Difference Between
versus

Kefir vs. Yogurt: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Kefir is a fermented milk drink with a tart taste and thin consistency, rich in probiotics, while yogurt is a thicker, cultured milk product with a milder flavor.
Kefir vs. Yogurt

Key Differences

Kefir is a fermented milk drink made using kefir grains, which are a combination of bacteria and yeasts. Yogurt, on the other hand, is made by fermenting milk with specific bacteria strains, typically Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The fermentation process of kefir results in a more diverse set of probiotics compared to yogurt.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
The consistency of kefir is generally thinner and more drinkable, akin to a liquid yogurt. Yogurt is thicker and creamier, often eaten with a spoon. This difference in texture is due to the type of fermentation and the cultures used in their production.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Kefir typically has a tart, slightly sour taste, and may have a slight fizz due to carbon dioxide, a byproduct of fermentation. Yogurt usually has a milder, more balanced taste, which can vary from sweet to tangy depending on the fermentation time.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
In terms of nutritional content, kefir often contains more probiotics and can have a higher vitamin and mineral content than yogurt. Yogurt, while also nutritious, generally has less diversity in probiotic strains and may have added sugar, especially in flavored varieties.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
Kefir can be more easily digested by people who are lactose intolerant due to its lower lactose content. Yogurt also has reduced lactose compared to milk, but it may still cause discomfort for those with severe lactose intolerance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Base Ingredient

Fermented with kefir grains
Fermented with bacteria
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Consistency

Thin and drinkable
Thick and creamy
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Taste

Tart and slightly fizzy
Milder and balanced
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Nutritional Content

More diverse probiotics
Less probiotic diversity
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Suitability for Lactose Intolerance

Often more suitable
Less suitable for some
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Kefir and Yogurt Definitions

Kefir

A fermented milk drink with a tart flavor.
I enjoy drinking kefir in the morning for its probiotic benefits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Yogurt

A dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria.
I like to have yogurt with granola for breakfast.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Kefir

A source of diverse probiotics and nutrients in a drinkable form.
Kefir is often recommended for gut health due to its high probiotic content.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Yogurt

A versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Yogurt can be used in marinades to tenderize meat.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Kefir

A probiotic-rich beverage made using kefir grains.
Kefir is known for its unique combination of bacteria and yeast cultures.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Yogurt

A source of calcium and probiotics, beneficial for health.
Eating yogurt is a tasty way to get your daily dose of probiotics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Kefir

A dairy product similar to liquid yogurt but more fermented.
Kefir can be used as a base for smoothies due to its liquid consistency.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Yogurt

A thick, creamy food often eaten as a snack or dessert.
Yogurt comes in many flavors, from plain to fruit-infused.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Kefir

A traditional drink known for aiding digestion and immunity.
Many people drink kefir daily to support their digestive health.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Yogurt

A staple in many cuisines, known for its smooth texture.
Greek yogurt is especially popular for its thick and creamy consistency.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023

Kefir

A creamy drink made of fermented cow's milk.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Yogurt

A custardlike food with a tart flavor, prepared from milk curdled by bacteria, especially Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and often sweetened or flavored.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Kefir

A fermented milk drink from the Caucasus and Eastern Europe, similar to yogurt but more liquidy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Yogurt

A milk-based product stiffened by a bacterium-aided curdling process, and sometimes mixed with fruit or other flavoring.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Kefir

An effervescent liquor like kumiss, made from fermented milk, used as a food and as a medicine in the northern Caucasus.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Yogurt

Any similar product based on other substances (e.g. soy yogurt).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Kefir

A sour fermented milk drink, used in various regions of Asia, made by addition of Streptococcus or Lactobacillus cultures to cow's or goat's milk; it is considered by some as a form of yoghurt.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Yogurt

A custard-like food made from curdled milk
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 08, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is kefir?

Kefir is a fermented milk drink rich in probiotics.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is kefir better for digestion than yogurt?

Kefir may be better due to its higher probiotic diversity.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

How is kefir different from yogurt in taste?

Kefir is tart and slightly fizzy, while yogurt is milder and creamier.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Which has more calories, kefir or yogurt?

This varies by product, but generally, they are similar.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Does kefir contain dairy?

Typically, yes, though non-dairy versions exist.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is yogurt suitable for cooking?

Yes, especially in sauces and marinades.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

What is yogurt?

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with specific bacteria.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can kefir be used as a yogurt substitute?

Yes, in many cases, especially in smoothies or dressings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Are there flavored varieties of kefir?

Yes, similar to yogurt, it comes in various flavors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume kefir?

Many can, as it has lower lactose content than milk.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can yogurt be made at home?

Yes, by fermenting milk with a yogurt starter culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can kefir be used in baking?

Yes, as a buttermilk substitute or for added moisture.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can kefir improve gut health?

Its probiotics are beneficial for gut health.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can I make kefir with non-dairy milk?

Yes, using non-dairy kefir grains.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is yogurt a good source of probiotics?

Yes, though it has fewer strains compared to kefir.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Can kefir help with weight management?

Its probiotics can aid digestion, potentially helping with weight management.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Does yogurt need to be refrigerated?

Yes, to maintain its freshness and probiotic content.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is yogurt good for kids?

