Yoghurt alternative - enjoy bought or homemade

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There are several arguments for relying on yogurt alternatives. The most important ones are the conscious avoidance of animal products and, if necessary, better tolerance.

The latter also plays an important role in choosing the right vegan replacement product . Fortunately, there are now several appealing alternatives for dairy products like yogurt . Here we would like to introduce them to you.

What role yogurt and its alternatives play in the diet

Yoghurt variants and similar dairy products such as quark serve as suppliers of protein, calcium and saturated fatty acids. The main focus is on protein supply.

Due to the potentially high fat and sugar content, the right amount of animal-based yogurt is important. This also applies to its vegan alternatives .

Vegan protein sources play a central role in plant-based nutrition. The German Nutrition Society recommends 0.8 g protein/kg body weight per day for adults between 19 and 65. From 65 onwards it is slightly more at 1.0 g/kg body weight per day.

According to the DGE, legumes such as lentils, peas or soy are particularly suitable for meeting this need through a plant-based diet.

Substitutes for dairy products such as vegan yogurt are considered to supplement the supply of high-quality protein. This is due to the different protein content of the plant-based yoghurt.

In addition to the protein, the other nutrients it contains are also important. For example, many manufacturers add extra calcium or vitamins to their products.

Important : The same applies to vegan substitute products - look carefully at the ingredients. After all, you not only want it to taste good, you also want it to be as balanced as possible.

These yogurt alternatives are available for you to choose from

A dairy-free alternative to yogurt products is made based on the following basic ingredients:

🌱 Soy

🌱 Oats

🌱 Coconut

🌱 Almonds

🌱 Cashew nuts

🌱 Lupins

To make a yogurt alternative , you need the plant milk from these ingredients. This is fermented. This means that (vegetable) yogurt bacteria are added.

During the following process, these bacteria feed on the ingredients of the plant milk. On the one hand, this changes the consistency and, on the other hand, it creates the typical sour taste.

1. Soy yogurt: A classic

What would a plant-based diet be without soy ? The " miracle bean " contains a lot of protein, minerals, vitamins, fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Whether for the regular menu, consciously as a meat substitute or an alternative to dairy products - soy is there. This also applies to the production of vegan yoghurt substitutes .

Soy yogurt is available plain and in many different flavors - with and without added sugar. You can enjoy it ready-made, but you can also use it to make a dip or for baking, for example.

Important about soy yogurt : Not everyone can tolerate it. Depending on the product, you can also taste the soybeans with different intensity.

2. Oat yogurt - the offspring

Oat yogurt made from oat milk - like our Vegurt - serves as a source of fiber and unsaturated fatty acids. Especially those who want to avoid soy products are happy to use this alternative .

Many people value it as a valuable alternative, especially because of its taste. Here it is worth choosing products without added sugar. And make sure that it contains extra calcium, for example. Then the product can provide good nutrients.

Oat yogurt, like the other plant-based alternatives , can be used in a variety of ways. Like its base, oat milk, it is also easy to make yourself.

3. Coconut yogurt - for an exotic touch

When deciding on coconut yogurt, it depends on whether you like the taste of coconut. Depending on the product, this always varies in intensity. Even if you continue to process the coconut yoghurt, it will still be noticeable. However, you can also use this wonderfully to refine recipes.

Coconut yogurt has a relatively high fat content. This gives it a creamy consistency. In addition to pure enjoyment, you can use it to prepare or spice up sweet and savory dishes.

The yoghurt not only looks good in pastries and desserts. But also, for example, in vegan curries or stews .

Things to note about coconut yoghurt : Due to its high energy and fat content, not everyone tolerates it equally well. There could also be problems with histamine intolerance. Just test carefully whether you like coconut yoghurt.

4. Almond yogurt - the sweet version

Because it is tasteless and creamy, almond yogurt offers you many uses either pure or as an ingredient . It also provides valuable proteins and fats. It therefore has potential advantages in terms of both taste and nutrients.

Important with almond yoghurt : You should keep an eye on the increased calorie content and enjoy the almond yoghurt in the appropriate quantities. If you have an almond allergy, this alternative is of course off the table.

Tip : If the term lactic acid appears on the ingredient list for plant-based yogurt, don't let it confuse you. Products declared vegan contain plant-based lactic acid.

It is created by fermenting the base ingredient(s) and is a natural preservative. It also gives the end product the sour taste typical of yogurt.

5. Cashew yogurt - the tolerable one

This yogurt alternative scores with its creamy consistency and has a relatively neutral taste. It is suitable for allergy sufferers as it contains no lactose, no milk sugar, no soy or gluten.

Relatively few calories and fat round the whole thing off. Cashew yogurt, for example, offers a nice combination with fruit or muesli. A yogurt substitute made from cashews, like other variants, can be made yourself.

6. Lupine yogurt - the trendy one

Substitute products made from lupins are becoming increasingly important, for example due to their regional cultivation. They also have a high protein content and can be processed into plant-based products in a variety of ways.

Accordingly, there is already a large selection of different flavors for this yogurt alternative .

Please note the relatively high calorie and fat content of lupine yogurt. Depending on the product, the additives also accumulate here.

Yoghurt alternatives - where do they come from?

When it comes to plant-based alternatives, in addition to taste, tolerability and nutritional value, it is of course also about climate and environment.

Vegan alternatives such as egg substitutes and plant-based versions of dairy products score points compared to animal products when it comes to their ecological footprint. However, there are of course differences in quality even with plant-based products.

Oat yoghurt is clearly one of the “ eco ” vegan yoghurts. This is particularly due to the regional availability of oats. It is also considered a robust and relatively undemanding grain, which benefits sustainable cultivation.

In contrast, there are the “ exotic ” vegan yoghurts such as almond yoghurt . Almond cultivation consumes large amounts of water and thereby lowers the groundwater level.

Vegurt Blaubeere mit Granola, Chiasamen und Flower Topping

Make your own vegan yogurt alternative

You can now find different selections of yogurt alternatives in every supermarket and discount store. But why not prepare it yourself? This is just as easy as making a plant drink. What you need to produce it is the right plant-based base , which is also found in finished products.

Ingredients include:

🌱 fresh plant milk

🌱 Bacterial cultures: You introduce these using a finished yogurt or a pure yogurt culture. For this you use a special yogurt powder. You can buy this in a health food store or order it online, for example.

🌱 a vegetable gelling agent or vegetable starch

Depending on the type of preparation, you will also need:

Lenses and an air-permeable cover plus elastic band for fixing

Kitchen thermometer for temperature control

if you work without a machine : a place where the temperature can be kept constant.

Thanks to the choice of yoghurt cultures and the right plant-based drink, you can individually decide which flavor your vegan yoghurt will have. Special yoghurt makers or yoghurt machines make production easier for you.

Sweet Lemon Bowl mit Vegurt, Granola und Limettenabrieb

Sweet Vegurt Bowl mit knusprigem Granola

The purchase is particularly worthwhile if you want to regularly prepare vegan yoghurts .

First you have to warm the plant milk to around 80 degrees. Depending on use, add the gelling agent or starch. Then fill everything into the prepared jars and let them cool to 40 degrees. Now add the yoghurt cultures and cover the glasses.

From this point onwards it is important to maintain a constant temperature of 38 to 40 degrees . The fermentation process requires heat, but it shouldn't be too hot. This is the only way the bacteria can survive and do their work.

The temperature must be maintained over a period of several hours (around 12 to 14). The plant lactic acid bacteria need this time to multiply and achieve the desired consistency and taste.

Maintaining the temperature and storing are of course easier with a yoghurt maker or machine. Alternatively, it can be prepared in the oven or on the heater, for example. After the required resting time , stir everything thoroughly and you're done!

Conclusion: Vegan yogurt alternatives

Plant-based yoghurts offer you an appealing variety in terms of their ingredients and flavors. Whether you want to eat it straight or use it in different dishes - you don't have to miss out on anything.

As with other plant-based and vegan substitute products , pay attention to the nutritional values and their importance for your diet. And if you want to know exactly what's in your plant-based yogurt - prepare a yogurt alternative yourself.

Are you looking for more delicious substitute products to spice up your diet?

Then discover our Greenforce product range. Here you will find great alternatives to meat , fish , eggs and milk . Also great plant-based dips and sauces, vegetable breadings , spices and vegan spreads .

Theresa Aicher

Theresa studied media communication, loves writing and her favorite product are the vegan turmeric balls. With their help you should be able to turn your question marks into inspiration. If you have any comments or requests, please write to her here: online@greenforce.com