What Is Plain yogurt and How Can I Use It?

Here's everything worth knowing about plain yogurt and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 542 recipes to cook tonight.

What is plain yogurt?

Plain yogurt is the unsweetened, unflavored kind: just milk and live cultures, with none of the sugar or fruit added to the tubs beside it. The bacteria ferment milk's lactose into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives yogurt its clean, tangy bite.

That tang and gentle acidity are the whole point in cooking. Unlike Greek yogurt, which is strained to pull out whey and concentrate the protein, plain yogurt keeps its liquid, so it pours and stirs more easily into batters and marinades.

Ways to use plain yogurt

Plain yogurt does its best work in a few clear roles, and knowing which one a recipe wants tells you how to handle it.

As a marinade, it tenderizes. The lactic acid loosens muscle proteins in chicken or lamb without the harsh edge of straight lemon or vinegar, and the dairy clings so spices ride in with it.

That is the engine behind Pakistani Chicken and the yogurt-marinated base of a Chicken Biryani.

In baking, it brings moisture and a tender crumb. Its acid reacts with baking soda for lift and softens gluten slightly, which is why it makes muffins like Mile High Blueberry Muffins rise tall and stay soft.

As a cold sauce, it is the base of tzatziki and raita, and the cooling dollop on a spiced Mediterranean Lamb Burgers. And on its own with fruit and honey, it is breakfast.

Pairing and the one mistake to avoid

Yogurt swings both ways on the table. Its sour-cream tang loves cucumber, mint, garlic, and dill on the savory side, and honey, berries, or warm spice on the sweet, while cutting the richness of curries and roasted meats.

The mistake that catches everyone is heat. Drop yogurt into a boiling sauce and the proteins seize and turn grainy. Stir it in off the heat at the very end, or temper it first by whisking in a ladle of the hot liquid before it goes in the pot.

Full-fat yogurt is far more forgiving here. The extra fat buffers the proteins, so it resists splitting where a nonfat tub would curdle.

Substitutes

Greek yogurt is the easiest swap if you thin it with a little milk or water to match plain yogurt's looser body; just remember it brings roughly twice the protein and more tang.

Sour cream covers most cold uses as a topping or sauce base, though it is richer and milder. For baking, buttermilk is the closest match, since it carries the same acidity to react with baking soda, but it is thinner, so trim a little other liquid.

In a marinade, milk soured with a spoonful of lemon juice mimics the tenderizing acid, just without the body.

Buying and storing yogurt

Look for "live and active cultures" on the label, and a short ingredient list. If you plan to cook with it, skip tubs thickened with gelatin or pectin, which can turn a sauce slick or grainy.

Whole milk holds up best in hot dishes; nonfat is thinner and splits more easily.

Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge rather than the door, where the temperature swings. A thin pool of clear whey on top is normal, not spoilage; stir it back in for creaminess or pour it off for a thicker yogurt.

Plain yogurt often stays good past its printed date if it smells clean and tangy rather than sharp or yeasty. It freezes for smoothies and baking, though thawed yogurt turns thin and grainy, so it is no longer a spoon-from-the-tub food.

A spoonful of live yogurt is also a starter. Stir it into scalded, cooled milk and hold it warm around 110°F (43°C) for several hours, and it cultures a fresh batch.

Nutrition

Quick facts

Where to find plain yogurt: Plain yogurt is usually found in the asian section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group: Yogurt, plain is a member of the Dairy and Egg Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

In Chinese

酸奶，纯

British (UK) term

Yogurt, plain

en français

yogourt nature

en español

Yogurt natural

How much does plain yogurt weigh?

Related

Dairy and Egg Products

Recipes using plain yogurt

There are 542 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Quick Turkish Eggs, Spinach & Chickpeas

Eggs are simply poached with chickpeas and spinach. This can be a hearty breakfast or a quick and easy light meal. Super simple and one-pan preparation makes it perfect for a snappy weeknight meal or weekend brunch.

Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)

This is a "three-ingredient" anti-inflammatory Lebanese-inspired side dish (or vegetarian main) made with brown rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. Instant pot ready directions included.

Borani Esfanaj (Spinach-Yogurt Salad or Dip)

Spinach yogurt dip with a touch of kick. Musky and sweet spices compliment the spinach and tangy yogurt.

Buttermilk Waffles with Cherry-Almond Sauce

Buttermilk Waffles with Cherry-Almond Sauce recipe

Low-Fat Nilla-Nana Chocolate Chip Muffins

These scrumptious muffins are perfect to enjoy while tanning outside on a hot summer day.

