What Americans know as Greek yogurt is a yogurt with most of the whey strained out, making it thicker. In Greece, it's called straggisto (which simply translates to strained yogurt).
Records of yogurt in Greece begin in the 5th century BCE with the writings of Herodotus, but in reality, the process of straining yogurt (making it “Greek”) began somewhere in the Middle East.
For years, Greek yogurt has been the go-to variety for optimum health. But what's the difference? Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been strained to remove its whey, resulting in a thicker consistency than that of unstrained yogurt, while preserving yogurt's distinctive sour taste.
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"What is known abroad as 'Greek yogurt' is called 'straggisto' in Greece," an Athens-area cheesemaker told the AFP, which pointed out that, unlike taking ownership of foods like feta cheese, neither Greece nor any Greek company has laid claim to patent the product.
Rich, timeless & very nutritional. Made of fresh milk curdled and then fermented by means of bacteria, yoghurt has always been one of the finest products of the Greek farming tradition since the ancient times. Thick, creamy and super tasty, the Greek yoghurt is made of pure sheep's milk in small dairy units.
Chobani® Greek Yogurt is crafted from farm-fresh local milk, making it an excellent source of protein. Non-fat, low-fat, and whole milk options are the perfect base for breakfast bowls, smoothies, and more.
Though the initial process of making yoghurt is the same, the Greek variety undergoes an additional straining process, which removes the liquid whey and lactose, making it a thicker, less sugary yoghurt. As such, Greek yoghurt contains more proteins and less sodium and carbohydrates than its regular counterpart.
Old-fashioned Greek yogurt is made with goat's milk while American yogurt, and many of the American-made “Greek-style” products, are made from cow's milk. (“Greek-style” yogurts may also contain thickening agents like condensed milk or gelatin.) All yogurt starts out the same, with milk and live cultures.
Ulukaya said the name Chobani comes from the Greek word chopani, which means shepherd in multiple countries near where he grew up. “Shepherd is a very pure word,” he said. Ulukaya associates the word with the term “shepherd's gift,” which means a gift given without expecting anything in return, he said.
Nutrient-dense
Low-fat, and fat-free dairy foods like Chobani® yogurt are part of a recommended healthy eating pattern that provides an excellent source of protein, a balance of good fats, and a host of naturally occurring essential vitamins and minerals.
Because of its straining and fermentation processes, Greek yogurt has less lactose than regular yogurt, milk and even ice cream. And its live and active cultures help break down the lactose it does contain, making it easier for people to digest.
Greek yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, which can help improve bone health. It also contains probiotics, which support a healthy bacterial balance in the gut. Eating Greek yogurt may be associated with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Chobani is an American food company specializing in strained yogurt. The company was founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish Kurd businessman. Chobani sells thick, Greek yogurt with a higher protein content than traditional yogurt and is one of the main companies to popularize this style of yogurt in the US.
Tzatziki (derived from the Turkish word cacık) was born. What's in Tzatziki Now? The classic Greek tzatziki that you know and love generally contains the following ingredients: Strained yogurt.
“Strained Greek yogurt is lower in sugar than regular yogurt. Removing the whey produces a thicker, creamier yogurt with a tart taste.”
No, Greek yogurt is not vegan. The base ingredients for this product are cow's milk (or traditionally with sheep's milk in Greece) and probiotics. While it is true that Greek yogurt has less lactose in it than most dairy products, it still requires animal ingredients to make and therefore is not vegan friendly.
All yoghurt contains live bacterial cultures, which ferment milk to make yoghurt, but only some types of yoghurt have added probiotics (bacteria that have a proven health benefit).
As with many yogurts, some Greek varieties add gelatin, which is made by boiling animals' skin, tendons, ligaments, or bones. Many also add carmine to make the yogurt appear to contain more fruit than it does. Carmine is red pigment obtained by crushing female cochineal insects.
Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.
But, first of all, why is it so bitter? Well, turns out that after the fermentation process, Greek yogurt is strained more times than regular yogurt. This makes it have that signature thick texture and, most importantly, brings out the strong and bitter flavors that bacteria may cause once the yogurt is fermented.
In Greece, it's called straggisto (which simply translates to strained yogurt). Fage, a company that started in Athens, Greece, was the first to put “Greek” on yogurt labels as a way to describe the product.
Can Dogs Eat Greek Yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt is great for dogs, provided it is xylitol-free. Your dog may even like the texture of Greek yogurt more. It's thicker because the whey gets strained out.
Ingredients. Cultured Nonfat Milk, Cane Sugar, Water, Fruit Pectin, Natural Flavors, Guar Gum, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Vanilla Extract.
If you are looking to boost your protein intake or prefer a thicker yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great option, however, regular yogurt is equally as nutrient-dense and rich in probiotics.