As soon as it made its dairy-case debut, Americans fell in love with Greek yogurt (regular yogurt that has been strained, creating a thicker consistency). Since then, the yogurt aisle has exploded with other varieties from all over the world. Here is a quick guide to some delicious regional favorites:
Icelandic Yogurt – Skyr
What is it?
Skyr is a fermented dairy food made from skim milk. Icelanders will tell you it’s technically considered a cheese, more so than a yogurt. Cream is sometimes added during the production process to increase fat content, which also gives it a higher protein content than Greek yogurt.
What does it taste like?
It’s thicker and milder than Greek yogurt, but still tart. Pairs well with fruits and jams.
Popular brands:
Siggi’s, Icelandic Provisions, Norr, Smári
Recipe recommendations:
- Marinate your meat in plain skyr. It’s a better tenderizer than vinegar or citrus-based marinades, which can make proteins gummy. Try this spiced lamb chops recipe (yogurt-marinated lamb) for your next event!
- You can make a flatbread with just two ingredients: self-rising flour and yogurt! Siggi’s has a great recipe for flatbread pizza to get you inspired.
- Skyr yogurt can replace mayo or sour cream in dips and dressings for a higher-protein, calcium-packed dish. Try tuna or chicken salad with yogurt instead of mayo or make a healthy creamy salad dressing.
Australian Yogurt
What is it?
Australian yogurt is an unstrained variety that is cooked slowly for a thicker consistency than traditional yogurt and a creamier texture than Greek yogurt.
What does it taste like?
It’s naturally pretty sweet, and not tangy like other yogurts.
Popular brands:
Noosa, Wallaby
Recipe recommendations:
- Australian yogurt’s natural sweetness and creaminess adds light and fluffy textures to baked goods, such as these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins.
- This basic yogurt pancake recipe can be modified with flavored yogurt and fruit for endless delicious variations.
- Kids might find the sweeter, less tangy flavor more acceptable than Greek yogurt. Make the kiddos sweet yet healthy parfaits, like this Tropical Yogurt Parfait.
Middle Eastern Yogurt – Labneh/Labna
What is it?
Labneh or labna is ultra-strained and salted yogurt made from full-fat milk. Labneh is so thick it’s used as a spread, especially on pita. Similar to skyr, it’s technically a cheese and is sometimes referred to as “yoghurt cheese.”
What does it taste like?
Labneh tastes tangy, and the salt flavor is noticeable. It’s meant to be eaten with savory foods.
Popular brands:
Dana, Karoun, Abali
Recipe recommendations:
- Make your own two-step labneh at home.
- Labneh is best for savory foods such as shakshuka (a 20-minute vegetarian dish with eggs poached in harissa tomato sauce) or chicken gyros. Check out 13 Delicious Ways to Eat All the Labneh for more labneh recipes!
