Did you know that a serving of many of the top-selling yogurt brands has more sugar than a Twinkie? Cutting down on sugar is just one of many reasons why it’s a great idea to learn how to flavor homemade yogurt.

In addition to the added sugars, store-bought Greek yogurt also typically contains preservatives and other artificial ingredients to extend the shelf life of the yogurt. Additionally, when yogurt is processed, it removes about half of the calcium. Homemade yogurt is by far the healthier choice.

Homemade Greek yogurt is also much more economical, costing less than 1/3 of the cost of the yogurt you buy in the store. 

Despite its numerous benefits, some people tend to shy away from making their own yogurt because they can’t stand the plain, tart flavor. The good news is, it’s much easier than you think to flavor your own yogurt.

Here are 7 tasty homemade yogurt flavor ideas that will have your taste buds jumping for joy. 

1. Classic Yogurt with Fresh or Frozen Fruit

Flavoring plain yogurt with fruit is a great go-to choice. Yogurt tastes great with just about any fruit.

Some suggestions include blueberries, raspberries, mango, kiwi, pineapple, peaches, strawberries, and bananas. If you don’t have access to fresh fruit, frozen fruit works just as well.

Combine about 1/4 cup of fruit with one cup of Greek yogurt. Top with some yummy granola or sliced almonds, and you have a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack.

2. Honey and Vanilla: Simple and Sweet

If you prefer some sweetness in your yogurt, try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. It’s a good idea to start with one tablespoon and slowly add more until it’s sweetened to taste.

After combining the honey and yogurt, add some vanilla, either in the extract form or vanilla beans if you have them. Use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, scraped out. Stir and enjoy

3. Decadent Chocolate Dessert Yogurt

Homemade Greek yogurt makes the perfect snack or after-dinner dessert if you’re craving something sweet. Cocoa powder gives a decadent chocolate flavor, without the added sugar.

Add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into 1 cup of Greek yogurt. If you’re more of a dark chocolate lover, look for a dark chocolate cocoa powder. After adding the cocoa powder, add your favorite sweetener.

Some sweeteners that work well are a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. If you don’t want to add a sweetener, you could also add one ripe mashed banana. 

4. Savory Yogurt Dip with Fresh Herbs

Flavored yogurt doesn’t always have to be sweet, savory yogurts are just as delicious when you’re in the mood for them. Greek yogurt makes a tasty dip to serve with vegetables or to use as a salad dressing.

To make a savory yogurt herb dip, add one cup of Greek yogurt into a blender. Toss in 1 and 1/2 cups of any fresh herbs you have on hand; basil, chives, and parsley work well together. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of water. Press one garlic clove and add to the blender, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Blend, chill, and get ready to eat with some crunchy vegetables. The Greek yogurt dip will keep well for around 3 days.

If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can also use dry herbs, like an Herbs de Provence. 

5. How to Flavor Homemade Yogurt with Limited Ingredients: Add Coffee

If you’re a coffee-lover, then adding coffee to your homemade yogurt is a must-try. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to one cup of yogurt, and you have a delicious coffee-flavored yogurt. If you want a more complex chocolate flavor, you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the yogurt.

This recipe is the perfect option if you’re stuck in the house and don’t have access to a lot of fresh ingredients, like fruit and herbs. Instant espresso powder can easily be found online, and it lasts a long time.

If you aren’t a fan of the tart flavor, add a sweetener of your choice such as honey, agave, or maple syrup. 

6. Lemon Lovers Yogurt

If you’ve never tried whipped yogurt, you’re in for a treat. The airy and creamy consistency of whipped Greek yogurt pairs great with a little bit of lemon flavor. The final product tastes more like a mousse than yogurt, so if you’re a fan of citrus desserts, this is a must-try.

In a large bowl, whisk a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. After the sugar’s dissolved, add one cup of your homemade yogurt and a teaspoon of lemon zest. 

Whisk it up until it’s smooth and airy. Enjoy on its own or add some fresh citrus fruit on top.

7. Spice It up Greek Yogurt

When fresh ingredients are scarce, another delicious savory Greek yogurt idea is to simply add some spices. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. You can also throw in a bit of lemon juice. 

This simple, spicy yogurt is delectable as a snack on its own, or it can be served on top of a variety of healthy bowls, like a Mediterranean bowl or a chicken and rice bowl.  

Start Experimenting with Your Favorite Flavors Today

There is no “right way” when it comes to flavoring your yogurt. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there are great options to spice up your plain homemade yogurt. Have fun experimenting until you find your favorite go-to Greek yogurt flavors.

Once you’ve learned how to flavor homemade yogurt, check out some of these other delicious Greek yogurt recipes. When you’re cooking with Greek yogurt, the healthy and delicious options are endless.