Yes, it's a nutritious option for children.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is Greek yogurt different from regular yogurt?

Yes, it's thicker and has more protein.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Is yogurt a good source of protein?

Yes, especially Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 14, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Mom vs. SonMom vs. Son
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 29, 2024
Mom typically refers to a female parent, emphasizing nurturing and caregiving roles, while a son is a male child of parents, highlighting familial lineage and male offspring dynamics.
Million vs. BillionMillion vs. Billion
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
A million is 1,000,000, while a billion is 1,000,000,000; a billion is a thousand times larger than a million.
Positivism vs. Post-PositivismPositivism vs. Post-Positivism
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
May 26, 2024
Positivism emphasizes observable, empirical evidence and the scientific method, while post-positivism recognizes the limitations of pure objectivity and incorporates subjective perspectives.
Coordinator vs. SupervisorCoordinator vs. Supervisor
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 30, 2024
A coordinator aligns team tasks for efficiency, focusing on project logistics; a supervisor oversees staff performance, guiding and evaluating work.
Shriners vs. MasonsShriners vs. Masons
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
Shriners are a subgroup within Freemasonry known for charitable work, especially children's hospitals; Masons are members of the larger, older fraternity of Freemasonry with broader goals and activities.
Symmetric vs. SymmetricalSymmetric vs. Symmetrical
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 9, 2024
Symmetric implies balance and equality in parts or arrangement, while symmetrical explicitly refers to mirror-like or harmonious proportions.
Fascism vs. DictatorshipFascism vs. Dictatorship
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 2, 2024
Fascism is a political ideology with authoritarian nationalism; dictatorship is a governance form with absolute power in one person or group, differing in ideology and structure.
Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
ASCII vs. EBCDICASCII vs. EBCDIC
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 28, 2024
ASCII is a 7-bit character encoding standard for text; EBCDIC is an 8-bit character encoding used mainly in IBM mainframe systems.
Report vs. ArticleReport vs. Article
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
July 20, 2024
A report presents findings or results, often following research or analysis, while an article is a written piece on a wide range of topics, primarily for information or entertainment.
Fluvial vs. AlluvialFluvial vs. Alluvial
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
June 20, 2024
Fluvial processes involve water flow in rivers, shaping the landscape, while alluvial refers to sediments deposited by water, often in floodplains.
Bachelor vs. BatchelorBachelor vs. Batchelor
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 22, 2024
"Bachelor" refers to an unmarried man; "Batchelor" is a less common spelling, often a surname or a place name, not used in the context of marital status.
Paranormal vs. SupernaturalParanormal vs. Supernatural
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2024
Paranormal involves phenomena beyond scientific explanation, focusing on events like ghost sightings. Supernatural encompasses all beyond natural laws, including deities and magic.
NM3 vs. M3NM3 vs. M3
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 19, 2024
NM3 measures gas volume under Normal conditions (0°C and 1.01325 bar), while M3 measures volume under the conditions at which it is measured, without standard adjustment.
The Atlantic vs. The New YorkerThe Atlantic vs. The New Yorker
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 27, 2024
The Atlantic is a magazine focusing on news, politics, and cultural commentary, while The New Yorker features a mix of reporting, commentary, criticism, fiction, and cartoons.
Celestial vs. TerrestrialCelestial vs. Terrestrial
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 8, 2024
Celestial refers to objects or phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere, like stars or planets, while terrestrial pertains to Earth and its inhabitants.
Mercy vs. CompassionMercy vs. Compassion
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 18, 2024
Mercy involves leniency or forgiveness towards someone in one’s power, often not giving a punishment deserved, while compassion is the empathetic understanding and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Ash vs. SootAsh vs. Soot
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
November 19, 2024
Ash is the residue left after combustion, mainly composed of mineral matter, while soot is a fine black powder formed by incomplete combustion of fuel.
Metrics vs. MatrixMetrics vs. Matrix
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
October 19, 2024
Metrics refer to a system or standard of measurement, often used in evaluation and analysis, while a matrix is a rectangular array of numbers or symbols arranged in rows and columns.
TPU vs. PUTPU vs. PU
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 26, 2024
TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer with high elasticity and durability, while PU, or polyurethane, is versatile with varying hardness and used in multiple applications.
380 Auto vs. 38 Special380 Auto vs. 38 Special
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
The 380 Auto is a small, low-recoil pistol cartridge, whereas the 38 Special is a larger, more powerful revolver cartridge.
Rescind vs. RevokeRescind vs. Revoke
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
July 10, 2024
Rescind involves officially cancelling a decision or agreement; revoke means to officially cancel the validity of something, often involving rights or licenses.
Cosmology vs. CosmogonyCosmology vs. Cosmogony
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 8, 2024
Cosmology studies the universe's structure, origin, and evolution, focusing on laws and theories, while cosmogony delves into specific myths, beliefs, and theories about the universe's creation.
Petroglyph vs. HieroglyphPetroglyph vs. Hieroglyph
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 5, 2024
Petroglyphs are images carved into rock surfaces, representing prehistoric art, while hieroglyphs are a form of ancient writing using symbolic pictures, often found in Egyptian contexts.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons