HealthNotes

Yogurt is available in many varieties, best described by their characteristics:

• Milk type

In addition to yogurt made from regular cows’ milk, some yogurts are made from goats’ milk.

• Yogurt culture

American yogurt originally contained only Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. thermophilus, and L. bulgaricus cultures. Yogurts are now available with added bifidobacteria and other beneficial lactic-acid bacteria.

• Fat content

Yogurt can be purchased with a range of fat content, from cream-on-top style to fat-free.

• Flavoring

Varieties include the different flavors of plain yogurts, and yogurts sweetened with sugar, honey, maple syrup, or fruit juice; some yogurt contains fruit preserves.

• Texture

Some yogurts are thick and rich; others, such as Greek yogurt and others made in the Eastern European style, are very smooth; yet another variety is a beverage drink that resembles Kefir, and yogurt products are available in many other styles as well.