Have you ever tried making your own yogurt? I popped into Sainsbury’s last night to buy a few bits that they don’t sell in Aldi. I was debating how many Lactofree yogurts I could afford (ie none really as I really need to stretch my budget!). They were £1.50 for four little pots; not extortionate but I could get six Sainsbury’s fruit yogurts for £1.

So, in the spirit of frugality, I decided it was high time I made my own again. It really takes just minutes in my Easiyo Yogurt Maker, so there is no excuse.

Making your own yogurt
I bought some Lactofree UHT milk, a small pot of live natural yogurt to use as my starter and some dried milk powder to make my yogurt thicker. Ok, this lot won’t be lactose free, but as I have a dairy intolerance rather than an allergy it doesn’t matter that much. However, if anyone can suggest a thickener other than milk powder I would be grateful – I like my yogurt thick!

This morning I mixed a tablespoon of milk powder with the same amount of starter, then whisked in the milk. I filled my yogurt maker up to the required level with boiling water, stood the pot in it and put the lid on. By the time I returned from work it was ready to be chilled.
I have some blackberries in the garden so I will make a purée to mix with the yogurt and take a small pot to work each day. I reckon it will make double the amount contained in the 4 little pots and cost me £1.35 for a litre of Lactofree UHT AND 50p for my starter pot plus about £1 for the milk powder. Next time I won’t have to buy the powder or starter so it will be £1.35 for at least 8 pots of yogurt.
If you don’t mind spending a little more and aren’t lactose intolerant, you can buy loads of delicious mixes to make various types and flavours.
Are you into making your own yogurt? Do you use a yogurt maker?
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Ali says
Try straining your yoghurt in a sieve lined with muslin or similar overnight to get a thicker consistency. I used to do this when I made yoghurt. Since I’ve cut out dairy I’ve switched to soya yoghurt but haven’t yet tried to make my own although I believe it is possible.
Ali says
Quick google and I found this http://wakingupvegan.com/2012/09/23/homemade-vegan-yogurt-no-equipment-required/ There’s a list of thickeners in the detailed instructions bit. I’ll def be giving this go! 🙂
lizard100 says
I make soya yogurt using a soya yogurt starter and soya milk in a regular yogurt maker. It’s okay.
Sue says
Love the title of this post 🙂
Straining it would make it thicker and you can always use the liquid in your breadmaking, so that nothing is wasted.
paidinchickens says
I need to save this page somewhere where I won’t lost it lol x
Sarina says
I have been making my own yoghurt for a few years now and wouldn`t go back to ready made/shop bought anymore. Can`t help with the lacto free thickener, but would be inclined to drain the yoghurt in a muslin sack until desired thickness has been reached.
ChickenladyJane says
Thanks for all the tips everyone – I will find myself a new muslin strainer and give this a go.
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