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10 Best Yogurt Starter Cultures 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LR SuperFood Starter Culture L. Reuteri ProBiotic Cultured Dairy Low And Slow Yogurt Lactobacillus

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,380
Texture
Incubation Time

Most important from
677 reviews

Texture
The Greek yogurt has a creamy texture and mild taste, making it versatile for adding fruits or vanilla extract.
Incubation Time
One packet was sufficient to produce satisfactory results, even with a less precise incubation process.

The LR SuperFood Starter Culture is an excellent choice for those looking to make probiotic-rich yogurt at home. It contains the beneficial L. reuteri bacteria, known for its health benefits, making it a valuable addition to your diet. Each package comes with four sachets that can make up to twenty 1-liter batches, which is quite economical and offers good value for money.

This product needs a 'low and slow' fermentation process, requiring an appliance that can maintain 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 36 hours, which might be a bit demanding for some users. Additionally, you will need to add prebiotic fiber to the mix. This culture is dairy-free and non-GMO, catering to those with specific dietary restrictions. One of its standout features is that it doesn't require refrigeration during shipping, though it should be refrigerated upon arrival. This makes it convenient for those ordering online.

The long incubation time and the need for specific equipment might be seen as drawbacks for those looking for a quicker and simpler yogurt-making process. The LR SuperFood Starter Culture is ideal for those serious about their probiotics and willing to invest the time and effort for a superior yogurt-making experience.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,380
Texture
Incubation Time

Most important from
677 reviews

Texture
The Greek yogurt has a creamy texture and mild taste, making it versatile for adding fruits or vanilla extract.
Incubation Time
One packet was sufficient to produce satisfactory results, even with a less precise incubation process.
#2

Yogourmet Yogurt Starter (16 Pack) - Make Yogurt at Home - Starter Culture - All Natural, Gluten Free, Kosher, Halal - 3 g Sachets

Rating
9.6
Texture
Incubation Time

Most important from
2585 reviews

Texture
The Yogourmet Yogurt Starter creates authentic, creamy yogurt with a thick and smooth texture reminiscent of traditional Turkish yogurt.
Incubation Time
Using three packets with a gallon of 1% milk and an 8-hour incubation period produces perfect yogurt with superior texture and taste compared to grocery store starters.

The Yogourmet Yogurt Starter is a convenient choice for anyone looking to make homemade yogurt. Each pack contains 16 sachets, with each sachet capable of producing 1 liter of yogurt. This starter culture is rich in Lactobacillus probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Users can expect a smooth and creamy texture in their homemade yogurt, making it an appealing option for those who prefer a non-grainy consistency.

The product is also free from GMOs, harmful preservatives, coloring agents, and chemicals, ensuring a natural and healthy yogurt-making experience. Additionally, it is certified Kosher, Halal, and gluten-free, which broadens its appeal to those with dietary restrictions.

One of the standout features of the Yogourmet Yogurt Starter is its long shelf life of 24 months from the production date, providing flexibility in usage. Despite minor drawbacks, the Yogourmet Yogurt Starter stands out for its high quality and safety standards, making it a reliable option for homemade yogurt enthusiasts.

Rating
9.6
Texture
Incubation Time

Most important from
2585 reviews

Texture
The Yogourmet Yogurt Starter creates authentic, creamy yogurt with a thick and smooth texture reminiscent of traditional Turkish yogurt.
Incubation Time
Using three packets with a gallon of 1% milk and an 8-hour incubation period produces perfect yogurt with superior texture and taste compared to grocery store starters.
#3

Bulgarian Yogurt Starter (Makes 40 Gal / 150 L)

Rating
9.4
Texture
Reusability
Source of Milk

Most important from
1015 reviews

Texture
This starter produces delicious soy yogurt that is thick, creamy, and has a consistency similar to Mexican flan.
Reusability
You can make endless batches from a tiny amount of the initial culture powder as long as you keep the yogurt you use as a starter fresh.
Source of Milk
No need for added thickeners when using soymilk due to its higher protein content.

The Bulgarian Yogurt Starter by Bacillus Bulgaricus is designed for those who enjoy making their own yogurt at home. It uses Bacillus Bulgaricus bacteria to produce thick, creamy, and flavorful Bulgarian yogurt. This starter is organic, fully natural, and free from preservatives, additives, artificial colors, and flavors, making it a healthy choice. It is also Kosher and Halal certified, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences, and is gluten-free and non-GMO.

One of its key strengths is its simplicity; it can be used with or without a yogurt maker, which adds to its versatility. Additionally, it is produced in Bulgaria, known for its high-quality yogurt cultures, ensuring authenticity. On the downside, the starter only makes a fixed amount, approximately 40 gallons (150 liters) of yogurt. While this might be sufficient for most users, those looking for smaller or variable batch options might find it limiting.

This product is ideal for health-conscious individuals and those who appreciate traditional yogurt-making practices, offering a balance of ease and authenticity.

Rating
9.4
Texture
Reusability
Source of Milk

Most important from
1015 reviews

Texture
This starter produces delicious soy yogurt that is thick, creamy, and has a consistency similar to Mexican flan.
Reusability
You can make endless batches from a tiny amount of the initial culture powder as long as you keep the yogurt you use as a starter fresh.
Source of Milk
No need for added thickeners when using soymilk due to its higher protein content.

Buying Guide for the Best Yogurt Starter Cultures

Choosing the right yogurt starter culture is essential for making delicious and healthy homemade yogurt. A yogurt starter culture contains live bacteria that ferment milk, turning it into yogurt. The type of culture you choose will affect the taste, texture, and health benefits of your yogurt. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a yogurt starter culture.
Type of BacteriaThe type of bacteria in the starter culture determines the flavor, texture, and health benefits of the yogurt. Common bacteria strains include Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Some cultures also include additional strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium. If you prefer a tangier yogurt, look for cultures with Lactobacillus bulgaricus. For a milder taste, Streptococcus thermophilus is a good choice. If you are looking for added health benefits, consider cultures with additional probiotic strains.
TextureThe texture of the yogurt can range from thin and drinkable to thick and creamy, depending on the starter culture. If you prefer a drinkable yogurt, look for cultures that produce a thinner consistency. For a thicker, Greek-style yogurt, choose cultures that are known to create a creamier texture. Your personal preference for yogurt texture should guide your choice here.
Incubation TimeIncubation time refers to how long the yogurt needs to ferment. This can range from 4 to 12 hours or more. Shorter incubation times generally result in milder yogurt, while longer times produce a tangier flavor. If you have a busy schedule, you might prefer a culture with a shorter incubation time. If you enjoy a tangy yogurt and have the time to wait, a longer incubation period might be more suitable.
ReusabilitySome yogurt starter cultures are single-use, while others can be reused multiple times. Reusable cultures can be more economical in the long run, as you can use a portion of your homemade yogurt to start the next batch. If you plan to make yogurt frequently, a reusable culture might be a better option. However, if you only make yogurt occasionally, a single-use culture could be more convenient.
Source of MilkDifferent starter cultures work better with different types of milk, such as cow's milk, goat's milk, or plant-based milks like almond or soy. Make sure to choose a culture that is compatible with the type of milk you plan to use. If you are using cow's milk, most cultures will work well. For plant-based milks, look for cultures specifically designed for non-dairy yogurt.

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