Coconut yogurt has emerged as a popular dairy-free alternative, cherished for its creamy texture, delightful taste, and numerous health benefits. Not only is coconut yogurt lactose-free, making it suitable for individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities, but it’s also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are renowned for their metabolism-boosting properties.

Additionally, coconut yogurt contains probiotics that promote gut health, aiding in digestion and bolstering the immune system. Moreover, coconut cultivation is inherently sustainable, requiring minimal water and resources compared to intensive dairy farming. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making your own homemade coconut yogurt, ensuring a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet while minimizing environmental impact.

There’s quite a few coconut yoghurt recipes, but this one is different, and I’ll say it… THE BEST!

Why you ask? I’ll tell you.

No artificial thickeners: Unlike many commercial coconut yogurt products that use artificial thickeners like guar gum or carrageenan to achieve a creamy texture, this recipe relies solely on agar agar as a natural thickening agent. Agar agar is derived from seaweed and is a healthier alternative, free from synthetic additives and potential allergens.
Minimal added sugars: Many store-bought coconut yogurts contain added sugars to enhance sweetness and flavor. However, this recipe allows you to control the sweetness level according to your preferences, without relying on refined sugars. You can customize the sweetness by adding natural sweeteners like date syrup, maple syrup, or fruit purees, or opt for an unsweetened version altogether.
Agar agar’s health benefits: Agar agar not only serves as a natural thickener but also offers various health benefits. It is rich in fiber, which supports digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Additionally, agar agar is low in calories and has been linked to potential benefits such as blood sugar regulation and improved cholesterol levels.
Probiotic-rich: By incorporating probiotics into the recipe, this coconut yogurt provides additional health benefits for gut health and immunity. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being. Homemade coconut yogurt allows you to control the quality and quantity of probiotics added, ensuring maximum potency and effectiveness.
Customizable and versatile: This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to tailor the yogurt to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a plain, tangy yogurt or one infused with fruit flavors or aromatic spices, you have the flexibility to experiment and create your own unique variations.
So THICK, so Creamy: I’ve made coconut yoghurts before, where the consistency resembled a thick-ish smoothie, no ability to spoon and dollop. I assure you, this recipe is dollap-able, spoon-able and perfect!
Melting properties: Have you ever had a dish where you wanted to add coconut yoghurt, you scoop it on and it’s melted into a puddle within 90 seconds? Well I tell you what, I found your answer. The agar properties of this yoghurt make it incredible robust. The thickness will hold for 10 times longer than any other coconut yoghurt I’ve tried. This is great for loaded potatoes, nachos, curries and more!

Variations

Coconut Yogurt Tzatziki:
- Combine coconut yogurt with finely grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve as a refreshing dip for vegetables, pita bread, or as a sauce for grilled meats or falafel.
Coconut Yogurt Ranch Dressing:
- Mix coconut yogurt with finely chopped chives, parsley, dill, and a dash of onion powder and garlic powder.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for tanginess.
- Thin out the dressing with a bit of water or unsweetened almond milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Use as a dressing for salads, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or serve as a dip for buffalo cauliflower wings.
Coconut Yogurt Fruit Parfait:
- Layer coconut yogurt with fresh mixed berries, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola or nuts.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for sweetness, if desired.
- Serve as a healthy breakfast option or as a light dessert.
Coconut Yogurt Smoothie Bowl:
- Blend coconut yogurt with frozen fruits such as berries, mango, or pineapple.
- Add a splash of coconut water or almond milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with sliced fruits, nuts, seeds, and a dollop of coconut yogurt for added creaminess.
Coconut Yogurt Curry Sauce:
- Mix coconut yogurt with curry powder, turmeric, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Thin out the sauce with a bit of vegetable broth or coconut milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Use as a sauce for vegetable stir-fries, curries, or as a marinade for tofu or chicken skewers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh coconut milk instead of canned? While canned coconut milk is convenient and readily available, you can certainly use fresh coconut milk if preferred. Just ensure it’s strained to remove any pulp before using it in the recipe.
How long does homemade coconut yogurt last? Homemade coconut yogurt typically lasts for about 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container or even better a glass jar in the refrigerator. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
Can I adjust the thickness of the yogurt? Yes, you can adjust the thickness of the yogurt by varying the amount of agar agar used. For a thicker consistency, you can increase the amount of agar agar, while reducing it will result in a thinner yogurt.
What are the benefits of adding probiotics? Probiotics help introduce beneficial bacteria into the gut, promoting digestion, boosting immunity, and supporting overall gut health. They’re a key component of yogurt, whether dairy or coconut-based.

Tips for the best homemade coconut yoghurt

Stir continuously while boiling: To ensure the agar agar is evenly distributed and activated, be sure to stir the coconut milk mixture continuously while boiling. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
Ensure a sterile environment – make sure that the glass jar you use to set your yoghurt in is clean, sterile and dry. You can do this by pouring in boiling water and then letting air dry prior to use.
Maintain proper temperature for setting: It’s crucial to maintain a warm environment for the coconut yogurt to set properly. Using an esky filled with warm water helps maintain the ideal temperature for fermentation.
Blend for smoothness: Once the coconut yogurt has set, blending it until smooth ensures a creamy texture. You can also adjust the sourness by adding citric acid to taste for a sour cream variation.
Experiment with flavors: Get creative with your coconut yogurt by experimenting with different flavor variations. You can add vanilla extract, fruit purees, or sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for added taste and variety.
Experiment with different brands of coconut creams- I have two brands you can buy in Australia that without fail will make creamy, these are Trident and the humble Coles brand, they will always make me insanely delicious yoghurt. Other brands sometimes might have a slightly different taste to them that might just not appeal to you. So taste test prior to cooking with your yoghurt and experiment with different brands available to you in your area.
Probiotic capsules – make sure your probiotic capsules are within their use by date, otherwise the active properties within them may not work.
Keep an eye on your pot – don’t let your eye wander when you’re boiling and stirring your yoghurt. If you look away for 10 seconds I guarantee you’ll look back, the pot will have boiled over and you’ll have a big mess to clean up, so keep eagle eyed and watch!

So get cooking! You’re now ready to create your own delicious and nutritious coconut yogurt at home, perfect for enjoying as a snack, breakfast, or dessert!

coconut yoghurt in a jar with a spoon on top

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