How Homemade Yogurt Tastes Compared to Store-Bought
If you read our original post about trying homemade yogurt for the first time, you know we were in that “wait and see” stage… checking, hoping, and maybe just a little bit doubting. If you missed it, you can catch up here: Our First Attempt At Homemade Yogurt
Well, I’m happy to report—it worked!
After letting the yogurt chill in the fridge for 24 hours, we finally gave it a try. The texture turned out nice and creamy, just like we were hoping for. There’s something so satisfying about scooping into something you made yourself from start to finish, especially starting with a simple gallon of raw milk.
Now, I will say, it’s a bit more tangy than store-bought yogurt. Not in a bad way, just different. You can definitely tell it’s homemade, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. But if you’re used to the mild sweetness of store-bought varieties, it might surprise you at first.
Thankfully, a friend shared a simple tip that made all the difference: add a little vanilla and/or honey.
We decided to try vanilla first, and that did the trick beautifully. It softened the tang just enough and added a subtle sweetness that everyone really enjoyed. The whole family approved, which always feels like a small victory around here.
Next time, we might experiment with honey or even fresh fruit, especially as we head into berry season. I love the idea of being able to customize each batch depending on what we have on hand.
One of the best parts of this whole process is how simple it really is. Even without a yogurt setting on the Instant Pot, it still came together with a little creativity and patience. It’s a good reminder that homesteading doesn’t have to be complicated or perfect; it just has to work for your home.
This definitely won’t be our last batch. Now that we’ve seen how easy it is (and how much everyone enjoys it), I can already tell this will become a regular in our kitchen.
If you’ve been thinking about trying homemade yogurt, consider this your sign to go for it. It might turn out a little tangy—but with a splash of vanilla, it might just become a new family favorite.
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza