What is the Vegan Brand of Greek Yogurt?

Demand for plant-based yogurt alternatives has grown significantly, with many brands now offering a thick, tangy vegan Greek yogurt to rival traditional dairy versions. This guide explores the leading brands and what makes their dairy-free options stand out.

Quick Summary

Many popular brands now offer vegan Greek-style yogurt, with prominent options including Kite Hill, Silk, and Forager Project, all varying by base ingredient, protein content, and texture. Options for making a dairy-free version at home also exist.

Key Points

• Kite Hill: A high-protein, almond and soy-based Greek-style yogurt available in both sweetened and unsweetened versions.

• Silk Greek Style: A creamy, coconut-based option that uses pea protein and is known for its smooth texture and sweetened flavors.

• Forager Project: A popular organic choice, its Greek-style yogurt is made from cashews and coconut and contains 10g of plant-based protein.

• Alpro: A major vegan brand, especially outside the U.S., offering Greek-style products from soy, oat, and coconut bases.

• Diverse Ingredients: Vegan Greek yogurts are crafted from various plant milks, including almond, soy, coconut, and cashew, with added proteins and cultures.

• Check Nutrition Labels: Protein content, sugar levels, and type of probiotic cultures can vary significantly between brands.

• Homemade Option: For customizability, vegan Greek yogurt can be made at home using plant milk and cultures.

What is the vegan brand of Greek yogurt?

The market for plant-based alternatives has expanded considerably in recent years, introducing a variety of dairy-free substitutes for traditional Greek yogurt. Unlike regular yogurt, Greek yogurt undergoes a straining process to remove whey, resulting in a thicker, tangier product with higher protein content. Replicating these characteristics in a vegan version requires different techniques, and many brands achieve this by using a base of plant-based milk combined with proteins, starches, and live cultures.

Top Vegan Greek Yogurt Brands

Kite Hill Greek Style

Kite Hill is a well-regarded plant-based brand known for its Greek-style yogurt made from a blend of almond milk and soy protein isolate.

• Protein Content: Often cited as a high-protein option, with up to 15-17 grams per serving, making it comparable to many dairy Greek yogurts.
• Flavor Options: Available in plain, unsweetened, and flavored varieties like vanilla and strawberry.
• Texture: Known for a thick, velvety consistency that closely mimics traditional Greek yogurt.
• Uses: Its versatility makes it suitable for sweet applications like parfaits and smoothies, as well as savory uses such as dips.

Silk Greek Style Coconut Milk

Silk, a well-established name in dairy alternatives, offers a Greek-style yogurt made with a coconut milk base, fortified with pea protein.

• Protein Content: Provides a solid protein boost, typically around 10 grams per serving.
• Flavor Options: Silk primarily focuses on sweetened, fruit-forward flavors, including vanilla, strawberry, and lemon.
• Texture: Praised for its incredibly thick, creamy texture that holds up well.
• Availability: Note that the specific products and availability can differ by region, such as between the US and Canada.

Forager Project Greek Style

Forager Project specializes in organic, plant-based foods. Their Greek-style yogurt is crafted from a base of organic cashews and coconut milk.

• Protein Content: Offers 10 grams of protein per serving from a combination of cashew and rice protein.
• Flavor Options: Available in an unsweetened plain version, which is excellent for savory recipes, as well as other flavors.
• Texture: Provides a rich, tangy taste and satisfying texture without the use of oils or fillers.
• Quality: Certified organic, vegan, and free from soy and gluten, catering to various dietary needs.

Other Notable Brands

• Alpro Greek Style: A popular choice in European markets, Alpro offers Greek-style alternatives made from soy, oat, or coconut bases.
• Culina Greek-Style Dairy-Free Yogurt: A coconut-based option with simple ingredients, noted for its rich flavor and thick texture, though it has lower protein content.
• Daiya Deliciously Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative: Coconut cream-based and often thicker than other vegan yogurts, with a tart taste.

