Homemade Coconut Yogurt

Homemade 2-ingredient Coconut Yogurt

Probiotics are all the rage in the wellness community. And for good reason, there is very interesting science about their effectiveness. Probiotics, however, are nothing new. Our grandparents and great-grandparents enjoyed them regularly as part of a common, non-industrialized diet. Making foods like yogurt and sauerkraut were simply tasty ways to preserve food. 

I recommend getting as many nutrients as possible through food, even probiotics. Yogurt is found in nearly every grocery, but few people realize how easy it is to make at home. Often the commercially available products include sugar and stabilizers that can be avoided with this DIY approach. Not everyone tolerates cow’s milk, so I’ve written a recipe below for a coconut milk alternative that I make at home.

Enjoy!

Coconut Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 1 can full fat coconut milk (Choose a brand without fillers or stabilizers in a BPA-free can.)

• 1 probiotic capsule containing lactobacillus OR ¼ cup of a prior batch of yogurt (store bought or homemade)

• 1 sterilized glass jar (I use a Ball jar that I first run through the dishwasher to sterilize.)

Directions:

1. Add the coconut milk and probiotic (or yogurt) to the clean glass jar. Stir to combine.

2. Loosely cover the jar with the lid and place the jar in the oven near the oven light. 

3. Turn on the oven light and let the jar sit overnight, but do not turn the oven on. The very low heat from the lamp is all that is necessary.

4. In the morning stir the coconut yogurt as separation is natural. Place the yogurt in the refrigerator to firm. Stir again just before using. 

Notes:

• Be sure to start with clean utensils and hands. 

• Choose a probiotic that includes lactobacillus somewhere in the range of 10-50 billion CFU. You do not want it to contain prebiotics. I use whatever I have on hand, but these are examples: Flora Advanced Adult Formula, Renew life Ultra Flora, Jarrow probiotic.

• The yogurt should have a sweet tangy smell. If it smells off or you see colored bacteria or mold on the surface, then discard it. 

• Low fat coconut can be used, however the consistency will be thin and pourable like kefir.

Check out these additional probiotic foods.

Should you be taking a probiotic?

(This blog post is not sponsored by any manufacturer. However, Relish Health may receive a commission on purchases made through an Amazon link.)