What Is The Difference Between Yogurt And Curd?

Yogurt and curd are both dairy products that are vastly different from each other. Surprising, isn’t it? Although they look similar and taste the same, almost, the two differ in many aspects, including how they are prepared. 

And no, Yogurt is not the western name for curd!

You might be thinking, how exactly are they different from each other?

To understand the difference between yogurt and curd,  we have to start from the basics, i.e., how they are prepared. 

Differences between Yogurt and Curd

Here are some of the prominent differences between yogurt and curd:

Method of Preparation

The first major difference between yogurt and curd is the way they are prepared.

Curd is made by coagulating milk with edible acids like lemon juice and vinegar in a process known as curdling. 

The acetic acid present in edible acids like vinegar reacts with the acid already present in milk. This increase in acidity results in the formation of solid blocks of milk. 

Curd, which is popularly known as dahi in India, is made by fermenting milk with the help of Lactic Acid bacteria. This bacteria reacts with casein, a globular protein found in milk. The bacteria then produces energy during the reaction. Lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of the energy formation. This lactic acid then reacts with the globular proteins present in milk, denatures them, and results in the formation of a thick texture i.e., curd.  

Yogurt, on the other hand, is made by fermenting milk using live strains of two bacteria: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus and is practically impossible to make at home.  The bacteria reacts with the sugar present in milk. The reaction produces lactic acid which then reacts with the protein in the milk and forms yogurt.

The type of milk used will affect the yogurt produced. 

Yogurt is typically produced for commercial purposes and is artificially sweetened and made available in a variety of flavors. 

The chemical reaction involved in the formation of Lactic acid is as follows:

Related | What Is The Difference Between Curd And Buttermilk?

Amount of Lactose

Curd contains more lactose than yogurt but significantly less when compared to fresh milk. 

Because of this, those who are lactose intolerant prefer yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, over curd.  

Also Read | What Is The Difference Between Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest?

Nutritional Value

Curd is rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6 while yogurt is a wonderful source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12. 

Yogurt lowers the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol while curd stimulates the brain and promotes digestion.

Flavors

Curd is traditionally consumed simply without any flavors. In Indian households, it is taken with either sugar or jaggery. It is white and has a sour or acidic flavor, which is used in a variety of recipes, celebrate occasions, and is consumed as a component of Indian cuisine.

Yogurt, on the other hand, comes in a wide variety of flavors. Yogurt flavors typically include strawberry, mango, and blueberry, among many others. Yogurt has a less sour/acidic taste than curd.

Related | What Is The Difference Between Ice Cream And Frozen Desserts?

Yogurt vs Curd- Which is better?

Yogurt and curd are good for health and have nutritional values. 

• Yogurt is a great source of protein, potassium, molybdenum, pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5. Because it is protein-rich, yogurt is beneficial for weight loss. It is the preference of people with high blood pressure due to its potassium content. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which help in maintaining healthy gut health. 

• Curd is a great choice for people with indigestion issues as it helps in better digestion. The digestive system can easily absorb the nutrients in curd. The good bacteria present in curd help in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. It is a strong source of calcium and phosphorus, which is good for overall bone health. Curd also has beauty benefits as it is beneficial for skin and hair.

Both dairy products, yogurt, and curd are delicious and good sources of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics. Now, let's take a look at the uses of yogurt and curd. 

Uses of curd

Curd is a staple food in many cultures and is used for multiple purposes, including:

• As a condiment: Curd is often used as a topping for dishes such as biryani. 
• In cooking: It is used to marinade meats and can also be used as a base for sauces and dips. 
• As a beauty product: Curd is often used by many people as a face mask and hair mask to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin or hair. 

Uses of yogurt

• As a food item: Yogurt is a popular breakfast food that is either taken plain or with toppings such as fruits, nuts, granola, among others.
• In cooking: Yogurt is sometimes used as a substitute for sour cream or cream in making sauces and dressings. 
• For health: Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which can improve gut health.

Differences between Yogurt and Curd: At a glance 

Although both yogurt and curd share a few similarities and are both popular dairy products enjoyed around the world, there are notable differences between the two. They have distinct flavors, textures, uses, and nutritional profiles. Below are the highlighted differences between yogurt and curd:

Despite these differences, both yogurt and curd are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory curries to sweet desserts and smoothies. They are also rich in probiotics and other beneficial nutrients. We hope that this article was helpful in understanding the difference between yogurt and curd. 

Disclaimer: This article has been updated and additional information has been added to ensure clarity. 

Related | What Is The Difference Between Vegan And Vegetarian?