Is There A Difference Between Straggisto And Greek Yogurt?

Is a yogurt by any other name just as creamy? Greek yogurt and its many cousins have different names and ingredient variations, but they share a common preparation method that gives it the creamy texture so many people love.

In Greece, the yogurt is frequently known as straggisto or "strained yogurt" (per European Union-funded Food Unfolded). Originally it was made from sheep's milk using a process much like making standard yogurt, only at the end, the yogurt was strained resulting in thicker, more concentrated yogurt. Greek Yogurt and straggisto are basically the same thing depending on what you mean by "Greek Yogurt."

The term "Greek Yogurt" is partially a marketing term that isn't regulated, so some brands capitalize on its popularity but replicate the thicker texture with added ingredients rather than the traditional straining method (per NPR). Someone even attempted to sue a couple of top brands for false advertising due to calling their strained yogurt "Greek." Still, traditional strained yogurt or straggisto has delighted people for centuries in Greece and other parts of the world.

Positively Probiotic reports that strained yogurt was associated with Greece dating back to Herodotus time in the fifth century BCE. Yet despite its ancient origins, someone likely brought the technique to Greece from somewhere in the middle east. Meanwhile, other forms of strained yogurt developed throughout the world including Laban from Lebanon, Skyr from Iceland, and others.

Yogurt preference is a matter of personal taste, but strained yogurt has been so popular due to a mix of nutritional and culinary advantages.

Some types of yogurts are strained as many as three times. Straining drains off some of the extra liquid and whey, resulting in a more concentrated yogurt. According to The Florida Times-Union, a cup of strained yogurt contains four times as much milk as regular yogurt. Since it is concentrated, strained plain yogurt also naturally contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates than standard plain yogurt (per Healthline).

The thicker and creamier texture also makes it especially well suited to a variety of savory dishes and desserts. For example, classic straggisto is a key ingredient in tzatziki dip or as a dessert served with honey and nuts. People are sometimes surprised by how many things they can do with strained yogurt, including using it as a mayonnaise substitute or as an ingredient in Mac and Cheese. Whether you prefer Greek yogurt, Skye, or another version of strained yogurt, it's hard to beat the versatility and guilt-free feeling of indulgence.