Yogurt vs. Yoghurt — What's the Difference?

Yogurt is the spelling predominantly used in the United States, reflecting American English conventions. In contrast, yoghurt is the preferred form in British English, used widely in the UK and other countries influenced by British spelling norms. Both terms describe a fermented milk product known for its creamy texture and sour taste, which results from the action of specific bacteria.

The pronunciation of "yogurt" in American English tends to be more straightforward, often phonetically spelled as /ˈjoʊɡərt/. On the other hand, "yoghurt" might be pronounced slightly differently in British English, with a soft "h" sound, although this varies regionally.

In terms of usage, "yogurt" is seen in American publications, product labels, and advertising. In contrast, "yoghurt" appears in British contexts, including newspapers, books, and on product packaging in the UK, reflecting the lexical preferences of the region.

The spelling differences extend to derivatives of the word: Americans might refer to a "yogurt maker" while British English speakers would use "yoghurt maker." This distinction maintains consistency with the base word in each variant of English.

Despite these differences in spelling and usage, the product itself is identical. Yogurt/yoghurt is enjoyed globally and is a staple in various cuisines, often used in cooking or consumed directly with additives like fruit and honey.