The range of dairy products that can be made with different ingredients via several processes is immense. Starting from your morning cup of coffee to ending the day with ice cream, the use of milk in your meals and beverages is incomparable. After adding the probiotic-rich yoghurt to your diet, it’s time to get accustomed to the nutritious dairy product “kefir.”
While kefir has a thinner consistency than yoghurt, getting confused between the popular fermented dairy products is quite common. To help you draw a fine line between the two, here is a guide which draws the differences between kefir and yoghurt. Read on to know their history, the making process, and which one would be more suitable for you.
Origin And Fermentation
Kefir comes from the Turkish word "keyif," which means “feeling good.” The apt name describes its association with making your gut healthy and its significance in improving your overall health. Being used for centuries, kefir was traditionally made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, giving you a symbiotic culture of yeast.
On the other hand, yoghurt is believed to have been in use for over a thousand years after being originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. Even though the process of making yoghurt is different across traditions and cultures, the common thing is the fermentation of milk with good bacteria called, Lactobacillus.
Texture
Kefir is known for its liquid-like consistency. Unlike yoghurt, its texture resembles that of buttermilk, traditionally made with curd. It also has a slight fizz which makes it a perfect beverage to refresh yourself. Whereas, yoghurt has a thicker and much creamier consistency.
Probiotic Content
As per a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology published in 2016, kefir has impeccably high probiotic content. It has proved to have a long-lasting benefit on the digestive system with 30 different strains of probiotics containing a range of bacteria and yeast. As compared to kefir, yoghurt has fewer probiotic strains with mostly Lactobacillus bacteria. However, as per a study published in the journal Microorganisms in 2017, even yoghurt is proven to increase metabolism rate and help improve digestion.
Culinary Uses
Having a thinner consistency, kefir can be used to make healthy smoothies, sauces or even marinades for paneer, fish, or chicken. Yoghurt is far more versatile than kefir. It can be enjoyed as is, topped with chopped fruits, oats, granola, parfaits, salad dressings, and much more.
Shelf Life
While both kefir and yoghurt are known for their probiotic content, kefir has a shorter shelf life than yoghurt. You can store kefir in your refrigerator for just a few weeks before it goes bad. However, if stored properly, keeping in mind the expiration date, yoghurt can even last for a whole month before it appears spoiled or smells weird.