Maya Ellison
Yogurt is a delicious and healthy treat, but it often comes in plastic containers that can be harmful to the environment. Many people are looking for ways to reduce their plastic waste and are seeking out yogurt options that are not packaged in plastic. While some companies offer yogurt in glass jars or returnable ceramic containers, these options can be hard to find and may not be available in all areas. As a result, some people are choosing to make their own yogurt at home, using simple ingredients and basic equipment such as a thermos or a ceramic jug. By making yogurt themselves, individuals can reduce their plastic waste and have more control over the ingredients and additives in their yogurt.
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What You'll Learn
Make your own yogurt at home
Making yogurt at home is a simple process that can help you reduce plastic waste and save money. While it may be challenging to find yogurt without plastic packaging in stores, you can easily make your own yogurt with just a few basic ingredients and equipment. Here's a guide to help you get started on making delicious, homemade yogurt:
Ingredients and Equipment:
You only need a few simple ingredients to make yogurt at home: milk and yogurt starter (plain, unflavored yogurt). For the milk, whole milk or 2% milk will make the thickest and creamiest yogurt, but you can also use skim milk if preferred. As for equipment, you'll need a pot or bowl for heating the milk, a whisk or spoon for mixing, and containers for storing your finished yogurt. You can use glass jars, a large bowl, or even ice cube trays for freezing individual portions.
Step 1: Heating Milk:
Start by heating your milk in a pot or bowl. You can do this on the stovetop or in an oven set to warm. Just be careful not to boil the milk; you want to heat it to around 110°F (43°C). This temperature range creates a suitable environment for the yogurt bacteria to work.
Step 2: Adding Yogurt Starter:
Once your milk has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat source. Take about 2-4 tablespoons of your plain yogurt (yogurt starter) and whisk it into the warm milk. Make sure the yogurt you choose does not have any additives, GMO ingredients, or artificial sweeteners.
Step 3: Incubation:
Cover your pot or bowl with a towel to keep the mixture warm. You can place it in a warm oven, on a heating pad, or simply leave it in a warm spot in your kitchen. The incubation process allows the bacteria in the yogurt starter to turn the milk into yogurt. This typically takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the temperature.
Step 4: Refrigeration and Storage:
Once your yogurt has formed, place it in the refrigerator to cool. As it cools, you may notice a pale yellow liquid forming—this is whey, and it's perfectly safe to consume. You can stir the whey back into the yogurt for added nutritional benefits, or drain it off and use it in other recipes like pancakes, smoothies, or protein drinks. Store your yogurt in the refrigerator and enjoy it as desired!
Tips for Thicker Yogurt:
If you prefer a thicker Greek-style yogurt, there are a few techniques you can try. Firstly, you can add powdered milk to your yogurt mixture. This not only makes the yogurt thicker but also adds flavor. Additionally, you can strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove some of the whey and create a denser consistency.
Making yogurt at home is a rewarding and sustainable practice. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, homemade yogurt while reducing your plastic waste and customizing your yogurt's flavor and thickness to your liking.
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Buy from eco-friendly companies
If you are looking to buy yogurt without the plastic waste, one of the best options is to buy from eco-friendly companies that are committed to sustainability.
One example is Chobani, which offers a range of yogurt products in recyclable paper-based packaging. Chobani's single-serve Oat Blend yogurts are now packaged in paper cups, with the brand's other offerings following suit in the future. The paper cups are made from 80% paperboard sourced from renewable materials and are an excellent alternative to plastic containers. Chobani is also exploring ways to reduce waste in its production processes.
Another brand that offers plastic-free yogurt is Saint Benoït, which packages its yogurt in reusable and returnable ceramic containers. You can find this brand at Whole Foods and other natural food stores. You pay a deposit for the container, which is refunded when you return it, making it a great eco-friendly option.
In addition to these brands, some companies are exploring innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact. For example, Starbucks has introduced biodegradable liners for its paper cups, and Dunkin' has switched to double-walled paper cups made from paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard.
While these options are a step in the right direction, it's important to note that some of these packaging alternatives still have thin plastic linings. However, by choosing these brands, you are supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and are actively working towards reducing their environmental footprint.
If you're looking for specific yogurt brand recommendations, there are a few eco-conscious options to consider. Icelandic Provisions, for instance, offers a Vanilla Skyr yogurt with a rich and creamy texture and no added sugar. Stonyfield Organic, owned by Danone, is another popular choice, although it's unclear how they manage their acid whey byproduct. Maple Hill Creamery is also a brand that produces organic yogurt free of additives, hormones, and antibiotics, and they responsibly deal with their acid whey byproduct.
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Ask cafes and delis for vegan options
If you're looking for yogurt that's not packaged in plastic containers, one option is to make your own at home. It's a simple process that only requires milk, a yogurt starter, and time. You can find instructions for making yogurt online, and there are even methods for using a thermos or a heating pad to create the necessary low heat.
However, if you're looking for vegan yogurt specifically, you may want to ask at local cafes and delis that offer vegan options. For example, in Philadelphia, there are several vegan eateries, including delis such as LUHV Vegan Deli, and cafes such as Joy Cafe and Nourish, which offer vegan food and may be able to provide vegan yogurt options or suggestions for where to find them.