Comparison Table: Vegan Greek Yogurt Brands

Brand	Main Ingredients	Protein per Serving	Key Characteristics
Kite Hill	Almond Milk, Soy Protein Isolate	15-17g	High protein, thick texture, unsweetened and flavored options
Silk	Coconut Milk, Pea Protein	~10g	Very thick and creamy, primarily sweetened fruit flavors
Forager Project	Cashew, Coconut, Rice Protein	10g	Organic, tangy, clean ingredients, unsweetened option
Alpro	Soy, Oat, or Coconut Bases	Variable	Popular in Europe, various bases and flavors, fortified
Culina	Coconut Milk	Lower (varies)	Very simple ingredients, thick, high fat, coconut flavor

Key Factors for Choosing Your Vegan Greek Yogurt

Finding the right vegan Greek yogurt depends on your personal preferences and dietary goals. Consider the following when shopping:

• Base Ingredient: Your choice of base—almond, soy, coconut, cashew, or oat—will significantly impact the flavor profile. Coconut bases often have a distinctive taste, while soy and almond can be more neutral.
• Protein Content: For those prioritizing protein, brands like Kite Hill and Silk offer higher amounts from added pea or soy protein. Always check the nutritional information.
• Sugar Level: Many flavored options are sweetened. Look for 'unsweetened' or 'plain' varieties if you want to control your sugar intake.
• Probiotics: Most vegan Greek-style yogurts contain live and active cultures for digestive health. Check the label for specific strains and confirm they are vegan-friendly.
• Texture: The base ingredient and thickening agents used will determine the final texture. If you prefer a thick, dairy-like consistency, look for brands that focus on mimicking this texture.

The DIY Option: Homemade Vegan Greek Yogurt

For those who prefer full control over ingredients or struggle to find specific brands, making vegan Greek yogurt at home is a viable option. Recipes often involve a few key steps:

1. Select a plant milk base: Soy milk is a popular choice for its protein content, while cashew milk can provide extra creaminess.
2. Add thickeners: Starches or gums can be used to achieve a thicker consistency before fermentation.
3. Incorporate a vegan yogurt starter: Introduce live active cultures to the mixture.
4. Incubate and strain: Allow the mixture to ferment, then strain it through a cheesecloth to achieve that signature Greek yogurt thickness.

For more information on the brands and their qualities, check out this guide from a trusted source: The Best Vegan Greek Yogurt Options.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no single "vegan brand of Greek yogurt" but rather a diverse and growing market of brands offering high-quality, dairy-free alternatives. Kite Hill, Silk, Forager Project, and Alpro are among the most prominent, each with its own unique characteristics regarding base ingredients, protein levels, and texture. By considering what is most important to you—be it high protein, minimal ingredients, or a specific flavor—you can navigate the options to find the perfect vegan Greek yogurt for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greek yogurt vegan?

Traditional Greek yogurt is not vegan as it is made from strained cow's milk. However, many vegan brands now create "Greek-style" alternatives from plant-based milks and other ingredients.

What is the highest protein vegan Greek yogurt?

Kite Hill Greek-style yogurt, made from almond milk and soy protein, is often one of the highest protein options available, providing up to 15-17 grams of protein per serving.

Do vegan Greek yogurts contain probiotics?

Yes, most reputable vegan Greek yogurt brands include live and active cultures for digestive health. The specific strains are usually listed on the packaging.

What are vegan Greek yogurts made from?

They are typically made from plant-based milks such as almond, soy, cashew, coconut, or oat, along with added proteins, thickeners, and live cultures to achieve the desired texture.

Is Silk Greek-style yogurt dairy-free?

Yes, Silk Greek-style coconut yogurt is a dairy-free alternative that uses a coconut milk base combined with pea protein to create a creamy, thick product.

Where can I find vegan Greek yogurt brands?

You can find vegan Greek yogurt at most major grocery stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and many other supermarkets in the refrigerated dairy or vegan food section.

Can I make my own vegan Greek yogurt?

Yes, it is possible to make your own at home. Recipes often use ingredients like soy milk or cashew milk, a vegan probiotic starter, and thickeners like tapioca starch to replicate the texture.

Which vegan Greek yogurt is best for cooking and savory dishes?

Plain, unsweetened options from brands like Kite Hill and Forager Project are often best for cooking and savory applications, as their neutral flavor won't interfere with the final dish.