Top 15 Yogurt Recipes (from Breakfast to Dessert)

If you’re anything like us, you may have noticed an ongoing evolution in the dairy aisle at your local grocery store.

Let’s see if you can guess which product we’re talking about: these creamy, dreamy alternatives to a particular traditional dairy-based product may be made from a variety of bases— from oats to soy, cashews to almonds (and more recently, fungi, but more on that later). It’s a tangy global staple food that has been cherished for centuries in varying forms, used in both sweet and savory dishes alike. Guess it yet? It’s yogurt!

Let’s take a brief world yogurt tour. In the US, yogurt is a common breakfast main or lunch side dish, layered in sweet parfaits or sprinkled with nuts and seeds. However, take a flight to Iran, and you’ll find yogurt on many dinner tables, paired with cooling cucumber or sizzling harissa. Jet over to India for a popular mango lassi, a yogurt-based smoothie-like beverage. Or head to Mongolia, and you’ll find aaruul,¹ a dried, chewy yogurt cut into shapes for snacking—a generations-old recipe. We could go on for hours, but the point is—yogurt is everywhere, and it continues to evolve today!

As human health and the health of the planet become increasingly top of mind, plant and fungi-based alternatives to dairy are becoming increasingly popular, too. With this growing trend also comes the integration of such alternatives into timeless global dishes. Amidst this wave of innovation, yogurt stands out as a versatile ingredient that stands the test of time. Let’s delve into the delightful world of yogurt, from its nutritional power to its role in savory and sweet recipes alike.

The Benefits of Plant and Fungi-Based Dairy Alternatives

The wide variety of dairy alternatives on grocery store shelves is an excellent step in the right direction for the future of our planet. Fungi-based dairy alternatives in particular have captured the spotlight recently due to their minimal environmental footprint and impressive nutritional profile. Compared to dairy, plant-based alternatives emit fewer greenhouse gasses and ozone-depleting substances and utilize fewer resources such as energy, land, and water.² And nutritionally speaking, while it is true that animal sources of protein contain all nine amino acids, fungi-based alternatives like Fy Protein™ boast the same profile or more (like, all 20 more).

But back to yogurt, specifically— does a fungi-based yogurt exist yet? We’re excited to tell you that it does now! Nature’s Fynd yogurt is the world’s first fungi-based yogurt and packs all the creaminess you crave with 8 grams of protein per serving. Moreover, it can seamlessly replace traditional yogurt in recipes while maintaining the creaminess, protein, and live and active culture profile, making it an excellent choice for the conscious consumer.

We don’t know about you, but all this talk about the benefits of alternative yogurts has us hungry. Let’s get cooking with some excellent ways to reap the benefits of yogurt in all its versatile glory.

Energizing Yogurt Breakfast Ideas

Ever wonder how a humble cabbage becomes the star of a tangy sauerkraut or why your sourdough loaf tastes so delightfully, well, sour? For these deliciously unique flavors, we can thank the chemical process of fermentation.

In food processing, fermentation is “the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohol and carbon dioxide or organic acids using fungi or bacteria, under anaerobic conditions.”¹ In other words, when certain bacteria (or fungi) are introduced to foods without the presence of oxygen—usually by fully submerging them in liquids— these microbes feed on carbohydrate molecules and thereby transform them into an entirely new substance. It’s pretty magical if you ask us. Although there are many types of fermentation, only a handful are utilized to make food. Here are the three most common types of fermentation used today, as well as Nature’s Fynd’s breakthrough fermentation process that has been awarded 40 patents since its inception!

Morning Smoothies: A great way to pack lots of nutrients into your morning in one easy, on-the-go serving is through smoothies. Here’s what you want in a smoothie for optimal satiety and balance: a source of protein, a source of healthy fat, and a fiber-rich carbohydrate. Using yogurt as the base creates a creamy texture and provides protein-rich, live and active culture deliciousness. Building a yogurt-based smoothie can be simple. Here’s the gist: 4–6 ounces of protein-rich alternative yogurt, your choice of fruit and/or veggie, a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, and a scoop of ice. Blend it up and voila, you have an excellent balance of protein, fat, and fiber for brekkie. Try this Peanut Butter & Strawberry Smoothie or Peachy Greens Smoothie to start.