Chilled Tomato-Yogurt Soup

A velvety chilled soup made with strained yogurt, ripe tomatoes, fresh dill, and a bright splash of white wine vinegar. This no-cook vegetarian recipe is refreshing, tangy, and ready to serve after a few hours in the fridge.

Lemon Yogurt Cookies

Tangy yogurt and bright lemon zest blend into soft oatmeal cookies with crisp edges, then get showered with powdered sugar for a lighter twist on classic cookies.

Guacamole with Yoghurt

An extra creamy rendition of guacamole with a touch of yoghurt for a bit of extra tang.

Maple Muffins with Apples

Hearty oat and grated apple muffins sweetened with pure maple syrup. Yogurt keeps them moist, walnuts add crunch, and they're done in 40 minutes start to finish.

Chilly Tomato Bisque Soup

Chilly tomato bisque blends vegetable juice, fresh tomatoes, plain yogurt, and basil into a cold, no-cook soup. The blender does all the work. Cool relief on hot summer days.

Marti's Whole Wheat Bread

Bread machine whole wheat bread sweetened with honey and softened with yogurt. Vital wheat gluten keeps this whole grain loaf light and tender instead of dense. Just measure, press start, and bake.

Protein Pancakes

Protein pancakes blend whole-wheat flour, bran, ground oats, and soy flour for a fiber-packed stack with 14 grams of protein per serving. Hearty, nutty, and built to keep you full past lunch.

Kids-Cook: Banana Nut Muffins

Kid-friendly banana nut muffins with yogurt, brown sugar, and walnuts. No eggs needed, easy enough for young bakers, and ready in 30 minutes.

Breakfast Yogurt Pancakes

Yogurt pancakes: fluffy breakfast pancakes lightened with separated eggs and tangy plain yogurt. The folded whipped whites give these their signature cloud-like texture.

Tasty Waffles with Mocha Mix

Dairy-light waffles use Mocha Mix non-dairy creamer in place of milk for a richer, slightly sweeter waffle. Cream of wheat and a touch of gluten flour give crisp edges and a tender, custardy interior.

Andy's Murgh Kurma (Chicken Curry)

Andy's murgh kurma: Indian chicken curry with a yogurt marinade, whole cardamom and cloves, and a deeply spiced tomato sauce. Serve with rice and chapati for a fragrant home-cooked dinner.

Tikka Chicken

Chicken pieces marinated in spiced yogurt with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and coriander, then grilled on skewers until charred and tender. Authentic Indian chicken tikka at home.

Minty Lamb Burgers

Minty lamb burgers blend ground lamb with grated onion, garlic, and fresh mint, then grill hot and fast over coals. Mediterranean-style burger ready in 25 minutes.

Loaded Vegetable Burger

Loaded vegetable burger with corn, mushroom, peppers, spinach, carrot, and potato bound with egg white. Served with mint yogurt sauce. Vegetarian patties.

Awesome Breakfast Biscuits & Sausage Gravy

Soft and scrumptious biscuits that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Salmon Fillet with Dilled Potatoes

Quick, easy and delicious. The creamy potato salad was a great side dish to serve with dilly salmon, and we had all the goodness our bodies needed as well. A perfect dinner on a busy weekday.

Lemon Yogurt Loaf

A moist lemon yogurt loaf with a double hit of citrus, lemon-rubbed sugar in the batter and a tangy lemon syrup brushed over the top. Tender from yogurt and oil, bright and not too sweet.

Yogurt with Cumcumber & Mint (Kheere Ka Raita)

Cool, creamy yogurt stirred with grated cucumber, fresh mint, roasted cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. This classic kheere ka raita is the essential Indian side dish that calms the heat and refreshes the palate.

Low Fat Caesar Salad

Not only delicious, but it also helps you keep a good diet.

Scallion Biscuits

Fluffy, savory scallion biscuits with a golden crust, made with simple ingredients like flour, yogurt, and butter. Perfect as a quick side dish or snack, ready in under 30 minutes.

Lemon-Herb Lamb Roast

Lemon herb lamb roast rubbed with lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme, served with a tangy yogurt pan sauce. Boneless leg of lamb roasted to a rosy medium for Easter or Sunday supper.

Fudgy Rocky Road Brownie Frozen Yogurt

Adapted this recipe from Foodnetwork magazine, I made a few changes to make it a little healthier but still taste decadently delicious. Then I made a frozen yogurt with these brownies, heavenly delicious!

