Greek yogurt is not dairy-free, as it is made from milk, a dairy product. However, Greek yogurt has less lactose than regular yogurt due to the straining process that removes much of the whey, where most lactose is found. As a result, some lactose-intolerant individuals can tolerate small amounts of Greek yogurt without experiencing symptoms.
That being said, everyone’s tolerance to lactose varies, so lactose-intolerant individuals need to test their limits and pay attention to their body’s reactions. However, if you want to be completely sure, avoid lactose. Instead, try dairy-free yogurt alternatives from plant-based milk sources such as almond, soy, or coconut.
Greek Yogurt Alternatives – Dairy-Free and Vegan
Greek yogurt is a superfood with high energy content. However, when you are following a particular diet type out of medical requirements or by choice, you must work your way around.
Here are some of the dairy-free Greek yogurt alternatives that you can use.
Almond milk yogurt: Made from almond milk, this yogurt alternative is rich in healthy fats and has a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt, with a mild nutty flavor.
Soy milk yogurt: Derived from soybeans, soy milk yogurt is a popular plant-based option that provides a good source of protein and has a consistency similar to traditional yogurt.
Coconut milk yogurt: Made from coconut milk, this yogurt alternative has a thick, creamy texture and a slightly sweet, tropical taste, making it suitable for those who prefer a hint of natural sweetness.
Cashew milk yogurt: This yogurt alternative is created from cashew milk and has a smooth, creamy consistency. It is a great option for those allergic to almonds or soy or simply prefer the subtle taste of cashews.
Oat milk yogurt: Produced from oat milk, this alternative has a light, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Oat milk yogurt is an excellent option for those who want to avoid nuts and soy altogether.
Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Brands
If you’re a vegan or lactose intolerant, you might miss out on Greek yogurt’s goodness. However, there are several dairy-free Greek yogurt brands available that you can enjoy. Here are some of the top dairy-free Greek yogurt brands:
So Delicious Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Greek Yogurt
This Greek yogurt alternative is made from coconut milk, providing a thick and creamy texture with a hint of natural sweetness. It is available in various flavors, and the coconut base complements fruit toppings well.
Ripple Greek Yogurt
Ripple is an up-and-coming dairy alternative company that offers a line of vegan Greek yogurts. Their products are formulated to be protein-rich, just like traditional Greek yogurt. Each flavor – Original, Vanilla, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Maple – has 12g of protein.
Kite Hill Greek Style Yogurt
Kite Hill is a well-known vegan food brand offering plant-based products, including vegan cream cheese and Greek-style yogurt. They offer a variety of flavors, including blueberry, peach, strawberry, vanilla, and plain.
Joya Soya Greek Yogurt
Joya is a European brand that offers a range of vegan yogurt products, including Greek-style yogurt. Their yogurt is made from soybeans and is available in plain and strawberry flavors.
Kingland Greek Yogurt
Kingland is an Australian brand that offers a range of vegan Greek yogurts in creative flavors like Mixed Berries + Chia,
Daiya Greek Yogurt
Daiya is a well-known brand that offers vegan Greek yogurt made from coconut cream. The yogurt has various flavors: plain, strawberry, blueberry, peach, cherry, and vanilla bean.
Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Recipe
You can make dairy-free Greek yogurt at home using plant-based milk, such as almond or coconut milk, and a thickening agent like agar agar or tapioca starch. Here’s a simple recipe to create dairy-free Greek-style yogurt:
Ingredients
- 4 cups of unsweetened almond milk (or another plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup of tapioca starch (or agar agar powder)
- 2 probiotic capsules (make sure they are vegan and dairy-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweetener (optional, such as agave syrup, maple syrup, or sugar)
Instructions
- Mix about 1/2 cup of almond milk in a small bowl with the tapioca starch or agar agar powder until smooth, with no lumps.
- Heat the remaining almond milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Slowly pour the tapioca starch or agar agar mixture into the saucepan with the simmering almond milk, constantly stirring to avoid lumps.
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring, until it thickens (about 5-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Open the probiotic capsules and carefully mix the probiotic powder into the almond milk mixture. Discard the empty capsule shells.
- Add the vanilla extract and sweetener to the mixture, and stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass container, and cover it with a clean cloth or a lid set ajar, allowing some air to circulate.
- Allow the yogurt to ferment at room temperature for 8-24 hours, depending on how tangy you want it to be. The tanginess increases depending on fermentation time.
- After fermentation, refrigerate the yogurt for a few hours to thicken and chill it.
- To achieve consistency in Greek yogurt, strain the yogurt through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl for a couple of hours, allowing the excess liquid (whey) to drain.
- Enjoy your homemade dairy-free Greek yogurt as is or with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Always use clean utensils and containers to minimize the risk of introducing unwanted bacteria during fermentation.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Greek Yogurt Vegan?
No. Traditional Greek yogurt is not vegan. However, you can buy vegan variants made from plant-based milk. Don’t forget to check the ingredients.
Is Greek Yogurt Vegetarian?
Yes. Greek yogurt is typically vegetarian. Vegetarians are okay with milk, honey, and eggs. They don’t eat animal meat or products that involve animal slaughtering.
Is Greek Yogurt Gluten-Free?
Yes. Greek yogurt is dairy-free, like most dairy products. However, you must always check the allergen information before testing a new brand or flavor.
