What’s the Difference?


🔍 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?


🥛 Bulgarian Yogurt

Strained · Clean · Gently tangy

Strained Bulgarian Yogurt is made using traditional yogurt cultures — Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus — then gently strained to achieve a thick, creamy texture while preserving a clean, rounded tang.

Compared to Greek Yogurt, Bulgarian Yogurt is softer and less acidic on the palate, with a balanced cultured flavour that makes it especially easy to enjoy daily. Straining concentrates texture and reduces excess lactose without overpowering the natural character of the yogurt.

Often regarded as the original style of yogurt, Bulgarian Yogurt is valued for its simplicity, cultured depth, and approachability.


🥄 Greek Yogurt

Strained · Thick · More tangy

Strained Greek Yogurt begins with the same traditional yogurt cultures but is strained further to remove more whey. This additional straining results in a denser, more spoonable texture and a sharper, more pronounced tang.

Greek Yogurt is noticeably more acidic than Bulgarian Yogurt, with a bold cultured profile and higher protein concentration. The heavier body and concentrated flavour make it ideal for those who enjoy a robust yogurt or use it in cooking and savoury dishes.


🧫 Kefir

Multi-cultured · Lively · Lightly effervescent

Strained Kefir is made by fermenting milk with kefir grains, which contain a diverse community of bacteria and yeasts. After fermentation, it is gently strained to create a thick, spoonable texture while retaining kefir’s naturally lively character.

Compared to yogurt, kefir has a broader cultured profile, subtle natural effervescence, and layered acidity. It sits between yogurt and fresh curd in texture, making it versatile for eating by the spoon, layering into bowls, or using in both sweet and savoury applications.


🔍 In Short

  • Bulgarian Yogurt → thick, clean, gently tangy

  • Greek Yogurt → thick, creamy, more tangy

  • Kefir → thick, lively, multi-cultured

All three are made with the same foundation — fresh milk, live cultures, and time. The difference lies in how fermentation and straining are balanced, not in added ingredients.


📊 COMPARISON TABLE


Bulgarian Yogurt Greek Yogurt Kefir
Cultures L. bulgaricus & S. thermophilus Same yogurt cultures Kefir grains (bacteria + yeasts)
Straining Strained Strained Strained 
Texture Thick, creamy, smooth Very thick, dense, spoonable Thick, softly set, spoonable
Tang / Acidity Gently tangy More tangy, sharper acidity Lively, layered, lightly effervescent
Protein (per 100 g) ~6.5–8.5 g ~8–9 g ~6.5–7.5 g
Cultured Complexity Focused, classic Focused, concentrated Broad, multi-cultured
Lactose Reduced Further reduced Naturally reduced
Best For Everyday eating, balance High-protein meals, bowls, cooking Bowls, fermentation lovers