Yogurt vs. Yoghurt — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
Yogurt and yoghurt represent two spellings of the same dairy product; "yogurt" is preferred in American English, while "yoghurt" is common in British English.
Difference Between Yogurt and Yoghurt
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
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.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Yogurt
Yoghurt
Pronunciation
/ˈjoʊɡərt/
/ˈjɒɡət/, /ˈjoʊɡərt/
Common Usage
American English
British English
Derivative Examples
Yogurt maker
Yoghurt maker
Geographic Preference
United States
United Kingdom
Compare with Definitions
Yogurt
Fermented dairy product, usually made from cow's milk.
I had some Greek yogurt for breakfast.
Yoghurt
Served with mix-ins like fruit or granola for texture.
Her yoghurt had a swirl of blueberry compote.
Yogurt
Contains probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.
Yogurt is good for your gut because of its probiotics.
Yoghurt
Dairy product achieved by bacterial fermentation.
Yoghurt is often included in healthy diets.
Yogurt
Eaten as a snack or dessert, often sweetened or flavored.
She topped her yogurt with honey and nuts.
Yoghurt
Used as a base for sauces or marinades in cooking.
Yoghurt makes a creamy base for cucumber sauce.
Yogurt
Basis for smoothies and other blended beverages.
He used yogurt to thicken his morning smoothie.
Yoghurt
Comes in varieties like Greek, Icelandic, and more.
Greek yoghurt is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt.
Yogurt
Available in non-dairy forms, made from soy, almond, or coconut milk.
Vegan yogurt is available in many flavors.
Yoghurt
Sometimes made from goat's or sheep's milk.
Sheep's milk yoghurt has a distinct flavor.
Yogurt
Yogurt (UK: ; US: , from Turkish: yoğurt) also spelled yoghurt, yogourt or yoghourt, is a food produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacteria used to make yogurt are known as yogurt cultures.
Yoghurt
A custardlike food with a tart flavor, prepared from milk curdled by bacteria, especially Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and often sweetened or flavored.
Yogurt
A semi-solid sourish food prepared from milk fermented by added bacteria, often sweetened and flavoured
Low-fat yogurt
Frozen yogurts
Yoghurt
Alternative spelling of yogurt
Yogurt
A custardlike food with a tart flavor, prepared from milk curdled by bacteria, especially Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and often sweetened or flavored.
Yoghurt
A custard-like food made from curdled milk
Yogurt
A milk-based product stiffened by a bacterium-aided curdling process, and sometimes mixed with fruit or other flavoring.
Yogurt
Any similar product based on other substances (e.g. soy yogurt).
Yogurt
A custard-like food made from curdled milk
Common Curiosities
What is yogurt?
Yogurt is a dairy product produced by the fermentation of milk by bacteria.
Are yogurt and yoghurt the same thing?
Yes, yogurt and yoghurt refer to the same product, differing only in spelling.
What is yoghurt?
Yoghurt is the British English spelling for yogurt, a fermented milk product.
Can yogurt be made from non-dairy milk?
Yes, there are non-dairy versions of yogurt made from soy, almond, or coconut milk.
What are common flavors of yogurt?
Common flavors include strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry.
Is yoghurt healthy?
Yoghurt is considered healthy due to its probiotics, which aid in digestion.
How is yoghurt used in cooking?
Yoghurt can be used in sauces, marinades, and as a tenderizer in baking.
Why are there different spellings for yogurt?
The spelling differences reflect American and British English conventions.
Which countries use the spelling 'yoghurt'?
The spelling 'yoghurt' is commonly used in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Which countries prefer the spelling 'yogurt'?
The spelling 'yogurt' is preferred in the United States and Canada.
What's the difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt is strained more extensively to remove whey, making it thicker.
Can lactose-intolerant people eat yogurt?
Some lactose-intolerant people may tolerate yogurt better due to its probiotics.
Are there any cultural significances attached to yoghurt?
Yoghurt has cultural significance in many cuisines, including Indian and Middle Eastern, where it is used extensively in traditional dishes.
Is there a taste difference between yogurt and yoghurt?
There is no taste difference; the variations are purely orthographic.
How long can you keep yogurt in the fridge?
Yogurt can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
