Difference Between Yogurt and Kefir

Main Difference – Yogurt vs Kefir

Both yogurt and kefir are cultured milk products that are rich in protein, calcium, B vitamins and potassium. However, there is a difference between yogurt and kefir in terms of consistency and nutritional value. The main difference between yogurt and kefir is the fact that kefir has a thinner consistency than yogurt, whereas yogurt is thick enough to be eaten with a spoon.

This article examines,

1. What is Yogurt?
     – Features, Properties, Nutrients

2. What is Kefir?
     – Features, Properties, Nutrients

3. What is the difference between Yogurt and Kefir?

What is Kefir?

Although many people know kefir as a milk-based product, there are two types of kefirs: milk based and water based. Water kefir is made from non-dairy liquids like coconut water whereas milk kefir is made from the milk of goats, cows and sheep. Kefir is sold as a beverage; you can drink it, pour it over food or blend with fruits to make a smoothie. Kefir has a thinner consistency than yogurt.

This beverage can be made at home by adding a live culture of kefir grains, a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts, to the milk. The milk should be then allowed to ferment for 24 to 48 hours. The kefir grains can be removed from the mixture by pouring through a sieve.

Milk kefir has a sour taste and is similar to the taste of buttermilk, whereas water kefir is cleaner and sweeter tasting.

Kefir has a wide range of probiotics and is rich of lactic acid bacteria. It can act as a digestive aid and strengthen your immune system.

What is Yoghurt?

Yoghurt is a semi-solid sourish food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. This is commonly made from cow’s milk, but milk from buffalos, goats, ewes, mares and camels are also sometimes used where available locally. Yogurt is available worldwide and is used in many traditional cuisines. Although it has a tart or sour flavor, it is often sweetened with artificial flavors or with fruits.

Various types of yogurts contain different probiotic cultures; plain, thick yogurt typically have Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus, and streptococcus thermophiles. These probiotics help to keep the digestive tract clean and provide a food source for the bacteria that is inside your body. However, the number of probiotics in yogurt is less than kefir.

Difference Between Yogurt and Kefir

Type

Yogurt is a semi-solid food.

Kefir is a beverage and can be either milk based or water based.

Consistency

Yogurt has a thick consistency and is eaten with a spoon.

Kefir has a thin consistency.

Ingredients

Yogurt is made of milk.

Kefir may be made of milk or a water-based liquid. 

Process

Yogurt is produced by using a bacteria known as ‘yogurt culture’.

Kefir is produced by using kefir grains, a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts.

Probiotics

Yogurt contains less probiotic cultures than kefir.

Kefir usually contains three times the amount of probiotic cultures than yogurt.

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