Online forums, such as Yelp, can also be a helpful resource for finding vegan-friendly establishments. For instance, a user on Yelp inquired about vegan options at Broken Yolk Cafe, and another user replied that they do offer vegan-friendly dishes and are happy to modify others.
Additionally, some stores and takeaway places are open to customers bringing their own reusable containers, so it may be worth inquiring at your local cafes and delis if they would be willing to accommodate such a request for vegan yogurt. By advocating for more sustainable practices and expressing your interest in vegan options, you can help create a market for eco-friendly products and encourage businesses to make changes.
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Saint Benoït yogurt in SF Bay Area
If you are looking for yogurt that is not packaged in plastic containers, making yogurt at home is one of the simplest shifts you can make. Homemade yogurt is not just good for a plastic-free kitchen, but also for a greener life. You can make yogurt with milk, a yogurt starter, and powdered milk (optional). However, if you are looking for store-bought yogurt in the SF Bay Area that is not packaged in plastic, you can try Saint Benoît yogurt.
Saint Benoît yogurt is available in the SF Bay Area and comes in a reusable, returnable glazed ceramic container. The yogurt is made using only 100% Jersey cow's milk, with no added thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives, or sweeteners. The containers are covered with foil tops, which can be reused until the yogurt is finished, and have a small plastic seal around the rim. You can buy Saint Benoît yogurt at Whole Foods, Berkeley Bowl, and other natural foods stores.
Saint Benoît yogurt is a completely natural, farm-fresh yogurt. The yogurt culture comes from France, where it has been used for decades to produce sweet, mild, and smooth yogurt. Unlike most producers, they add no thickeners, stabilizers, or preservatives. The yogurt has a great tanginess and tastes fresh and natural.
Saint Benoît yogurt is a Good Food Awards 2019 Cheese winner. The Good Food Foundation judges over 2000 entries in 16 style categories, submitted by craft food producers from all 50 states. Each entry must top the charts in a blind tasting and meet strict environmental and social responsibility standards to be considered a finalist. Only about 200 winners are crowned, recognizing outstanding quality and flavor.
Saint Benoît yogurt is available at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. You can also buy it online from Good Eggs.
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Use glass jars instead of plastic
Making yogurt at home is a great way to reduce plastic waste and live a greener life. While it may be challenging to find plastic-free yogurt options in stores, you can easily make yogurt at home and store it in glass jars instead of plastic containers. Here are some reasons to make the switch:
Environmental Benefits
By using glass jars instead of plastic, you can significantly reduce your plastic waste footprint. Plastic containers contribute to a large amount of throwaway plastic, and even if they are recyclable, we know that not all communities have equal access to recycling infrastructure. Plastic takes a long time to decompose, and a significant portion ends up in the ocean, causing harm to marine life and the environment. Glass jars are a more sustainable alternative as they can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for single-use plastic containers.
Health Benefits
When you make yogurt at home, you have control over the ingredients used. You can avoid additives, GMO ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavours that are often found in store-bought yogurt. By using fresh milk and a simple yogurt starter, you can enjoy pure and natural yogurt without any unwanted additives. This can be especially beneficial for those who are health-conscious or have specific dietary restrictions.
Cost Savings
Making yogurt at home is a cost-effective option compared to buying plastic-free or specialty yogurt products. You only need a few simple ingredients, such as milk and a small amount of starter yogurt, to make a large batch of yogurt. Additionally, you can save the last tablespoon of each batch to start the next one, further reducing costs. Homemade yogurt allows you to save money while also enjoying a delicious and healthy treat.
Storage and Reusability
Glass jars provide an excellent storage option for your homemade yogurt. They can be easily sealed and stored in the refrigerator, keeping your yogurt fresh and delicious. Once you finish the yogurt, you can reuse the glass jars for various purposes, such as storing spices, making candles, or even planting small herbs or plants. This promotes a circular economy and reduces the need for purchasing new containers or storage items.
Convenience and Taste
Making yogurt in glass jars is a simple and convenient process. You can find tutorials and recipes online that guide you through the steps, and it only requires a few basic ingredients and kitchen equipment. Many people who make their own yogurt report that it tastes delicious and is well worth the effort. You can even experiment with different flavours or add-ins to create unique and personalized yogurt creations.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make yogurt at home in a ceramic jug, covered with a small plate. Alternatively, you can buy milk in glass bottles and make yogurt in small glass yogurt pots.
Oui sells yogurt in glass containers. Saint Benoît yogurt is another brand that comes in a reusable, returnable ceramic container and is sold at Whole Foods and Berkeley Bowl.
Heat milk over medium-low heat to 180°F or slightly above. Stir occasionally, so skin does not form on top, milk doesn't burn at the bottom, and the temperature is distributed evenly in the pan. Remove from heat, stir in yogurt starter, thinned with a little warm milk and vanilla. Set in a saucepan in a cool-water bath until the temperature of the yogurt drops to 120°F or just below. Transfer to a four-cup container, cover with a lid, then wrap in dish towels to retain heat.
Yes, you can make yogurt with nothing but patience. Pour raw milk with a spoon of yogurt into a ceramic jug and position it in a warm place, such as somewhere close to the oven, and let it sit for a day or two.
Yes, you can buy a large quantity of yogurt and put them in smaller reusable containers.
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