Yoghurt and curd have been integral parts of diets worldwide, celebrated for their creamy texture, tangy flavour, and impressive health benefits. They are widely consumed as standalone snacks, meal accompaniments, or ingredients in smoothies and desserts. However, with the rise of packaged dairy products in recent years, many people are left wondering whether store-bought items can match the nutritional value and health benefits of homemade curd.
While both options have their merits, they differ significantly in terms of preparation methods, nutritional content, and health benefits. Regarding the same, an expert shared the difference between homemade and dairy products' nutritional profiles, probiotic content, and potential health impacts to help you make an informed choice.
Is Packaged Yoghurt Beneficial?
Dr Akshat Chadha, Doctor, Hope and Care, Navi Mumbai, explained replacing homemade curd with packaged yoghurt can have drawbacks. While yoghurt can be a great source of probiotics, there are important factors to consider regarding its nutritional value and processing. Some of the key points are mentioned below.
- Probiotic Content: Homemade curd is rich in good bacteria that promote gut health. Packaged yoghurt may lose some of these beneficial probiotics during processing.
- Preparation Method: Making curd at home allows you to control the fermentation process, ensuring higher probiotic levels. Dr. Chadha recommends fermenting milk at home for optimal health benefits.
- Occasional Consumption: Packaged yoghurt can be enjoyed occasionally about once every 2-3 weeks but should not replace homemade options in your daily diet.
- Nutritional Differences: While packaged Greek yoghurt is thicker and has more protein, it often contains additives like stabilisers or preservatives that can affect its overall quality.
- Packaging Concerns: There are potential issues with microplastics and other chemicals found in packaging that may pose health risks.
- Balanced Approach: While packaged yoghurt can be convenient, prioritise fresh, homemade curd for better nutritional value and digestive health.
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Difference Between Homemade and Dairy Products
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Homemade curd and packaged yoghurt are both popular dairy products, but they differ significantly in terms of preparation, nutritional value, and health benefits. Here's a breakdown of the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
Homemade curd is prepared by fermenting warm milk with a starter culture, offering a natural, fresh product free from additives or preservatives. It is rich in live probiotics that promote gut health and retain all its natural nutrients like calcium and protein.
On the other hand, packaged yoghurt is commercially produced, often pasteurised, and may include stabilisers, preservatives, or added sugars to enhance shelf life and taste. While it is convenient and sometimes fortified with extra nutrients like Vitamin D, the probiotic content may be lower due to processing.
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Conclusion
However, homemade curd is more economical and environmentally friendly since it avoids plastic packaging, whereas packaged yoghurt is ready-to-eat and ideal for busy lifestyles. In terms of taste, homemade curd has a mild flavour and softer texture, while packaged yoghurt is often creamier and thicker. While homemade curd is the healthier choice for regular consumption, packaged yoghurt can be a good occasional alternative if chosen carefully with minimal additives.
If your priority is gut health and avoiding additives, homemade curd is the better option due to its higher probiotic content and natural preparation process. However, if convenience is essential, packaged yoghurt can be a good alternative when consumed occasionally. Always check labels for minimal processing and avoid products with excessive sugars or artificial ingredients for a healthier choice.