How to Make Vegan Yogurt: Homemade Dairy-Free Recipes

Everyone knows that yogurt is healthy, but what about vegan yogurt? According to Medical News Today, one recent study found that although plant-based yogurt has lower protein, calcium, and potassium, it has certain advantages because it has less sugar and sodium plus higher fiber content.

Additionally, vegan yogurt has probiotics thanks to the interaction of the bacteria cultures with the sugars in the vegan milk that kickstart the fermentation process.

However, is it easy to make vegan yogurt? Read on to find out how to make creamy and tasty vegan yogurt at home, even if you don’t own a yogurt machine.

Creamy and Delicious Vegan Yogurt Recipes

The process for making vegan yogurt is so easy that you will wonder why you haven’t made some yet!

Here’s a recipe for creamy and delicious yogurt from Jessica in the Kitchen that uses cashews soaked overnight instead of plant-based milk. Moreover, you can even turn this yogurt into Greek yogurt. You get a thicker consistency by tying it in cheesecloth and hanging it over a bowl in the fridge for a couple of hours to remove its excess liquid. Enjoy the yogurt for breakfast or to make your favorite sauces and dips. You can also use it instead of sour cream.

Simple Steps to Homemade Vegan Yogurt

Making homemade vegan yogurt is just as simple as making dairy yogurt! Here’s a basic recipe to guide you through the process, and you only need a saucepan, thermometer, and whisk:

Ingredients

• Your desired plant-based milk
• Vegan yogurt starter culture or store-bought vegan yogurt with live active cultures
• Optional: sweetener or flavoring like maple syrup, vanilla extract or fruit

Instructions

1. Pour the desired amount of plant-based milk into a saucepan. Heat it slowly until it reaches around 82°C. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
2. Once warm, remove the plant-based milk from the heat and let it cool until it reaches around 43°C – the ideal temperature for adding the yogurt starter culture.
3. In a small bowl, mix a small amount of the cooled milk with the vegan yogurt starter culture until it’s well combined. Then, mix this mixture with the rest of the milk in the saucepan and whisk it together thoroughly.
4. Pour the milk mixture into your incubation containers. Cover them with their lids and place them in a warm spot or your oven with the oven light on so the yogurt can ferment. Depending on your desired thickness and tartness, this can take 8 to 12 hours.
5. Once it has reached your desired thickness and tartness, stop the fermentation process by refrigerating.
6. Enjoy by eating plain or adding fruits, muesli, and other toppings.

Save a bit of your homemade vegan yogurt to use as a starter culture for your next batch! Now you know how to make vegan yogurt, so make some to ensure a steady supply at home.

Dairy-Free Delights: Vegan Yogurt Variations

There are endless variations of vegan yogurt with unique flavor, texture, and nutritional values. Here are a few to try as you learn more about how to make vegan yogurt:

• Classic plain vegan yogurt uses plant-based milk with a vegan yogurt starter culture or a small amount of store-bought vegan yogurt with live active cultures as a starter. Ferment until tangy and creamy, then refrigerate to enjoy with toppings.
• Creamy coconut yogurt requires full-fat coconut milk as the base for a rich, creamy yogurt. Its natural sweetness makes this yogurt delicious on its own or as a topping for desserts like fruit parfaits or smoothie bowls.
• Nutty almond yogurt requires almond milk with a handful of raw almonds to create a nutty and nutritious yogurt. Eat with sliced almonds, honey, or agave syrup for sweetness.
• Silky soy yogurt requires soy milk for a smooth and silky yogurt with a mild flavor suitable for sweet and savory dishes.
• Oat yogurt contains creamy and delicious oat milk high in protein and fiber. Use the yogurt to add to smoothies and baking recipes, or enjoying on its own with a dollop of jam.
• Fruit yogurt contains a blend of your favorite fruits, especially berries, and plant-based milk to create a vibrant and flavorful yogurt. When serving, add extra fruitiness with fresh berries or a fruit compote.
• Add herbs, spices, or garlic to vegan yogurt for a savory tanginess that can be used in cooking or served with grain bowls, baked potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Exploring Plant-Based Yogurt Options

Exploring plant-based yogurt options can be exciting! Several delicious alternatives to traditional dairy yogurt are made from plants like soy, almond, coconut, oat, and cashew. Each plant-based milk offers its unique flavor and texture. Here’s a brief outline:

• Soy yogurt made from soy milk has a creamy texture and a sharp flavor, similar to dairy yogurt. It’s a good source of protein and typically contains probiotics for gut health.
• Almond yogurt made from almond milk has a nutty flavor and tends to be lighter in texture. It’s often lower in calories and fat compared to dairy yogurt.
• Coconut yogurt made from coconut milk is rich and creamy with a subtle coconut flavor. It’s an excellent option for those who enjoy tropical flavors. Still, even though it has less cholesterol than dairy yogurt, it does raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, meaning you should eat it in moderation if you are on a low-fat diet.
• Oat yogurt made from oat milk is smooth and creamy in texture and slightly sweet and mild in flavor. It’s very environmentally sustainable.
• Cashew yogurt made from cashew milk is creamy and rich with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s a good source of healthy fats.

When exploring plant-based yogurt options, consider taste, texture, nutritional content, and whether you prefer plain yogurt or flavored varieties. You can also experiment with different brands, as they may vary in quality and taste. Watch for added sugars and artificial ingredients, especially if you want a healthier option.

A Guide to Making Vegan Yogurt at Home

How to make vegan yogurt? It’s straightforward if you follow this guide:

The ingredients required to make yogurt are plant-based milk, your yogurt starter culture, and sometimes a thickening agent for a thicker consistency. The equipment is also minimal. You will also need sterilized containers besides a saucepan, thermometer, and spoon/whisk. A yogurt maker is optional, but it helps maintain a consistent temperature. If adding a thickening agent like arrowroot powder or agar agar, do it during the cooling process after adding the starter culture. See this recipe for soy yogurt from Alpha Foodie for how to use a thickener.

Finally, follow these tips to help you get it right every time:

• Use a clean spoon to transfer the starter culture or store-bought yogurt into the milk to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria.
• Experiment with different plant-based milks and starter cultures to find the combination that yields the flavor and texture you prefer.
• Save a bit of the homemade vegan yogurt to start your next batch.
• Adjust the incubation time to achieve your desired level of tanginess. Longer incubation times generally result in tangier yogurt.
• Store homemade vegan yogurt in the refrigerator and consume it within 7 to 10 days for the best quality.

Whip Up Your Own Vegan Yogurt in Minutes

If you are in a hurry but still want to enjoy a homemade treat, here’s how to make vegan yogurt in minutes from Minimalist Baker. The recipe is so simple that you don’t need to boil the coconut milk. Choosing creamy, smooth coconut milk for this recipe is imperative, so read the recommendations.

Additionally, always use sterilized glass jars and mix the probiotic well into the coconut milk for the best results. Place the yogurt somewhere warm for 24 to 48 hours, depending on your desired tanginess, and it’s ready to enjoy. It couldn’t get simpler than that!

Tasty and Nutritious Vegan Yogurt Creations

Plant-based yogurts are versatile for making tasty creations. Here are some ideas to inspire your vegan yogurt adventures if you don’t have time to learn how to make vegan yogurt:

Smoothie Bowls—Blend your favorite plant-based yogurt with fruits like berries, bananas, and mangoes to create a creamy and nutritious smoothie bowl. Top it with granola, nuts, seeds, and additional fruit for added texture and flavor.

Parfaits – Layer plant-based yogurt with homemade or store-bought granola, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit in a glass to create a delicious parfait. If you want it sweeter, drizzle with your favorite syrup.

Yogurt Bark – Spread plant-based yogurt onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then sprinkle with toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate nibs. Freeze. When firm, break into pieces for a refreshing snack.

Yogurt Dressings and Dips—Plant-based yogurt can be used as a base for creamy dressings and dips. Mix it with herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and spices to create a flavorful veggie dip or salad dressing.

Yogurt Popsicles: Blend plant-based yogurt with fruit puree or juice. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze. This is a refreshing treat for hot days!

Yogurt Pancakes or Waffles: To create fluffy and flavorful breakfast treats, Substitute plant-based yogurt for buttermilk or regular yogurt in pancake or waffle recipes.

Yogurt Marinades – Use plant-based yogurt as a food marinade before grilling or baking. Yogurt helps tenderize the ingredients while adding flavor and moisture.

Yogurt-Based Sauces – Mix plant-based yogurt with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for a delicious yogurt-based sauce to serve with grain bowls, wraps, etc.

Discover the Joy of Homemade Vegan Yogurt

For many reasons, learning to make vegan yogurt at home is a delightful journey.

Creative Expression—Making homemade vegan yogurt allows you to explore plant-based ingredients and flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless, from soy to almond, coconut, or oat milk. Experiment with different bases and add your favorite fruits, nuts, or sweeteners to create unique yogurt flavors.

