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What Is Raw Milk Yogurt?

Jennifer Voight
Jennifer Voight

Raw milk yogurt is a fermented food made with unpasteurized, unhomogenized milk, usually from a cow or goat. During the yogurt-making process, raw milk yogurt is heated to no more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) to avoid killing beneficial enzymes and maintain vitamin levels. This differs from pasteurized milk yogurt, which has been heated to high temperatures during the pasteurization process to kill unwanted bacteria. The production and consumption of raw milk yogurt is especially popular with those involved with the raw food movement, who believe that food is best consumed in its uncooked, “living” form. Yogurt made from raw milk is also consumed in traditional cultures around the world.

Proponents of raw milk yogurt claim that raw milk has more beneficial bacteria than pasteurized milk and contains more vitamins and active enzymes. Pasteurization involves heating milk to a high temperature and holding it for a specified length of time to kill harmful microorganisms, then rapidly cooling it. Raw milk has more bacteria, enzymes, and vitamins than pasteurized milk. Proponents of raw milk also cite the benefit of supporting small farmers over large factory farms.

A man making raw milk yogurt.
A man making raw milk yogurt.

Yogurt-making involves introducing a probiotic starter culture to the raw milk and allowing it to ferment for several hours to days. The resulting product is believed by some to have all the vitamins, enzymes, and helpful bacteria of raw milk plus the probiotic properties of the fermentation process. Raw milk yogurt tends to be runnier than pasteurized milk yogurt, so sometimes powdered milk is added as a thickener. As powdered milk is even more highly processed than pasteurized milk, this optional addition can counteract some of the health benefits of making raw milk yogurt.

Fermenting raw milk in a yogurt maker.
Fermenting raw milk in a yogurt maker.

Some health experts believe that eating raw milk yogurt may be more dangerous than drinking raw milk. While most raw milk does not contain enough bacteria to cause harm, there is some risk of becoming ill from consuming it. As raw milk has more bacteria to begin with, warming it during the yogurt-making process may allow harmful bacteria to multiply along with the helpful ones. This could make raw milk yogurt riskier to consume than drinking raw milk. As the yogurt is usually made in a home environment, there is some risk of contamination if sanitary practices are not strictly observed.

Raw milk yogurt.
Raw milk yogurt.

Regardless of whether it is made with raw milk or pasteurized milk, yogurt is highly regarded for its beneficial probiotic content. The decision to consume raw milk yogurt does have some health benefits. Yet this decision should not be made without carefully considering the risks.

Discussion Comments

mrwormy

I've tried raw milk yogurt, and I have to say it is an acquired taste. It doesn't have the same pudding-like texture of commercial yogurt, and the sharpness is noticeable. I'd call it more of a liquid cheese than a traditional yogurt. The first time I ate it, I had some unpleasant intestinal side effects later. The clerk at the health food store told me those effects would become less frequent once my body adjusted to the new gut flora.

Inaventu

I'd love to try raw milk yogurt, but my state has laws against the sale of any raw milk product. I may have to find out where raw milk is legal to sell and make a special trip to that area. I can understand why unpasteurized products could be considered a liability, but I think I should be able to sign a legal waiver or something and purchase raw milk products.

My state does allow people to buy unpasteurized apple cider now, so maybe things will change.

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    • A man making raw milk yogurt.
      By: areafoto
      A man making raw milk yogurt.
    • Fermenting raw milk in a yogurt maker.
      By: star athena
      Fermenting raw milk in a yogurt maker.
    • Raw milk yogurt.
      By: NilsZ
      Raw milk yogurt.
    • Consuming raw milk yogurt does have health benefits, but someone should also consider the risks.
      By: Anton Maltsev
      Consuming raw milk yogurt does have health benefits, but someone should also consider the risks.
    • Yogurt made with raw milk has the same probiotic benefits associated with other types of yogurt.
      By: Brent Hofacker
      Yogurt made with raw milk has the same probiotic benefits associated with other types of yogurt.