Have you ever taken a moment to read the back of a yogurt container? If so, you may have discovered that roughly 95% of yogurts contain pectin. While pectins are primarily derived from apple or citrus peels, consuming too much can cause unpleasant side effects such as gas and bloating. Surprisingly, it’s not the yogurt that causes these intestinal disruptions, but the pectin. This component is commonly used in dairy products to enhance the thickness of lower fat milk content. Therefore, you may pay for less of the actual product than you think you’re receiving.
Moreover, commercially produced yogurts are notorious for high sugar levels and may contain artificial flavorings. Making yogurt at home is healthier since you can control the ingredients, and it is an excellent sour cream substitute as it is low in fat and inexpensive. This homemade yogurt is perfect for salad dressings, dips, sauces, and more.
The best part about making your yogurt is that it’s easy! Begin by heating milk and letting it cool, then add starter yogurt and let it sit for approximately 8-10 hours. However, it’s advisable to ensure your starter yogurt is fresh, particularly if it’s store-bought. Check that it contains only milk and active cultures and no pectin. Organic Greek Yogurt from Aldi or Costco are both a great starter with no fillers.
If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly way to enjoy the probiotic benefits of yogurt, look no further! With just two ingredients – milk and active cultures – you can easily make yogurt at home. Plus, did you know that you can save and freeze yogurt for your next batch? Simply remember to thaw it before starting to process.
But perhaps you’re wondering if it’s really worth the effort to make yogurt from scratch. Well, consider this: by spending around $9 for a gallon of organic, non-homogenized milk, you can easily turn that into a gallon of yogurt – saving you a whopping $13 per gallon compared to store-bought pectin-free yogurt, which costs roughly $6 for just 32 ounces.
And the possibilities for enjoying your homemade yogurt are endless! One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is in a yogurt bowl with some freshly rolled oats (we recommend Azure Standard’s Organic Rolled Oats), frozen fruit, honey, cinnamon, and peanut butter. So why not give our Homemade Yogurt Recipe a try and enjoy a MUCH healthier, gut-pleasing yogurt?
