At last, summer is here. It is now time to consume cold beverages and food items to beat the scorching heat. In most Indian households, curd, or what we call dahi in Hindi, is included in every diet to combat the heat waves. Similarly, yogurt is also making the rounds in stores and supermarkets.
It is quite interesting, isn't it?
Yogurt and curd are both dairy products that are vastly different from each other. Surprising, isn’t it? Although they look similar and taste the same, almost, the two differ in many aspects, including their texture, consumption, and how they are prepared.
And no, before you start thinking, Yogurt is NOT the western name for curd!
So, you might be thinking, how exactly are they different from each other? We will tell you in a moment.
To understand the difference between yogurt and curd, we have to start from the basics, i.e., how they are prepared.
Differences between Yogurt and Curd
Here are some of the prominent differences between yogurt and curd:
1. Method of Preparation
The first major difference between yogurt and curd is the way they are prepared.
If you go on the internet and search how to prepare curd, it will tell you that curd is made by coagulating milk with edible acids like lemon juice and vinegar in a process known as curdling.The acetic acid present in edible acids like vinegar reacts with the acid already present in milk. This increase in acidity results in the formation of solid blocks of milk (which are called curds).
But, Curd, which is popularly known as dahi in India, is prepared via a different process. So, from now on, when we mention curd in this article, we mean Indian dahi, not the solid blocks of milk.
Curd is made by fermenting milk with the help of Lactic Acid bacteria. This bacteria reacts with casein, a globular protein found in milk. The bacteria then produces energy during the reaction. Lactic acid is produced as a byproduct of the energy formation. This lactic acid then reacts with the globular proteins present in milk, denatures them, and results in the formation of a thick texture i.e., curd.
Yogurt, on the other hand, is made by fermenting milk using live strains of two bacteria- Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus- and is practically impossible to make at home. The bacteria reacts with the sugar present in milk. The reaction produces lactic acid which then reacts with the protein in the milk and forms yogurt.
It is important to note that the type of milk used will affect the yogurt produced. Yogurt is typically produced for commercial purposes and is artificially sweetened and made available in a variety of flavors.
The chemical reaction involved in the formation of Lactic acid is as follows:
C12H22O11 (Lactose) + H2O (Water) -> 4CH3CHOHCOOH (Lactic Acid)
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2. Amount of Lactose
Curd contains more lactose than yogurt but significantly less amount of lactose when compared to fresh milk. Because of this, those who are lactose intolerant prefer yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, over curd.
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3. Nutritional Value
Curd is rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6, whereas, yogurt is a wonderful source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.
Consuming yogurt lowers the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. On the other hand, curd is known to stimulate the brain and aids in the digestion process.
4. Flavours Available
Curd is traditionally consumed simply without any flavors. In Indian households, it is taken with either sugar, jaggery, or neither. It is white in colour and has a sour or acidic flavor, which is used in a variety of recipes, and to celebrate auspicious occasions, and is consumed as a crucial component of Indian cuisine.
Yogurt, on the other hand, comes in a wide variety of flavors. Yogurt flavors typically include strawberry, mango, and blueberry, among many others. Yogurt has a less sour/acidic taste than curd. There are sweetened as well unsweetened yogurt available in the market.
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Yogurt vs Curd- Which is better?
Yogurt and curd are good for health and have nutritional values.
- Yogurt is a great source of protein, potassium, molybdenum, pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5. Because it is protein-rich, yogurt is beneficial for weight loss. It is the preference of people with high blood pressure due to its potassium content. Yogurt also contains probiotics, which help in maintaining healthy gut health.
- Curd is a great choice for people with indigestion issues as it helps in better digestion. The digestive system can easily absorb the nutrients in curd. The good bacteria present in curd help in maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. It is a strong source of calcium and phosphorus, which is good for overall bone health. Curd also has beauty benefits as it is beneficial for skin and hair.
Both dairy products, yogurt, and curd are delicious and good sources of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics. Now, let's take a look at the uses of yogurt and curd.
Uses of curd
Curd is a staple food in many cultures and is used for multiple purposes, including:
- As a condiment: Curd is often used as a topping for dishes such as biryani.
- In cooking: It is used to marinade meats and can also be used as a base for sauces and dips.
- As a beauty product: Curd is often used by many people as a face mask and hair mask to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin or hair.
Uses of yogurt
- As a food item: Yogurt is a popular breakfast food that is either taken plain or with toppings such as fruits, nuts, granola, among others.
- In cooking: Yogurt is sometimes used as a substitute for sour cream or cream in making sauces and dressings.
- For health: Yogurt is rich in probiotics, which can improve gut health.
Differences between Yogurt and Curd: At aglance
Although both yogurt and curd share a few similarities and are both popular dairy products enjoyed around the world, there are notable differences between the two. They have distinct flavors, textures, uses, and nutritional profiles. Below are the highlighted differences between yogurt and curd:
| Differences | Curd | Yogurt |
| Preparation | Fermentation of milk using Lactic Acid Bacteria. | Fermentation of milk using live strains of two bacteria, named Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. |
| Amount of Lactose | Lower than fresh milk. | Greek Yogurt has less lactose than curd. |
| Nutritional Value | Vitamin B12, Calcium, Phosphorus | Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin B6. |
| Flavours | Homemade curd is unsweetened and unflavored. | Yogurt can be found either plain or sweetened with a variety of flavors. |
Despite these differences, both yogurt and curd are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes and are also rich in probiotics and other beneficial nutrients. Consuming either of them will help improve your health. We hope that this article was helpful in explaining the difference between yogurt and curd.
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Disclaimer: This article has been updated and additional information has been added to ensureclarity.
