Does Greek yogurt contain gelatine?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Gelatine is a protein derived from animal collagen, and the simple answer to 'Does Greek yogurt contain gelatine?' is: it depends on the brand. Many traditional and high-quality Greek yogurts rely on a natural straining process for their thick texture, but some manufacturers add gelatine or other thickeners, especially in 'Greek-style' or lower-fat products. Always check the ingredient list to be certain.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of gelatine in Greek yogurt varies by brand, as some use animal-based additives for a thicker texture while others rely on natural straining. Consumers can easily verify a product's contents by examining the ingredients label. Many popular brands do not use gelatine, but it's important to check if adhering to vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Not All Greek Yogurt is Gelatine-Free: The inclusion of gelatine varies by brand, and it is not a standard ingredient in all Greek yogurts.
Check the Ingredient Label: The most reliable method to determine if a Greek yogurt contains gelatine is to read the ingredients list on the packaging.
Gelatine is Animal-Derived: Gelatine is made from animal collagen, typically from pigs or cows, making it unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain religious dietary restrictions.
Natural Thickeners Exist: Traditional Greek yogurt is naturally thick due to straining, but some brands use plant-based alternatives like pectin or gums as thickeners.
'Greek-Style' vs. True Greek: Products labeled 'Greek-style' are more likely to contain added thickeners, including gelatine, to mimic the texture of traditionally strained yogurt.
Many Popular Brands Are Gelatine-Free: Companies like Chobani and Fage produce Greek yogurts that are free of gelatine, relying on the natural straining process.

Greek Yogurt's Natural Thickness vs. Additives

Traditionally, Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt to remove excess whey, the watery part of milk. This process concentrates the milk solids, resulting in a naturally thick, creamy, and high-protein product. Because of this natural process, authentic Greek yogurt does not require additives like gelatine to achieve its signature consistency. The intense straining method is why traditional brands often have a simpler, shorter ingredient list—just milk and live active cultures.

Why Some Brands Use Thickeners

To cut costs or create specific textures, some manufacturers may skip the full straining process or use a less intensive method, opting instead to add thickening agents to achieve a similar mouthfeel. This practice is particularly common in cheaper or flavored varieties of yogurt. These products are often labeled 'Greek-style' rather than 'Greek yogurt' to denote this difference. This is where gelatine might be introduced, along with other thickeners like pectin, cornstarch, or various gums. Using these additives allows a company to use less milk while still producing a thick product, which lowers manufacturing costs. For consumers, especially those with dietary restrictions, this distinction is critical.

What Exactly is Gelatine?

Gelatine is a translucent, flavorless substance derived from collagen, a protein found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. The most common sources for commercial gelatine are pigs and cows, but it can also be sourced from fish. This animal origin is why gelatine is a major concern for vegetarians, vegans, and those following religious dietary laws like Kosher and Halal. While gelatine is a byproduct of the meat industry, it is a non-vegetarian ingredient and its presence means a product is not suitable for a strict vegetarian diet.

Gelatine-Free Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid gelatine, numerous plant-based alternatives are used as thickeners in dairy and non-dairy products. Common options include:

Pectin: A naturally occurring carbohydrate found in fruits. It is often used in jams and jellies but also functions as a stabilizer in yogurt.
Agar-Agar: A jelly-like substance made from seaweed, which is a popular vegan substitute for gelatine.
Carrageenan: Another gelling agent derived from red seaweed.
Gums: Ingredients like guar gum and locust bean gum, sourced from plants, are also used to thicken and stabilize products.

How to Tell if a Yogurt Contains Gelatine

The best way to be certain is to read the ingredient label. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients. Look for the specific word 'gelatine' or 'gelatin'. If a product is vegetarian or vegan, it will often state this clearly on the packaging. For example, brands like Chobani explicitly state that their Greek yogurts are free of gelatine and are suitable for vegetarians. Similarly, brands like Fage, which are known for their traditional straining methods, also do not contain gelatine in their classic Greek yogurt products.

Comparison Table: Greek Yogurt Varieties


Feature	Traditional Strained Greek Yogurt	'Greek-Style' Yogurt with Additives
Thickening Method	Natural straining to remove whey	Uses additives like gelatine, pectin, or starches
Ingredient List	Simple: milk and live cultures	Longer, including thickeners, stabilizers, and often added sugars
Protein Content	Naturally high due to concentration	Potentially lower than traditionally strained yogurt
Cost	Can be more expensive due to process	Often more affordable to produce
Dietary Suitability	Suitable for vegetarians (check other ingredients), Kosher, Halal	Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans if gelatine is present

Conclusion

While many high-quality, traditionally-made Greek yogurts are naturally thick from straining and do not contain gelatine, it is not a universal rule. The inclusion of gelatine is a cost-cutting measure used by some manufacturers, particularly in 'Greek-style' or low-fat versions, to achieve a thick texture without the intensive straining process. For those following a vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal diet, the only way to know for sure is to meticulously read the ingredient label before purchasing. Many brands, like Chobani and Fage, have clear statements regarding the absence of gelatine in their Greek yogurt lines, but vigilance is key. When in doubt, seek out plain, unflavored varieties, which are less likely to contain a long list of additives, or opt for products that explicitly state they are vegetarian-friendly. For further reading on the manufacturing of gelatine, the Wikipedia page on Gelatin provides an in-depth overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Greek yogurt is not always vegetarian. While the dairy base is vegetarian, some brands add animal-derived gelatine for texture, which is not suitable for vegetarians. Always check the ingredient list for 'gelatine'.

The easiest way is to read the ingredient label. If it contains gelatine, it will be listed in the ingredients. Some brands also label their products as vegetarian-friendly or explicitly state 'no gelatine'.

Adding gelatine is often a cost-saving measure. It allows manufacturers to create a thick consistency without the intensive and more expensive straining process used for traditional Greek yogurt.

Gelatine and other thickeners are commonly used in low-fat or low-calorie yogurts to compensate for the loss of texture and mouthfeel that occurs when fat is removed.

Yes, major brands like Chobani and Fage are widely known for producing Greek yogurts without gelatine. They rely on the traditional straining method for their thickness and often state this on their packaging.

Common plant-based thickeners used in yogurt include pectin (a fruit-based carbohydrate), carrageenan (from seaweed), and various plant-based gums.

Not necessarily. A kosher-certified product may contain gelatine derived from a kosher animal, such as fish. For a yogurt to be suitable for both Kosher and vegetarian diets, you must still check the ingredients list.