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1000+ verified doctorswhat is the difference between yogurt and curd - #44621
I am confused about something really basic but it’s been bothering me lately. I always thought yogurt and curd were the same. Like, I’ve been using them interchangeably in my cooking, especially when I make those smoothie bowls or when I want to temper some curry or whatever. I mean, they look kinda similar to me, but recently I read something online that kinda changed my mind. My mom makes this delicious curd at home, using milk and a spoonful of last night's curd, and it’s creamy and tangy. Then I buy yogurt from the store for my health shakes, and sometimes it tastes different? But like, honestly, what is the difference between yogurt and curd? Is it just the fermentation process or there’s more? I’ve tried asking friends, but their answers just added to my confusion. Some say yogurt is just a commercial form of curd, while others say they come from different bacteria or something. So, I’m left here wondering if I am missing out on some nutritional benefits by swapping one for the other in my diet. Any clarity on this would really help! Like, should I switch back to using curd only at home or will yogurt do? Thanks for any tips!
Doctors' responses
Yogurt and curd are similar, but they have distinct differences in their preparation and bacteria content. Your mom’s homemade curd, using naturally fermented milk with a starter of the previous day’s curd, involves lactic acid bacteria. This traditional method mainly utilizes bacteria like Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. It’s a staple in Indian households and naturally balances gut flora, benefiting digestion according to Ayurvedic principles of maintaining a healthy agni, or digestive fire.
Store-bought yogurt, on the other hand, is often produced using specific strains like Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. These cultures are sometimes added in precise ratios to maintain standard texture and taste. It may occasionally have added sugars or flavorings, which could explain the difference in taste you encounter. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, yogurts’ sometimes high sugar content may disturb your doshas, particularly kapha if consumed in excess.
Regarding nutritional benefits, both provide probiotics beneficial for gut health, though the bacterial diversity might vary slightly. Yogurt can sometimes offer a consistent nutrient profile due to standardized processing, but homemade curd wins for its simplicity and lack of additives. If you prepare your own yogurt at home, you can ensure it remains pure and closely aligned with its traditional essence, just as curd.
In terms of usage, both can be used interchangeably in cooking as long as you remain mindful of added ingredients in commercial yogurt. For a smoother transition with minimal lifestyle disruptions, alternate between the two based on availability and preference. If you frequently experience digestive issues or are concerned about hidden sugar content, lean towards homemade curd. For health shakes, if convenience and consistency are important, yogurt might be more practical. Consider your lifestyle and dietary goals when deciding between them, and adjust accordingly.
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