Desperately Healthy Pancakes

High-fiber pancakes packed with soy flour, whole wheat, wheat germ, and bran, lifted with whipped egg whites and brightened with orange juice. A wholesome breakfast that doesn't taste like cardboard.

Naan (Leavened Flat Breads)

Homemade naan with a yogurt-leavened dough, no yeast required. Cooked on a cast-iron skillet then finished under the broiler for charred spots and puffed bubbles. Makes 9 pieces.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A creamy and savory soup that will warm you up on a cold winter night.

Easy Cucumber Raita

Make this quick, easy and refreshing cucumber raita to go with your favorite Indian curry dish.

Yummy Tzatziki

Authentic Greek tzatziki with strained yogurt, salted and squeezed cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. The proper way: 24-hour drain, no shortcuts. Vegetarian dip or sauce.

Chipotle Potato Salad

Chipotle potato salad swaps mayo for tangy yogurt and roasts the potatoes until golden, then folds in smoky chipotle, lime, cilantro, and Dijon. A lighter, bolder no-mayo potato salad for any cookout.

Strawberry-Yogurt Popsicles

Strawberry yogurt popsicles made with frozen strawberries, plain yogurt, and a touch of gelatin for creamy, slow-melting texture. No added sugar, no ice cream maker. Just blend, freeze in paper cups, and pull them out on the hottest day.

Best Ever Pancakes or Waffles

Half whole-wheat, half white flour buttermilk pancakes with a hint of cinnamon. Tangy buttermilk and baking soda give a tender, lofty crumb that crisps golden on a hot griddle.

Baby Greens with Mediterranean Vinaigrette

This is such a flavorful salad, the vinaigrette brings all the flavors together, and the spinach, dried cranberries and cheddar cheese are perfectly delicious with this tasty dressing.

Zucchini Potato Latkes with Tzatziki

These lovely latkes are made with zucchini and potato which are both in season, they are so tasty, served with homemade fresh Tzatziki, it can be a side dish or even a light dinner!

Cheese Enchiladas with New Mexican Chile Sauce

This is a cheese enchilada casserole. Beans, cheese, onions, Mexican chile sauce (not very spicy) and corn tortillas are layered in a casserole and then it's baked in the oven until bubbly.

Spiced Pumpkin Soup

Spiced pumpkin soup with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves blended into a velvety, dairy-free puree. A high-fiber, vegetarian fall soup that goes savory rather than sweet.

Grape Snack Muffins

Whole-wheat grape juice muffins with blue cornmeal, yogurt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Naturally sweetened with concord grape juice, no refined sugar. A wholesome lunchbox snack.

Fresh Apricot Ice Cream

Fresh apricot ice cream made with diced ripe apricots, apricot nectar, evaporated milk, and tangy yogurt. A cooler, lighter summer ice cream with bright stone-fruit flavor and no eggs.

Strawberry Mousse Cake

A homemade sponge cake split and soaked with strawberry liqueur syrup, then sandwiched around a fresh strawberry mousse made with yogurt and whipped cream. Patisserie-level elegance you can make at home.

Yogurt Naan

These scrumptious breads are the perfect side dish for any heart East Indian meal.

Berry Breakfast Puff for Two

An impressive yet easy to make baked breakfast pancake that achieves a massive height and is filled with berries and yogurt.

Cheddar & Dill Cornbread

Delicious cornbread, and the texture was great. I used whole wheat flour, and the bread still came out soft and fluffy. Used 2 large eggs instead of 3 egg whites, 2% milk, and 2% yogurt instead of fat-free version, which definitely gave the cornbread a richer taste. Served it with homemade kale, potato and white navy bean soup. A delicious and hearty meal.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

A delicious cake. I used half whole wheat flour and half white flour, otherwise followed the recipe. It came out great, and not too sweet. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. We did have it for breakfast :)

Ayalla's Banana Bread

If you love banana bread you will adore this simple recipe that's easy to understand and follow.

Gyro Sandwiches

Greek gyro sandwiches blend ground beef and lamb with oregano, thyme, and garlic into thin patties, then tuck into pita with homemade cucumber-yogurt sauce and sliced onion. Street food classic done at home.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Yogurt Dip

Instead of potato fries, try these oven baked sweet potato fries. They are sweet and creamy in the inside, golden and crispy on the outside. Dip them into this creamy and tangy chipotle yogurt dip, delicious.

Avocado & Potato Salad with Horseradish

While Loomis says that this salad does not keep well and shouldn't be counted on for leftovers, she says that it's one of the most popular potato salads she's ever made.

All 542 plain yogurt recipes