As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for healthy, budget-friendly snacks for my kids. I first switched to store-bought grass-fed yogurt tubs, but when I saw the price—$9.99 for less than a gallon—I knew I needed to find a more cost-effective solution. That’s when I decided to start making my own yogurt at home, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Not only does it taste amazing, but my kids absolutely love it too! We top it with naturally sweetened jam or fresh fruit, and it’s become a go-to snack that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Why I Switched from Store-Bought Yogurt to Grass-Fed Greek Yogurt
For years, we were all used to the convenience of store-bought yogurt, but I started to realize how much of a sugar overload they packed. Most of the yogurt at the grocery store is loaded with refined sugars—up to 25 grams per serving! That’s half of the recommended daily sugar intake for an adult. These sugary yogurts are also typically made with milk from conventional dairy farms where cows are fed grain-based diets in crowded feedlots, which can affect the quality of the milk. It’s a far cry from the rich, creamy, nutrient-packed milk from grass-fed cows.
Grass-fed Greek yogurt, on the other hand, is made with milk from cows that graze on natural pasture, which means the milk is higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins. It’s not just about the cows’ diet. Grass-fed yogurt is free from the unhealthy additives and preservatives that are commonly found in many conventional yogurts. Switching to grass-fed Greek yogurt was a simple way to upgrade our snack time while avoiding the toxic load of added sugars and chemicals.
The Problem with Sugary Yogurt
The biggest issue with many store-bought yogurts is the added sugar. Sugar contributes to a host of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It also takes away from the natural taste and health benefits of yogurt. Most flavored yogurts are packed with artificial sweeteners and preservatives, making them not just sugary but also chemically loaded.
Refined sugars are especially concerning because they spike blood sugar levels and offer no nutritional value. Some yogurts even contain up to 17 grams of sugar per serving! That’s half of the daily recommended sugar intake for an adult—way too much for a growing child. If you’re trying to avoid those sugars, then turning to naturally sweetened alternatives like grass-fed Greek yogurt is a much healthier choice.
My Yogurt-Making Journey
At first, I tried a different homemade yogurt recipe. That recipe suggested placing the jar of warm milk in the oven with a warm cloth to cool. I followed the instructions carefully, but let me tell you—it was a total disaster! The yogurt didn’t set properly, and I was left with a soupy mess. It was frustrating, but also a valuable lesson. I realized I needed a more reliable method, and that’s when I heard about the Instant Pot yogurt-making feature.
I also heard from my stepmom, who’s an expert in yogurt-making, that she places a whole cooler in her oven with the oven off to cool her yogurt. While that idea sounded genius, I quickly realized that I wasn’t quite ready to become that person—especially with my busy schedule. Instead, I decided to invest in the new and improved Instant Pot, and I’m so glad I did! It’s made the yogurt-making process a breeze, and the results are always perfect.
How I Make Grass-Fed Greek Yogurt at Home
Making homemade yogurt is easier than you might think, especially with an Instant Pot! Here’s the step-by-step process for making creamy, thick, and delicious grass-fed Greek yogurt:
- Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of grass-fed whole milk
- 4 tbsp plain yogurt (store-bought or leftover with live active cultures)
- Instructions:
- Pour the milk into the Instant Pot and close the lid.
- Set the Instant Pot to yogurt on high (it will automatically say “boil”).
- Once the pot finishes boiling, remove the pot of milk and place it on a trivet or stovetop. Insert a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature (here’s a link to the candy thermometer I use).
- Stir the milk regularly to avoid a film from forming.
- When the milk cools to 110°F, place the pot back in the Instant Pot, close the lid, and set the machine to medium. The display will read “8:00.”
- Let the yogurt cook for 8 hours.
- Once it’s done, allow it to cool and transfer it into 32oz wide-mouth mason jars for storage. This yogurt will keep for up to a month in the fridge.
- To make Greek yogurt, simply drain the yogurt through cheesecloth for about 4 hours to thicken it.
Sweetening the Yogurt the Right Way
sOne of my favorite ways to enjoy grass-fed Greek yogurt is by adding naturally sweetened jam. There are some amazing brands out there that offer fruit spreads with little to no added sugar. I’ve found that the kids love it just as much as store-bought sugary yogurts, but without the sugar rush. You can also add fresh fruit like strawberries, or even frozen blueberries, which makes it feel like a special treat.
If you want an even more indulgent option, I love to create a parfait with layers of yogurt, fresh strawberries, homemade protein granola, and a drizzle of honey in the evening. It’s the perfect sweet treat without all the refined sugar. It also satisfies my cravings while fueling my body with healthy nutrients.
Why I Love It
Switching to grass-fed Greek yogurt has been a game changer. It’s creamy, delicious, and healthy—and my kids can’t get enough of it. We now have a much healthier alternative to the sugary yogurts we used to reach for. I’m glad to know that we’re fueling our bodies with a wholesome snack. Whether we’re topping it with homemade granola, fresh fruit, or naturally sweetened jam, grass-fed yogurt has become a new family favorite.
So if you’re looking for a better alternative to sugary store-bought yogurts, I highly recommend giving grass-fed Greek yogurt a try. You will avoid the unhealthy additives and sugar. You’ll also be providing your family with a nutrient-dense snack that tastes amazing!
Tip: Don’t forget to check the labels of your jam or fruit spreads to make sure they’re naturally sweetened with fruit and not filled with refined sugars or additives. Your taste buds—and your health—will thank you!
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Grass Fed Yogurt
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 64 oz 1x
Description
This creamy, rich, and healthy homemade grass-fed Greek yogurt is a game-changer! Packed with probiotics and nutrients from high-quality grass-fed milk, it’s a perfect alternative to store-bought yogurts loaded with added sugars. Made in an Instant Pot, this simple recipe saves money and ensures a delicious, wholesome snack for your family. You can enjoy it with fresh fruit, homemade granola, or naturally sweetened jam for the perfect treat.
Ingredients
-
1 gallon of grass-fed whole milk
-
4 tbsp plain yogurt (store-bought or leftover with live active cultures)
Instructions
-
1 gallon of grass-fed whole milk
-
4 tbsp plain yogurt (store-bought or leftover with live active cultures)
Notes
Storage:
This yogurt will last up to 1 month in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 420
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