Greek yogurt has become a staple across breakfast bowls, recipes, and grocery store shelves—but long before it went mainstream, it was a traditional food in Greece made with simple ingredients and a time-honored process. Thick, tangy, creamy, and incredibly nutrient-dense, Greek yogurt stands apart because of how it’s produced and the distinct benefits that process creates.

This guide breaks down what Greek yogurt actually is, how it’s traditionally made, its nutritional advantages, the different varieties available today, and how to use it in both sweet and savory dishes.

What Greek Yogurt Really Is (and Why It’s Different)

Greek yogurt is a strained yogurt made by fermenting milk with live cultures and then removing much of the liquid whey.
This results in a product that is:

• thicker

• higher in protein

• lower in sugar

• creamier

• tangier

Traditional Greek yogurt is made with:

• sheep’s milk, or

• a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk

Cow’s-milk Greek yogurt is now common globally, but the traditional Greek version was not originally made with cow’s milk.

The texture comes from the straining, not added thickeners.
Authentic Greek brands (in Greece and Cyprus) typically do not use stabilizers like gelatin, guar gum, or pectin.

How Greek Yogurt Is Made: The Straining Process

Greek yogurt starts exactly like regular yogurt: milk is heated, cooled, and fermented with starter cultures (live bacteria).
Then comes the part that makes it “Greek”:

The yogurt is strained for hours to remove:

• liquid whey

• excess lactose

• part of the milk sugars

• extra moisture

Historically, this was done using cloth bags that allowed whey to drip out naturally.
Today, depending on the brand, straining can be done by:

• traditional cloth methods

• modern centrifuges

• industrial filters

The result is a concentrated, nutrient-dense yogurt with a naturally thick body and a distinctly clean, tangy taste.

Live cultures matter

Greek yogurt contains the same beneficial bacteria as regular yogurt—these cultures:

• support digestion

• maintain gut microbiome balance

• help develop flavor

Some Greek yogurts also contain added strains for additional probiotic benefits.

Greek Yogurt Varieties: Choosing the Right One

Whether you're buying yogurt from a Greek market or a U.S. grocery store, you’ll find several types.

1. Authentic Greek Yogurt (traditional)

Made in Greece with:

• sheep's milk or

• sheep + goat milk

• strained naturally

• no stabilizers

These products tend to be tangier and richer.
Examples available internationally include FAGE Total (originally Greek), Olympiana, and other smaller Greek producers depending on region.

2. Commercial Greek Yogurt (U.S. and global markets)

Brands such as:

• Chobani

• FAGE (cow’s-milk version)

• Stonyfield

• Oikos

These are usually cow’s-milk yogurts strained (or thickened) to achieve a similar consistency.

Chobani is known for a mild flavor and creamy texture.
FAGE is known for being very thick and clean-tasting.

3. “Greek-Style” Yogurt

Labeled “Greek-style” when it is:

• not traditionally strained, but instead

• thickened with stabilizers or added milk protein

It mimics Greek yogurt but is not authentic strained yogurt.

4. Skyr (Icelandic yogurt)

Not Greek yogurt, but often grouped with it.
Skyr is:

• thicker

• higher in protein

• usually milder

• made with skim or low-fat milk

It can be substituted for Greek yogurt in recipes.

5. Lactose-free Greek yogurt

A growing category for those with lactose intolerance.
Typically produced by adding lactase enzyme to digest the lactose.

The Nutrition Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt's biggest selling point is its nutrition profile. Thanks to straining, it typically contains:

✔ More protein

Nearly double that of regular yogurt.

✔ Less sugar

Whey removal reduces naturally occurring milk sugars.

✔ Fewer carbohydrates

Helpful for low-carb, moderate-carb, and diabetic diets.

✔ Probiotics

Live cultures can support digestion, gut health, and immune function.

✔ Minerals

Including calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

✔ Satiation

The combination of protein + fat (especially in full-fat versions) keeps you full longer.

Traditional Greek yogurt made from sheep’s milk also contains:

• more medium-chain fatty acids

• naturally higher protein

• a richer mineral profile

How to Use Greek Yogurt (Sweet, Savory, Breakfast, Dinner)

One of the best things about Greek yogurt is how easily it fits into almost any meal.

Breakfast + Snacks

• Layer into parfaits with fruit, nuts, and honey

• Blend into smoothies for added protein

• Stir into overnight oats for creaminess

• Eat plain with a drizzle of olive oil (very Greek!)

Savory Dishes

Greek yogurt is a secret weapon in Mediterranean cooking.

• Make tzatziki, the classic yogurt–cucumber–garlic dip

• Use as a marinade for chicken or lamb (the enzymes help tenderize)

• Stir into soups for creaminess without heavy cream

• Mix into dressings to replace mayonnaise or sour cream

Baking + Desserts

Greek yogurt adds moisture, tang, and protein.

• Add to muffin or cake batter

• Use in pancakes

• Make simple frozen yogurt by adding honey and freezing

• Combine with citrus zest for a panna-cotta-like dessert

FAQs About Greek Yogurt

What makes Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt?
It is strained to remove whey, resulting in a thicker consistency, higher protein content, and lower sugar levels.

Is Greek yogurt healthy?
Yes. It’s protein-rich, contains probiotics, is lower in sugar than regular yogurt, and supports digestion and satiety.

How can I add Greek yogurt to my daily meals?
Use it in parfaits, savory dips, marinades, smoothies, baking, or simply enjoy it with fruit, nuts, or honey.

Are lactose-free Greek yogurts available?
Yes. Several brands now offer lactose-free Greek yogurt options made using the traditional fermentation method with the lactose removed.

References (All verifiable sources)

1. I Tried 8 Greek Yogurt Brands and This Is the One I'll ...

2. Greek Yogurt in Yogurt(198)

3. How to Make Greek Yogurt (Only 2 Ingredients!)

4. Olympiana Yogurt - Real Greek Yogurt | Made in Greece ...

5. What's the Difference Between Greek and Regular Yogurt?

Bring a Taste of Greece Into Your Everyday Life

If Greek yogurt is a staple in your kitchen—or you’re just discovering it—you can pair that love with playful, Mediterranean-inspired designs that celebrate Greek food, humor, and culture. Explore Greek-themed homeware and lifestyle pieces that bring a bit of Greece’s flavor and personality into your day.

Browse the newest Greek-inspired creations at Hellas on Wheels.