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Yogurt Ingredients

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Yogurt is a widely consumed dairy product for its myriad health benefits. Here the passages elucidate the different ingredients used in it.
Yogurt essentially means fermented milk. Certain species of 'good bacteria' bring about the transformation of milk to yogurt. It 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.
It can also be safely consumed by people with lactose intolerance. Although its ingredients vary extensively depending upon the manufacturer, the basic ingredients- milk and bacteria culture remain the same.

Basic Ingredients

Milk

Milk is the most fundamental yogurt ingredient, 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 a fat free one is made from skimmed milk. The usual plain, full fat one 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.
Milk can often be substituted by soy milk in order to prepare soy yogurt. In this case water and ground soy are mixed together to get soy milk, and lactic acid may be added externally. Usually it 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 are 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 Ingredients
Apart from the two basic ingredients mentioned earlier, commercially available yogurt also contains some additives and artificial sweeteners. The other flavoring ingredients are given here.

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 a 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 nutrition value of the yogurt. They also render an aesthetic appeal to it.
If the fruit is packaged at the bottom of the yogurt pack, then this type is termed as 'set-style yogurt'. On the other hand, if the fruit is blended in it, 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 achieve desired consistency and texture. The common stabilizers used for this purpose are gelatin, cornstarch, pectin, and several other phosphates.

Commercial Manufacturing

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 it 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.