Greek yogurt and regular yogurt are both dairy products made in the same manner with same ingredients. They are both healthy foods and can be ideal for anyone. However, there is a slight difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt in regards to the exact method used to make them.
Regular yogurt is strained twice while Greek yogurt is strained thrice. The milk, fermentation process, subsequent flavoring and all other procedures can remain the same. It is only the straining process or rather the number of times the straining is done varies.
This small difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt makes a huge difference in the texture, taste and nutrient content.
Difference in Characteristics
First, regular yogurt is more fluid and has more liquid than Greek yogurt. The latter is more creamy and thick. This is directly because the additional third time that Greek yogurt is strained, it lets off excess liquid milk.
Regular yogurt contains whey protein. Greek yogurt doesn’t because it lets more whey protein to be drained off during the third straining process. This is very desirable for those who are allergic to whey protein.
Health Benefits
Both the types of yogurt contain generous quantities of protein but Greek yogurt contains more. About eight ounces of regular yogurt would offer about 12 grams of protein while the same quantity of Greek yogurt would offer up to 20 grams of protein.
Regular yogurt contains more carbohydrates than Greek yogurt. The latter is especially helpful for those who wish to lose weight and those who are diabetic. Regular yogurt contains more calcium than Green yogurt which makes it more desirable for those who have weak bone health. Women, especially when pregnant, may want to opt for regular yogurt for more calcium. Regular yogurt contains almost twice the amount of sodium as is present in Greek yogurt.
Commonalities Between Both Types
Both regular yogurt and Greek yogurt contain the same quantities of calories per serve. Since there can be numerous types of flavoring, additives being put in and different brands obviously have their own recipes, the calorie content can vary accordingly.
Regular yogurt is much cheaper than Greek yogurt. This is primarily because the third time straining leads to the requirement of more milk for the production of Green yogurt of the same quantity as regular yogurt. Besides, Greek yogurt is gaining more popularity in recent times due to its benefits and that has caused a hike in its price tag.
