Dairy-free yogurt is a popular choice for people that follow a dairy-free diet, or those who are lactose intolerant. There are many different types of dairy-free yogurt available, many of which use alternative bases to create a product with the texture and health benefits of traditional yogurt. Some of the most popular varieties include coconut yogurt, soy yogurt, almond yogurt, and rice yogurt. Dairy-free yogurt can also be made at home with a non-dairy starter mix.
Coconut yogurt is one of the most popular trends in non-dairy yogurt products. Using a base of coconut milk, this type of yogurt comes in dozens of flavors. One of the hallmarks of coconut products is a rich, silky texture and a hint of coconut flavor. The calorie and unsaturated fat content of coconut products tends to be a little higher than traditional dairy based yogurt, but this may depend on brand and flavor choice. Coconut yogurts are excellent in smoothies, and often contain the same healthy bacteria cultures as regular yogurt.
Soy yogurt can be a good option for those who do not like the taste of coconut yogurt, or have coconut allergies. Based on soy products, this type of yogurt is naturally high in protein, and can be a great choice for a post-workout snack. A single-serving soy yogurt tends to have slightly fewer calories than a serving of whole milk dairy yogurt, and is generally low in fat. Soy yogurt should be avoided by anyone with a soy allergy.
Almond dairy-free yogurt is made from almond milk, and can be difficult to find in many grocery stores. Nonetheless, this delicious non-dairy alternative has a smooth, nutty flavor, with all of the healthy fats and protein found in almonds. Almond yogurt is fairly easy to make at home, using prepared almond milk or blending and straining whole almonds to create the milk. By combining the almond milk with a pro-biotic culture and heating, yogurt can form in a matter of hours.
Rice-based dairy-free yogurt is another popular way to enjoy the benefits of yogurt without the dairy ingredients. Created using rice milk, this option can be a good choice for people with nut or soy allergies, as well as those who eschew dairy for lifestyle or dietary purposes. Rice yogurt is a fairly rare commercial product, but can be made at home with prepared yogurt starters. The texture of rice yogurt may not be as silky or consistent as other dairy-free yogurt products.
