Cream of the pot

Yoghurt is a rich source of nutrients and protein, but not all yoghurts are equal.

- BY JENNIFER BOWDEN

QUESTION:

Does Greek yoghurt have different ingredients or methods of production compared with regular yoghurt? And does it have any extra health benefits?

ANSWER:

Yoghurt has ancient origins, woven into the diets of civilisations such as Ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Central Asia. It was reportedly first created through the spontaneous fermentation of milk stored in animal-skin containers, producing a creamy texture and a distinctive tangy flavour.

Yoghurt has since become a dietary staple and cultural tradition across the globe - used in breakfasts, smoothies and baking. But what exactly makes Greek yoghurt “Greek”?

Traditional Greek yoghurt contains the same basic ingredients as regular yoghurt: cow’s milk and lactic acid-producing bacteria. The difference lies in the method. Greek yoghurt is simply yoghurt that has been strained to remove much of its whey, producing a thicker, creamier texture.