Yogurt Ingredients

Yogurt essentially means fermented milk. Certain species of 'good bacteria' bring about the transformation of milk to yogurt. Yogurt is a rich source of protein and calcium. It provides all the health benefits of milk, without the possible health concerns caused by consuming milk. Yogurt can also be safely consumed by people with lactose intolerance. Although, yogurt ingredients vary extensively depending upon the manufacturer, the basic ingredients - milk and bacteria culture, remain the same. Let us see what are the ingredients in yogurt.

Basic Yogurt Ingredients

Milk
Milk is the fundamental ingredient of yogurt, which undergoes fermentation when treated with live culture of bacteria. Fat content of milk determines the fat content of yogurt. Low fat yogurt is made from low fat milk while fat free yogurt is made from skimmed milk. The usual plain, full fat yogurt is made from whole milk. Milk can also be combined with other dairy products such as cream, in order to adjust the fat content. Sometimes, dry milk may also be used to obtain the desired consistency of the yogurt. Milk can often be substituted for soy milk in order to prepare soy yogurt. In this case water and ground soy are mixed together to get soy milk. Lactic acid may be added externally in soy yogurt. Lactic acid is naturally present in all dairy products.

Culture
Mostly, cultures of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are used together for manufacturing yogurt. Although, these cultures can work on their own, the acid production during their symbiosis is far more than when individual species is used. Additionally, cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifido-bacteria are also used as probiotic bacteria. These bacteria are good for gastrointestinal problems and relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas, stomach pain etc. They also reduce the occurrence of fungal infections and maintain the general health of colon.

Other Yogurt Ingredients

Apart from the two basic ingredients mentioned above, commercially available yogurt also contains some additives and artificial sweeteners. The other flavoring ingredients for yogurt are as given below.

Sweeteners
Some manufacturers may add sweeteners to their yogurt. These sweeteners are often in the form of sugar or sugar substitutes. Fructose, sucralose and aspartame are commonly used sweeteners for their low calorie content. Organic yogurt makers prefer to use evaporated cane juice as sweetening agent, instead of artificial sweeteners. Evaporated cane juice is also a part of most soy yogurts.

Fruits
Fruits are purely added to increase the flavor and nutrient value of the yogurt. Fruits also render an aesthetic appeal to the otherwise plain yogurt. If the fruit is packaged at the bottom of the yogurt pack, then the yogurt is termed as 'set-style yogurt'. On the other hand, if the fruit is blended throughout the yogurt, then the yogurt is referred as 'Swiss style yogurt'. Artificial coloring agents may be added to emphasize a particular fruit flavor.

Stabilizers
Stabilizers are often added to the yogurt to achieve desired consistency and texture. The common stabilizers used for manufacturing yogurt are gelatin, cornstarch, pectin and several other phosphates.

Commercial Manufacturing of Yogurt

Commercially, yogurt is manufactured by separating fat from the milk. Other dairy products may be added to achieve desired consistency and fat content. The mixture is then agitated to thoroughly mix the various ingredients and then pasteurized. Stabilizers are added to the mixture after which the mixture is homogenized. Strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are added in equal proportions. An optimum growth temperature is maintained to initiate the fermentation process. The coagulated product is then collected and various flavoring and coloring agents are added. Fruits may be added at this stage and then the yogurt is packaged. The processed yogurt is then stored at a temperature of about 5° C.

While making yogurt at home, you will only require the basic ingredients i.e milk and culture. Homemade yogurt is an healthy option as it is freshly prepared and free from any artificial ingredients.