Health Consciousness – Homemade vegan yogurt typically contains fewer additives and preservatives than store-bought ones. You have control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring that your yogurt is free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. You can also choose organic or non-GMO ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits – Plant-based yogurts can be rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, depending on the ingredients used. Many homemade vegan yogurt recipes also incorporate probiotic cultures, which can support digestive health and boost your immune system. It’s a delicious way to nourish your body with wholesome, plant-powered goodness.

Sustainability – Making vegan yogurt ensures you maintain your environmental goals by reducing the need for single-use plastic containers and packaging. Use reusable jars or containers for fermentation and storage to minimize waste and reduce carbon footprint. Buying ingredients in bulk also helps reduce packaging waste.

Culinary Adventure – Creating homemade vegan yogurt is a fun and rewarding culinary experience for anyone, whether a seasoned chef or a novice cook. Make something your own, even if it involves experimenting as you find the best ingredients.

Making vegan yogurt at home can help bond friends and family who share a love for plant-based cooking. You can swap recipes, tips, and tricks with fellow yogurt enthusiasts, fostering connections.

How to Make Vegan Yogurt at Home: Creamy and Delicious Recipes

Creating vegan yogurt at home is a simple and surprisingly easy process. Homemade yogurt is an excellent alternative to store-bought ones, providing a delicious and creamy texture. The best part is that you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it healthier. With this simple guide, you can make vegan yogurt at home without needing a yogurt maker.

Ingredients and Supplies:

• Plant-based milk (such as almond, coconut, soy, or oat)
• Vegan yogurt starter culture or a small amount of store-bought vegan yogurt with live active cultures
• Optional: Sweeteners or flavors (maple syrup, vanilla extract, or fruit purees)
• Kitchen tools: saucepan, thermometer, whisk, and sterile jars or containers

Simple Steps to Homemade Vegan Yogurt:

1. Heat the Milk: Pour your chosen plant-based milk into a saucepan. Slowly warm the milk to about 82°C (180°F), stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step ensures that the milk is hot enough to kill any unwanted bacteria.
2. Cool the Milk: Let the milk cool to about 43°C (110°F), the ideal temperature for culturing yogurt. You can speed up this process by placing the saucepan in a cold water bath.
3. Add the Culture: Mix a portion of the cooled milk with the vegan yogurt starter or a few tablespoons of store-bought vegan yogurt in a small bowl. Ensure it’s well mixed to distribute the cultures evenly.
4. Incubate: Transfer the milk and culture mixture back into the saucepan and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into your sterile jars or containers. Cover them and place in a warm spot to incubate. Good spots include an oven with a light on or a warm cupboard. The incubation period can vary from 8 to 12 hours, depending on how tangy and thick you like your yogurt.
5. Refrigerate: After incubation, refrigerate the yogurt to stop the fermentation process. This also helps it thicken and develop flavor.
6. Enjoy: Once cooled, your homemade vegan yogurt is ready to eat! You can eat it plain or add your favorite toppings and mix-ins, such as fruits, nuts, or granola.

Tips for Making Vegan Yogurt:

• Choose the Right Milk: The type of plant-based milk you use can greatly affect the texture and taste of your yogurt. Coconut milk yields a more decadent, creamier yogurt, while almond and soy milk create a lighter product.
• Thickness and Consistency: To make the yogurt thicker, add a thickening agent like agar-agar or tapioca starch during the heating process.
• Flavor Variations: You can customize your yogurt by adding pureed fruits, vanilla extract, or sweeteners during the cooling process before adding the culture.
• Keep Everything Clean: Ensure all utensils, pots, and jars are thoroughly sterilized before starting. This prevents unwanted bacteria from affecting the fermentation process.
• Save a Starter: Reserve a small amount of your homemade yogurt to use as a starter for your next batch, making the process even easier.

Benefits of Homemade Vegan Yogurt:

• Healthier Options: Homemade vegan yogurt often contains more probiotics and fewer additives than commercial versions.
• Customization: You can adjust the sweetness, flavors, and thickness according to your preferences.
• Eco-Friendly: Making yogurt at home reduces packaging waste, especially if you use reusable containers.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade vegan yogurt can be more economical, mainly if you regularly consume yogurt.

Following these steps, you can enjoy homemade vegan yogurt that tastes great and aligns with your dietary preferences and sustainability goals. Experiment with different bases and flavors to find your perfect recipe, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a delicious, health-conscious treat right at home.