Walk into an Indian household and you will be served a dish of dahi. Walk into a grocery store and you will be greeted by tubs upon tubs of yogurt. They appear very similar, taste similar, and thus create confusion among many as to whether they are the same food product. This guide is here to clear up all that confusion by telling you the differences between yogurt and curd.

Are Yogurt and Curd the Same?

A question frequently asked by readers is whether yogurt and curd are the same. And the answer to this question is “No.” Although both are dairy products obtained from the fermentation process of milk, they differ significantly in their methods of preparation, the bacteria used, and the outcome of the preparation. The most common method of preparing curd, also known as dahi, involves the addition of a spoonful of dahi, or lemon juice or vinegar to warm milk and then leaving the mixture to ferment. Different kinds of bacteria are responsible for the fermentation process.

Difference Between Yogurt and Curd

There are various distinctions between yogurt and curd. The first distinction concerns the way in which they are made. Curd is a homemade product, while yogurt is a commercial product based on a specific recipe. The second distinction has to do with bacteria. Curd is produced by mixed cultures of lactic acid bacteria, and their composition can vary. Yogurt, on the other hand, contains a constant type of bacteria.

Texture is the third factor. Curd has an unusual texture; it is softer, lumpy, and has a slightly tangy flavor. Yogurt is creamy and thick with a tart flavor. Another distinction is their shelf-life and usage. Homemade curd becomes stale sooner, while yogurt can be stored for a longer period due to industrial production and proper packaging. In the household, curd is used in making raita, kadhi, lassi, and curd rice, while yogurt can be added to smoothies, dips, dressings, and breakfast meals.

The Rules

The Indian food legislation rules have also established a clear distinction between curd and yogurt. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), curd is any food prepared from pasteurized or boiled milk containing lactic acid bacteria while yogurt is a food that has been fermented using L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. In 2023, FSSAI modified its rules about labeling and clarified that the product must be labeled as “curd” along with other names including dahi. Thus, if you are looking for authentic yogurt, make sure that those two cultures are listed on the label.

Curd vs Yogurt: Brief Comparison of the Nutritional Value

People want an exact difference in nutritional value of yogurt and curd, however the actual numbers vary a lot depending on the particular product. Based on the data provided by USDA, curd contains approximately 103 to 105 calories per 100g, about 4.6g of carbohydrates, 3 to 4g of proteins, and 3 to 4g of fats. Low-fat plain yogurt contains about 59 to 61 calories, 3.6g of carbohydrates, over 10g of proteins, and virtually no fats, as well as slightly more calcium.

The above comparison should not be confused with the real values as the comparison is made based on two different products. In fact, full-fat homemade curd and yogurt (strained or low-fat) have much more differences. Regular yogurt contains less proteins than Greek yogurt, and all kinds of yogurts can contain added sugars.

Health Advantages of Curd vs Yogurt

If we are talking about curd vs yogurt health advantages, we can say that both products can boast a variety of them. Both of them are rich in protein, calcium, B vitamins, and contain beneficial bacteria. Curd on regular consumption can contribute to your digestion system and can even boost immunity due to beneficial bacteria contained in it. You can get all the benefits from yogurt as well. It contains standardized cultures of bacteria and, what is important, more protein in one serving than curd. This means that you will feel full faster.

Here is one thing that should be paid special attention to: lactose. In both cases, fermentation destroys part of lactose but yogurt is more digestible. Neither of them is free from lactose. If you suffer from moderate or severe lactose intolerance, consult a doctor first.

Greek Yogurt and Hung Curd

Greek yogurt is nothing more than yogurt from which the whey is drained to make it thicker and richer in protein content. At home, you can easily create an alternative by hanging curd for some hours in a muslin cloth. The hung curd is rich in texture and creamy enough to be used in dips and even desserts like shrikhand. Though hung curd may not be equal to Greek yogurt in terms of bacteria and processing, it is a cost-effective alternative.

Curd or Yogurt: Which Is Better?

When someone asks which is better between curd or yogurt, the answer would depend on the goal of the consumer. In the case of weight loss, regular yogurt would be the one to go with because of the high protein and low-calorie content, although the portion size should still be taken into consideration. When you have mild lactose sensitivity, then yogurt would be more suitable for you. Both curd and yogurt are great for improving your digestion, since both contain bacteria that improve digestion. As far as the Indian diet goes, curd would beat yogurt in terms of being convenient since it is inexpensive, easily accessible, and matches rotis, dals, rice, and sabzi.

The general rule here is to avoid flavored or sweetened varieties of either food item, since sugar would negate most of their advantages.

Can Curd Be Used As A Substitute For Yogurt?

Yes, both can be used interchangeably in recipes with just minor modifications. Curd is thinner and more acidic than yogurt; hence, it should be sieved using a muslin cloth for any recipe that requires thick curd. Curd is perfect for dips, marinades, and sauces. In case of smoothies, any of the two can be used. For baking and dessert preparations, yogurt is preferred as it won't alter the moisture content of your batter.

Final Words

The bottom line of the discussion on the pros and cons of curd and yogurt is the fact that the distinction between them is only in their preparation and in the type of bacteria used in production. Yogurt provides regularity, a definite culture, and higher content of protein. Curd gives affordability and an opportunity to make the product on your own. Thus, both products are healthy fermented foods, and the ideal choice is always a fresh natural product that suits your needs. In case of any diseases, such as diabetes or lactose intolerance, consult your doctor first.