Does Greek Yogurt Have Any Dairy in It? Unpacking the Ingredients

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Dairy Association, all yogurt, including the Greek variety, is a dairy product because it is made from milk. This fundamental fact is crucial for those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or who adhere to a vegan diet, as Greek yogurt is not a dairy-free food.

Quick Summary

Greek yogurt is a dairy product made from milk, although its unique straining process reduces its lactose content compared to regular yogurt. It is not suitable for those with milk allergies or on vegan diets, but many with lactose intolerance may tolerate it.

Key Points

Contains Dairy: Greek yogurt is made from milk and is therefore a dairy product, not suitable for individuals with a milk protein allergy.
Lower in Lactose: The straining process used to make Greek yogurt removes a significant amount of lactose, making it easier for some people with lactose intolerance to digest.
Not Lactose-Free: While reduced, Greek yogurt still contains some lactose and is not a suitable option for those who need a completely lactose-free diet.
Higher in Protein: Due to the removal of whey during straining, Greek yogurt is more concentrated and has a higher protein content than regular yogurt.
Plenty of Alternatives: There are many plant-based yogurt alternatives made from soy, coconut, almond, and cashew milk for those who need or prefer to avoid dairy.
Distinguish Between Allergies and Intolerance: A milk protein allergy is more severe than lactose intolerance, requiring complete avoidance of dairy products like Greek yogurt.
Labels Matter: It is important to read product labels carefully, especially for 'Greek-style' products, to ensure they meet specific dietary requirements.

The Dairy Truth: Greek Yogurt Is a Dairy Product

Despite its distinct texture and processing, Greek yogurt is unequivocally a dairy product. It starts with milk—typically cow's milk—and is fermented with live bacterial cultures. The misconception that Greek yogurt is dairy-free often stems from its lower lactose content and thicker consistency, which sets it apart from traditional yogurt. However, the presence of milk solids means it contains milk proteins and sugar, making it unsuitable for individuals with a true milk allergy. The distinction between Greek yogurt and 'Greek-style' yogurt is also important to note. Authentic Greek yogurt is made by straining to remove whey, while Greek-style versions may add thickeners and protein supplements to standard yogurt to achieve a similar consistency.

The Straining Process and Its Impact on Lactose

The defining difference between Greek and regular yogurt is the manufacturing process. Both begin with the same basic ingredients: milk and beneficial bacterial cultures, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The process for Greek yogurt involves an extra step of straining. This procedure, traditionally done with cloth bags, removes most of the liquid whey, water, and lactose. Modern methods often use centrifuges to speed up this process. The removal of whey concentrates the remaining milk solids, resulting in the creamy, thick, protein-rich product we know as Greek yogurt. While this straining significantly reduces the lactose content, it does not eliminate it entirely.

Who Should Avoid Greek Yogurt?

For certain dietary needs, Greek yogurt is not an option. It is crucial to distinguish between a milk protein allergy and lactose intolerance.

Milk Protein Allergy: A milk allergy is an immune system reaction to the proteins found in milk, which are present in Greek yogurt. Symptoms can range from hives to anaphylaxis, and anyone with this condition must avoid all dairy products.
Lactose Intolerance: This is a digestive issue where the body lacks enough lactase enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. Because Greek yogurt is lower in lactose due to straining, some individuals with mild lactose intolerance may be able to consume it with minimal discomfort. For those with more severe intolerance, lactose-free dairy options or non-dairy alternatives are the safest bet.
Vegan Diets: Individuals following a strict vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, must avoid Greek yogurt and other dairy products.

Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: A Nutritional Snapshot

This table highlights the key differences resulting from their respective production methods.


Feature	Greek Yogurt	Regular Yogurt
Dairy Content	Yes	Yes
Lactose Content	Lower (due to straining)	Higher
Protein	Higher (concentrated)	Lower
Calcium	Lower (some lost with whey)	Higher
Consistency	Thick and creamy	Thinner and more liquid
Taste	Tangier	Milder, often sweeter

Finding Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt Alternatives

For those who need or choose to avoid dairy, a variety of delicious and nutritious alternatives mimic the creamy texture and tangy flavor of Greek yogurt. These are typically made from plant-based milks and fermented with vegan cultures. Some recipes even use tofu and cashews for added protein and creaminess.

Soy Yogurt: A popular alternative, soy yogurt often provides a protein content comparable to Greek yogurt, making it a satisfying choice.
Coconut Yogurt: Known for its rich, tropical flavor and creamy texture, coconut yogurt is a great option, though it may be higher in fat.
Almond Milk Yogurt: Offers a milder flavor and is a lighter alternative, often fortified with calcium.
Cashew Yogurt: Tends to be exceptionally creamy and rich, a great base for dips and sauces.
Oat Yogurt: Gaining popularity, oat yogurt offers a mild flavor and smooth consistency, similar to regular yogurt.

To ensure you are selecting a truly dairy-free product, always check the ingredients list for milk solids, whey, casein, and lactose. Many plant-based yogurts are fortified with vitamins and minerals to match the nutritional profile of dairy, but it's important to check individual product labels. For more information on the various nutritional benefits of dairy yogurt, consult sources like the U.S. Dairy website.

The Final Verdict on Greek Yogurt and Dairy

In conclusion, Greek yogurt is and always has been a dairy product. It is created from milk and contains milk solids, which means it should be avoided by anyone with a milk protein allergy or those following a vegan diet. For individuals with lactose intolerance, its lower lactose content may make it a more digestible option than other dairy products. However, it is not completely lactose-free, so caution is advised. The growing market of dairy-free alternatives provides an excellent solution for those seeking the thick, creamy consistency and probiotic benefits of Greek yogurt without the dairy content. Choosing the right yogurt, whether dairy-based or plant-based, depends entirely on individual dietary needs, preferences, and health considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Greek yogurt is not dairy-free. It is made from milk and therefore contains dairy. A truly dairy-free product would be made from a plant-based alternative, like soy, almond, or coconut milk.

Yes, Greek yogurt does contain lactose. However, the straining process removes a large portion of the lactose, resulting in a significantly lower concentration than in regular yogurt or milk.

Some people with mild lactose intolerance may be able to consume Greek yogurt without issues due to its lower lactose content and the presence of live cultures that help break down lactose. However, this varies by individual, and those with more severe intolerance should be cautious.

No, Greek yogurt is not suitable for vegans as it is an animal product. Vegans should opt for plant-based alternatives like those made from soy, almond, or coconut milk.

Both Greek and regular yogurt are dairy products. The primary difference is that Greek yogurt is strained to remove excess whey, which results in a thicker product with a higher protein content and lower lactose level than regular yogurt.

Effective dairy-free alternatives include yogurts made from soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. These products are fermented with non-dairy cultures to achieve a similar texture and probiotic benefit.

Not necessarily. The term 'Greek-style' indicates that the product was not made through the traditional straining process and may contain thickeners and other additives. It is still a dairy product unless explicitly labeled as a vegan or non-dairy alternative.

A Greek yogurt labeled 'lactose-free' means that a lactase enzyme has been added during production to break down the lactose, making it easier to digest for those with intolerance. It is still a dairy product containing milk proteins.