Curd vs Yoghurt vs Greek Yoghurt: What's Actually Different?

   

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Curd is made by mixing a small spoonful of an old batch of curd with warm milk and leaving it undisturbed for several hours to let it set. Yoghurt is made by the fermentation of milk but by a standardised process. Two bacterial strains called Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are added to milk under controlled temperature, in controlled amounts, for a controlled time. Since the entire process is standardised, all batches of yoghurt taste the same. Greek yoghurt has the same initial steps as yoghurt, with one additional step of straining towards the end. The end product is strained multiple times to remove whey, along with some minerals and lactose. The straining process makes Greek yoghurt much thicker, creamier, and smoother than all the others.

 

Introduction

 

Curd vs yoghurt vs Greek yoghurt is a jargon genre that you must have come across while moving through the supermarket. Ever wondered what exactly the difference is between all three of them? Earlier, we only knew about curd that used to be kept on the shelves to set every night. But as time passed, these new products with fancy packaging and shiny labels, known as yoghurt and Greek yoghurt, came into the market. They are also double or sometimes triple the price of curd. It usually crosses one's mind: what is so special about this? Which is better?

 

We have explained everything below, and you will walk away from this blog being able to decide which among curd vs yoghurt is your need.

 

What Is Curd (Dahi)?

 

Curd is made at home by adding a small quantity of old curd (as a starter culture) to warm milk and letting it sit untouched for several hours to let it set. Curd does not rely on standardised bacterial strains like yoghurt, as it is made using leftover curd as a starter.

 

The lactic acid bacteria in it multiply and break lactose into lactic acid when left to set. Since the microorganisms present can vary from place to place, curd made in different areas tastes different owing to the temperature, milk quality, and fermentation conditions. Curd is used in various dishes in Indian cooking, like marinades, curries, buttermilk, dahi bhalla, and raita.

 

What Is Yoghurt?

 

Yoghurt is made by the fermentation of milk but by a standardised process. Two bacterial strains known as Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are added in controlled amounts under controlled temperature for a set duration. The taste, probiotic profile, and texture of yoghurt are predictable, as the milk is fermented under the same maintained circumstances every time. This is something which homemade curd does not guarantee.

 

Many brands in India are now selling flavoured yoghurts, but since they have high amounts of added sugar, plain yoghurt is closest to curd in nutritional value. Also, plain yoghurt is smoother and creamier than curd.

 

What Is Greek Yoghurt?

 

Until fermentation, Greek yoghurt follows the same steps as yoghurt, followed by one extra step - straining. After fermentation, the yoghurt is strained multiple times to remove much of its whey (liquid part of milk), along with some minerals and lactose. The removal of whey makes it denser, creamier, thicker, more protein-concentrated, and low in carbohydrates. It also keeps one full for a longer time due to its high nutritional value. This is why athletes and gym-goers between curd vs yoghurt protein prefer Greek yoghurt to increase their protein intake.

 

Greek yoghurt can also be suitable for people with mild lactose intolerance, as, along with whey, some of the lactose is also removed. Hence, they can try a small spoon initially. However, due to multiple strainings, double the amount of milk is required to produce Greek yoghurt of equivalent quantity to regular yoghurt. This is why it is more expensive in Indian stores as compared to the other two.

 

Curd vs Yoghurt vs Greek Yoghurt: A Side-by-Side Comparison

 

 

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown & Health Benefits: Yoghurt vs Curd vs Greek Yoghurt

 

 

Which One Should You Choose?

 

The right option depends on your purpose. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that is a versatile dairy, then go for homemade curd or packaged curd from a trusted source like Aashirvaad Dairy, as it has multiple uses and is pocket-friendly. If you are looking for a more predictable taste for smoothies or breakfast bowls, plain yoghurt is your go-to option. However, if you are looking for something to fulfil your daily protein demand, help in muscle building, and be more filling with less lactose, then Greek yoghurt is your hero dish. Most Indian households use a mix-match of all three to fulfil multiple demands.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. Is Homemade Curd Better Than Packaged Yoghurt?

 

Not necessarily, as the better among the two depends on your purpose and your lifestyle, as both have their own perks. Packaged yoghurt has a uniform consistency and standardised cultures. Also, it has a longer shelf life and is more convenient. On the other hand, homemade curd is easy to make and is freshly prepared while also being cost-effective.

 

2. Which Is Better for Gym-Goers/Athletes?

 

Greek yoghurt is preferred by gym-goers, as it provides comparatively more protein per serving and acts as an efficient post-workout snack.

 

3. Can I Replace Greek Yoghurt With Hung Curd in Recipes?

 

Yes. Hung curd is a homemade equivalent of Greek yoghurt, as both have their liquid whey removed and are protein-concentrated.

 

4. Can I Make Greek Yoghurt at Home Using Regular Curd?

 

Yes. Let the thick homemade curd strain through a muslin or cheesecloth for a few hours in the fridge to remove the extra whey. A thick, protein-rich product is left behind, which is very similar to Greek yoghurt.

 

5. Is Flavoured Yoghurt Healthy?

 

Flavoured yoghurt can be healthy, but some varieties have lots of added sugar. Therefore, its always best to read the nutrition label before buying.

 

6. Can Lactose-Intolerant People Eat Greek Yoghurt?

 

Most individuals with mild lactose intolerance find Greek yoghurt easy on their digestive system as compared to yoghurt or regular curd. This is because straining removes some of the lactose as well, along with the whey. Nonetheless, this varies from person to person, and tasting a small amount first is always recommended.

 

7. Which One Is Better for Gut Health - Curd vs Yoghurt Nutrition?

 

Curd and yoghurt can provide beneficial live cultures that support gut health, as long as they haven't been heat-treated after fermentation. Both may support digestion, though their live culture content varies depending on preparation and processing.

 

Conclusion

 

Curd, yoghurt, and Greek yoghurt all begin with the same process: milk fermentation. However, a few changes along the way lead to three distinct dairy products. Curd is a staple in Indian households, has multiple uses in the kitchen, and is also easy on the pocket. If you are searching for something smoother and more consistent in taste, then yoghurt is your answer. But if you are looking for higher nutritional value as well, then Greek yoghurt should be your purchase. All three of them satisfy different demands and are heroes in their own genre. So, there is no single perfect option here, but rather a different winner in every genre.