A French-style yogurt is a dairy product known as “Yaourt à la Française” that has gained worldwide popularity.
They make this unique, creamy, and rich yogurt in small batches in individual glass pots with just a few ingredients that give it a delightful flavour.
Let’s explore more closely what makes it distinctive and why it continues to amaze palates everywhere.
1. What Is French Style Yogurt?
With so many styles of yogurt available in the market, what makes this exceptional? It is not simply the materials or the glass jars but also the production process.
Unlike other yogurts, the ingredients for this one are all kept separate in individual glass containers until the yogurt is set and ready to eat.
This way, it is not just mixing the ingredients in one container but letting each ingredient set on its own before it is consumed.
2. Where Does It Originate?
Deeply rooted in the historical roots of France, French-style yogurt became a fundamental part of French culinary traditions for centuries.
Initially, it had roots in the rural areas of France, wherein the farmers used milk from their cows. They boil the milk in little pots, add the bacterial cultures, and then set it to ferment.
Firms such as Yoplait brought the first commercial brand of French yogurt to the United States in 1974.
They kept producing large amounts of yogurt using cutting-edge manufacturing methods while maintaining the original pot-set fermentation method.
3. The Method Of Production
3.1. Ingredients
They prepare the yogurt using fewer ingredients, such as whole milk, because of its creamy structure and rich flavour.
Another helpful ingredient for any yogurt is the bacteria cultures. The primary active cultures are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. This makes the yogurt ferment and gives it a thick consistency.
An optional ingredient that can be put to offer variations is the added flavourings. These flavourings could be a fruit puree, vanilla extract, or other natural flavourings.
3.2. Process
The process starts with pasteurization of the whole milk. After which, it is set to cool to add the bacteria cultures.
The bacteria cultures add fermentation to the milk, creating thickness and flavour.
The entire fermentation process takes about eight hours, and then they cool it again and pack it in small jars.
Unlike Greek yogurts, French-style yogurt is not strained and is directly packed into individual containers, making it a creamier and milder flavour.
You can also use the process at home using a slow cooker.
4. What Makes It Different From Greek Yogurt?
We have already seen why it is unique and different from traditional yogurt. But how is it different from Greek yogurt? Let’s look into it:
4.1. Origin
The origin is the difference between both. French-style yogurt originated in France and demonstrates the French culinary tradition, whereas Greek-style yogurt originated in Greece and portrays Greek cuisine.
4.2. Texture
They do not strain out French-style yogurt like Greek, making it thicker and creamier.
Also, because of the fermentation process, the French style has a more smooth and velvety texture, whereas the Greek style is more concentrated with a tarty flavour.
4.3. Flavor
Regarding flavour, the Greek style is tangier because of its straining process, whereas the French style is whole milk and less spicy, which adds more to its taste.
4.4. Nutrients
Greek-style yogurt is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than French yogurt due to the straining process that removes whey.
However, due to the absence of straining in the French style, it has more of the milk’s original nutrients and lower protein.
4.5. Uses
Because of its creamier texture, a French-style yogurt can be used as a dessert or base for dressings and creamy sauces. On the other hand, Greek-style yogurt can be used as dips, spreads, or even toppings for savoury dishes.
4.6. Nutrition level
French yogurt contains Vitamins A and D and is a potent calcium source, making it the perfect breakfast intake.
5. Is French Style Yogurt Probiotic?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are advantageous for our health. The probiotic cultures contain active bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, that are good for gut health.
So, does French-style yogurt have them? Definitely! During fermentation, these two live cultures are added to give the yogurt a creamy and velvety structure.
5.1 Is French Yogurt Healthy Then?
Yes! French-style yogurt is healthy. There are various factors on which we can say that this yogurt is a healthy food choice. Let’s see them:
Protein – It does have a little less protein than Greek-style yogurt, but it sure does contain a good amount of protein. Protein helps repair tissues in your body and keeps one’s content.
Calcium – Where there is whole milk, there is calcium. The yogurt is rich in calcium, essential for healthier teeth and bones.
Vitamins – The yogurt is also very nutritious as it provides many nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. This, in turn, maintains good well-being.
However, there is some flavoured French-style yogurt that may contain added sugars. Hence, choosing the flavour according to one’s dietary needs is advisable.
5.2 How Do You Make It The Healthiest Choice Then?
This can be easily solved by choosing plain, unsweetened French-style yogurt, which is relatively low in sugar and lets you choose your toppings and sweeteners.
One can also include it in a balanced diet incorporating other foods high in nutrients.
6. Culinary Uses Of French-Style Yogurt
Now knowing the fact that French-style yogurt is multifaceted, here are some of the ways you can use the yogurt:
- Baking – One of the most common substitutes for sour cream or buttermilk in baking is yogurt. Additionally, French-style yogurt is used instead of other types of yogurt to make pancakes or muffins.
- Breakfast staple – French-style yogurt can be eaten anytime during the day. The French usually have their yogurt in the morning. Furthermore, you might try it with some toppings like fruits or nuts.
- Dressings – The yogurt can also serve as a base for marinades or salad dressings.
- Curries – You can add this yogurt to make the curry more tangy and delicious. It also helps in balancing the flavours.
- Frozen treats – What can be better than eating yogurt as an ice cream? , put the yogurt in an ice tray and freeze it by mixing sweeteners or fruit purees.
- Smoothies – The creamy texture of the yogurt enhances the creaminess of your smoothies. And also a protein boost!
- Dessert – The best way to eat yogurt is to eat it as a dessert. You can mix it with syrup or honey, depending on your taste.
7. Why Does This Creamy Texture Yogurt Taste Better?
Taste buds differ from individual to individual. However, one may still be unsure why French-style yogurt tastes better. Here are some reasons why one may prefer the taste of this yogurt over any other:
- It’s texture. The creaminess and velvety form make the yogurt melt smoothly into our mouths.
- Its mild and less tangy flavour makes it easy to pair with different toppings without overpowering the other flavours.
- Due to not straining, the yogurt has a thicker consistency than the others, giving it an edge.
- The ingredients used, especially the quality of the milk, give it a delightful taste.
8. Famous Yogurt Products
8.1. Oui by Yoplait
Yoplait produces the famous brand Oui yogurt, known for its French-style yogurt. A group of farmers in France established a dairy cooperative that later became Yoplait.
Then, in 2017, the yogurt was first presented in the United States, where it has since grown in popularity due to its creamy texture and how it is packed in a glass pot.
8.2. Liberte
Liberte was established in Canada as a small kosher dairy to create great dairy products from essential, local ingredients. Its dedication to traditional French recipes explains why it is so well-liked.
It makes use of a slow fermenting method and premium ingredients to produce a delicious flavour that is smooth and creamy.
8.3. La Fermière
La Fermière is a popular yogurt created using an artisanal process by a family-run French yogurt and dessert company. Their dedication to quality and how their items are packaged makes them unique.
Glass pots with a wax seal and a vibrant rustic design are used to sell the yogurt.
8.4. Yeo Valley
A British dairy brand is known for its French-style yogurt. The yogurt is made of organic milk and natural flavourings.
Yeo Valley provides natural plain yogurt and a wide range of fruit flavoured with various flavours such as strawberry, blueberry, honey, and more.
In The End
For the yogurt lover or those who consume yogurt daily, French-style yogurt is a healthy and delicious option.
By trying it out, you will be taken on a beautiful journey of the French way of life. After all, living is all about taking pleasure in the little things.
So, French-style yogurt is a rich and creamy product that has delivered a taste of luxury and a great culinary experience!
Try some of it; why not? And maybe this will quickly become your favourite yogurt!
Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by byapti14
I like Yoplait brand of french yogurt. But I never paid much attention to the added sweetness. The process of making French yogurt sounds very similar to those in Asian countries where yogurt is consumed regularly. I too want to give it a try making it at home.