experience, not a measured figure.
Which should you use?
| Need | Choose |
|---|---|
| Higher protein breakfast or snack | Greek |
| Dips, sauces, replacing sour cream | Greek |
| Smoothies, drinking, light dressings | Regular |
| More calcium per spoon | Regular |
Is Greek yogurt just thickened yogurt?
Check the ingredient list: milk and cultures only means a simpler product.
Choosing a pot
Pick plain, unsweetened versions and add fruit yourself. Check the fat level you prefer: whole, low-fat or fat-free.
People also ask
Is Greek yogurt healthier than regular yogurt?
It has more protein and less lactose per serving, and regular yogurt has more calcium. Which is better depends on what you need.
Why is Greek yogurt thicker?
The liquid whey is strained out, which concentrates the solids.
Can I swap Greek yogurt for regular?
Usually yes. Greek is thicker and tangier, so thin it with a little milk if the recipe needs a runnier result.
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