Natural Yogurt Flavorings for Better Health
Yogurt is a delicious snack, smoothie base, and a breakfast staple for many people worldwide. It’s also popular in curries, marinades, and other savory sauces. While its exact origins are largely unknown, it is believed to have originated from the area that is now Turkey over 7000 years ago. Today, hundreds of yogurt varieties are on the market, including non-dairy options made from plant-based milk.
How is Yogurt Made?
Yogurt is made by fermenting milk with bacteria. During this process, the bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, giving yogurt an acidic taste. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, food must contain two strains of probiotics – Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, to be classified as yogurt.
Most yogurt brands add other live cultures to the mix as well. They may also incorporate flavorings, sugar, fruit, and colorings to enhance the yogurt’s flavor and appearance.
Health Benefits of Yogurt
- High in calcium and other nutrients
A single cup of plain yogurt can supply up to 49% of your daily calcium requirements. Calcium is known to maintain healthy teeth and bones and prevent the development of Osteoporosis. It also contains phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B-12. These vitamins promote immune and heart health. - Contains protein
Yogurt contains about 12g of protein per 8-ounce cup. Snacking on protein-rich foods helps you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management. Protein is the essential building block for muscle growth and healing and supports a healthy metabolism and immune system. Greek yogurt contains more protein but less calcium than plain yogurt. - Supports a healthy gut
Yogurt is an excellent probiotic source that keeps your digestive system running smoothly. Some probiotics can ease the symptoms of IBS and prevent constipation and bloating. They are also connected to the immune system, and consuming probiotics regularly may improve your overall resistance to common infections.
How To Choose a Healthier Yogurt
Not all yogurt is made equal. Some varieties contain added sugar that can be detrimental to your health. However, sugar-free sweeteners are not always the better option. Preliminary research shows that artificial sweeteners may harm gut health, which makes them counterintuitive in yogurt.
Rather choose yogurt that does not contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Plain, unflavored yogurt is the healthiest choice. Be mindful of low-fat or fat-free options, as these often contain added sugar to compensate for the reduced fat content. Full-fat dairy yogurt can be healthy too; it contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – a fatty acid with numerous health benefits.
Finally, always look for yogurt with the Live and Active Cultures seal. This seal ensures the yogurt contains at least 100 million cultures per gram.
Natural Ways to Flavor Yogurt
Adding whole fruits and nuts to plain yogurt is a healthy way to enhance its flavor without added sugars. You can also use vanilla extract, cinnamon, and other spices to make unique yogurt flavors from scratch. However, adding whole seeds, spices, and fruits to yogurt does change its texture, which may be undesirable for people who enjoy a smooth, silky mouthfeel.
That’s where isolates, extracts, and absolutes come in. These liquid flavoring ingredients blend seamlessly with creamy foods and produce potent flavors without altering the texture.
Find Natural Yogurt Flavorings at Advanced Biotech
Advanced Biotech is a trusted supplier of high-quality food flavorings. Our range includes premium certified-organic flavors suitable for applications in the health foods market. Contact us today to learn how we can help you craft a more flavorful formulation for your dairy products.