Greek yogurt is made according to a different process than regular plain yogurt. This process means that it ends up with more than double the amount of protein as normal yogurt but it is sourer due to its fermentation process.
On top of that, Greek yogurt is strained after fermentation to remove the whey. This is what gives it its thicker consistency.
So, yes, unsweetened, unflavored Greek yogurt is sour. In today’s article, we look at ways to make it less sour.
Why Is Greek Yoghurt Sour?
This type of yogurt is tart because of the good bacteria used to make it. Their task is to ferment and break down the lactose (milk sugars) in the milk.
How Is Greek Yogurt Made?
Regular yogurt and Greek yogurt are made in a fairly similar way up to a certain point.
First, milk is heated to a certain temperature and then cooled to a specified fermentation temperature – usually around 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bacteria cultures are then added and the yogurt is left undisturbed to incubate so that the bacteria can multiply and ferment the milk. Once the yogurt starts to thicken, it is cooled and then chilled.
This is regular yogurt. To make Greek yogurt, the regular yogurt is strained to remove the whey (the watery part of the milk). This results in a thicker product with higher protein levels and a sourer taste.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Less Sour
While many find Greek yogurt’s tangy flavor refreshing and delicious, some find it too sour. No matter – you can still enjoy this product by adding a little sweetness in various forms. Here are a few ways;
1. Add maple syrup
This is an easy way to sweeten Greek yogurt. Simply take one cup of yogurt and mix in a quarter cup of maple syrup. You can add a drop or two of vanilla extract for extra deliciousness if you like.
Use this mixture as a dip for fresh fruit pieces or serve it with granola and berries for a healthy breakfast.
2. Add sugar
The amount you add is a matter of taste but we suggest adding between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of sugar per cup of Greek yogurt. Stir it well to dissolve the crystals.
While this isn’t the healthiest option, it will deal with the sourness issue.
3. Add honey
If you prefer your sweetness to be a little more on the healthy side, add a drizzle of raw honey to your yogurt. It provides welcome sweetness and makes a lovely garnish too.
Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top for a quick and healthy snack.
4. Add date syrup
Greek yogurt and date syrup are the perfect match, particularly if sprinkled with a little cardamom too. For the authentic Middle Eastern touch, finish off with a sprinkling of pistachio nuts.
5. Add fresh fruit
Many fruits are naturally very sweet so go to town and add a rainbow of them if you like.
Particularly good are berries such as blueberries or strawberries, sliced bananas (add a sprinkle of cinnamon), chopped apples, papaya, or ripe peaches.
If adding fresh fruit, it’s best to add it to the yogurt just before serving or it may go brown and watery.
6. Include stewed fruit
When chopped fruit is stewed with a small amount of water and a little sugar or honey, it creates a delectable sweet and chunky sauce to enjoy with yogurt.
Good options are apples, prunes, blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, pears, and peaches or a combination of these.
Simply peel and dice the fruit, put it in a saucepan with a very small amount of water, and sweeten to taste with sugar or honey.
Put the lid on and stew the fruit gently for a few minutes until it releases its juice and is soft but not mushy. Allow it to cool before serving it with the yogurt.
7. Add sweet spices
Plain Greek yogurt is particularly good with cinnamon especially if you also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Other sweet spices you can try include cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg.
8. Use artificial sweeteners
For diabetics or those who are trying to lose weight, you can use low-calorie sweeteners like stevia to sweeten your Greek yogurt.
To Conclude
We hope that the tang of Greek yogurt will not stop you from enjoying this sustaining, healthy snack. Try our sweet tips and let us know if you liked any of them.