Yogurt Topped Whole-Grain Toasts: It may not be as common in the US, but globally, yogurt is seen as a tasty topping for both savory and sweet foods. Avocado toast had its moment—and rightfully so—but it may be worth switching up your morning toast by smothering it in a protein-packed alternative yogurt. Explore creative toppings such as hemp, chia or ground flax seed, or get even more adventurous (and impress your friends) with culinary counterparts basil + peach or rosemary + strawberry.

Yogurt Smoothie Bowls: It’s hard not to love an açaí bowl. If you haven’t tried one yet, it’s a vibrant and nutritious snack or small meal consisting of a smoothie-like base, made from antioxidant-rich açaí berries and topped with a variety of nuts, seeds, and fruits. Originating in Brazil, it has gained popularity worldwide, and often looks just as good as it tastes. But what’s an excellent way to add protein to an already terrific snack? That’s right— fungi-based yogurt. Here’s the perfect smoothie bowl base recipe: Dairy-Free Yogurt Açaí Bowl. Don’t forget to personalize with your favorite toppings like coconut shreds, pumpkin seeds, kiwi, granola, or nut butter.

Light Bites and Snacks

While many dressings and dips are made using a base of mayonnaise, an alternative may offer a healthier fat source and increased protein. Such recipes also serve as excellent ways to incorporate more herbs and spices into your diet, which are often overlooked, nutritionally speaking. The small yet potent ingredients don’t just add flavor—they are also excellent sources of antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.³ You can create a variety of flavorful dips and dressings using herbs and spices mixed with yogurt for a delicious and nutritious snack option. Here are a few yogurt-based dip ideas and recipes to whip up for your next gathering, with each sure to be both crowd-pleasing and antioxidant abundant.

Yogurt Hummus Dip: Infuse yogurt with chickpeas, lemon, and garlic for a savory dip. This recipe is a great take on a simple hummus recipe and includes tips on how to incorporate dairy-free yogurt as the perfect substitute for tahini.

Vanilla Yogurt Tzatziki: A twist on the classic Greek sauce with dairy-free yogurt and antioxidant-rich dill, give this 6‑Ingredient tzatziki a try.

Orange-Poppy Seed Yogurt Dip: Add orange zest and poppy seeds to plain or vanilla yogurt to brighten up anything you dip into it. Think apples, grapes, pretzels, and beyond.

Cinnamon-Nut Butter Yogurt Dip: This rich and comforting dip will put the classic peanut butter + banana pairing to shame. It’s a must-try!

Matcha-Chip Yogurt Dip: A perfect blend of earthy and sweet flavors that pairs well with berries, apples, and shortbread cookies. Yum.

Yogurt Desserts and Sweet Treats:

Frozen Strawberry-Banana Yogurt Bites: They may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they are sure to please that late night sweet tooth. These creamy, crunchy, frozen fruity yogurt bites are worth the wait it takes to freeze, we promise!

Protein-Packed Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fy Yogurt Cup: This chocolate peanut butter cup-inspired recipe is one of our personal favorites because, let’s face it, a superior ingredient combination simply does not exist. Rich in protein, this recipe steals the show with a magic chocolate shell.

Yogurt Bark: A cross between a yogurt parfait and traditional chocolate bark, yogurt bark is the best of both worlds. Here are a few of our favorite recipes: Berry-Coconut, Blackberry-Cacao Yogurt Bark

The Takeaway

Yogurt is a long-cherished staple food that continues to evolve today. With our shifting perspectives on health and the environment and the continuing need for more sustainable food systems, even the long-loved ingredient of yogurt can evolve and continue to be enjoyed sustainably through consumption of plant and fungi-based alternatives. From invigorating morning smoothies to creamy pasta feasts, incorporating alternative yogurts into our dietary routines opens up a world of possibilities in the kitchen while nourishing both our bodies and the planet. So, let’s raise a spoon to yogurt and all its delightful variations and uses, promising a bright future in kitchens around the world.