Customer Reviews

Yogourmet Freeze Dried Yogurt Starter, 3-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

LATEST REMARKS:
A couple of times I had milk that was getting a little old so I scalded it first by bringing it to 185º and holding it there 5 minutes. It's definitely a nuisance but I noticed both times that the yogurt set up much firmer.

I am still incubating in a cooler and am happy with the system. I usually incubate for 8 hours overnight and no longer add hot water halfway through. Always looking for the easiest way. It turns out fine every time. Still love the taste and convenience of this starter. Still just using half the recommended amount of starter.

My batch of yogurt is actually 5 and a half cups rather than a quart. I use great old heavy glass jars similar to big peanut butter jars. I've never bothered to measure it before, till another reviewer made an issue of the cost effectiveness of making homemade yogurt. So the cost per "quart" for me is even less than the 97¢ plus electricity I mentioned in my comments to "Are You Kidding?".

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I love this starter. It's very convenient to have on hand since I live in a very rural area, and I think the taste is great. I get firm yogurt in my Salton in only 5 hours and I don't think it's anywhere near too tart. I find the flavor to be very pleasant when I lick the spoon. I eat my yogurt with fruit (no added sugar) and the flavor is not at all overpowering. Yogurt gets more tart when it incubates longer but sometimes I have let a batch go 7 or 8 hours and I still think it tastes fine.

Because this starter is so pricey, I use just half of the recommended amount and it works fine. I first used it at the recommended strength for comparison. A half portion is a little less than a teaspoon. Then I tightly reseal the packet till next batch. I also save portions of yogurt for starter. I keep one in the fridge for the next batch, and freeze several. This way, a packet that costs a dollar or more, instead of just making one quart, gives me about ten quarts without too much fuss. On occasion I use second-generation yogurt for starter, but mostly just the first generation.

Now that amazon is now offering a 3-pack of 6-portion boxes for a good price and eligible for Super Saver shipping, this starter has become much more affordable.

Some additions/Dec. 13, 2009:
My Salton died a premature death. Now I incubate in an insulated six-pack-type cooler, using jars of hot water alongside the jar of yogurt (which sits in the insulated holder from my old Salton). I refill the jars of hot water halfway through. I use the hottest tap water--obviously this is a potential variable--but the jars of water can be a lot hotter than the yogurt if they're not right up against it.

It sets up in 6 to 8 hours, flavor still great. I add 1/2 cup dry milk per oversized "quart" and still use just half the recommended starter. I use nonfat milk which is notorious for not making real firm yogurt. Mine is totally firm (curd-like or gel-like consistency) for the first serving. After that the whey separates out some. I either eat it or pour it off. It is not as creamy as commercial nonfat yogurt; I don't think that's achievable at home.

I use store-bought milk and do not scald it. I warm it to 110 degrees, using a cheap candy thermometer bought right here on amazon.com. I believe anywhere from 105 to 112 is OK. I warm everything I'm using ahead of time.

I'm glad my tips have been helpful and hope these details might help someone else out.

First, I am quite surprised at how expensive this product is on Amazon; my local health food store (with a notoriously high mark-up on products) sells it for about 3.59/box. Otherwise it is a good product; definitely more potent than store-bought yogurt as a starter, but I've actually had much better results using my probiotic capsules that I use as a dietary supplement. Here's a quick comparison of results with yogurt starters:

Store-bought yogurt: incubates in about 8 hours, results in runny yogurt
Yogourmet: incubates in about 5-6 hours, results in relatively thin yogurt
2 probiotic capsules: incubates in 3 hours, results in thick, luscious yogurt

I have used this brand before. it was much better than those I got from amazon.
when I got the package, it was a little bit warm due to the outside weather. Since it took a long way for this package to come to me, they maybe go bad on their way. I thought amazon might have some particular way to transport these sensitive yogurt starter, but I was wrong. and you can not return them.
however, this brand is excellent, just remember do not order it online, espcially in summer.

I have used this yogurt culture many times before and it makes great yogurt. However, my local store stopped carrying it, and I ordered these cultures from amazon. I am a prime member and chose a 2 day delivery. The package arrived steaming hot (it was over 90F outside) and was not packaged any differently than a non-grocery item. I did pick up the package as soon as it was dropped off by the UPS carrier. First batch failed, and so did the second batch. I am assuming that improper delivery destroys the culture and do not recommend purchasing it from amazon. A local store had it in the refrigerated section with yogurts and probably had it delivered accordingly.

I have used this starter for decades with excellent, consistant results each time. All Yogourmet starters are much better than others I've tried, I won't use anything else!

I have used this product for several years and it makes wonderful yogurt and has some of the most useful bacteria in it. I make a batch then take a sample out and put it in the freezer to use for the next batch. That way the box of starter packets last quite awhile. I keep them in the freezer. I only use a new packet if for some reason my sample becomes messed up and starts developing an off taste. This rarely happens, but it has happened and then I have something to start over with. Great product! Healthy solution!

Priced right & easy to use! I keep the boxes in the refrigerator.
If you have a yogurt maker, making yogurt can't get much easier. (You can make yogurt with out a yogurt maker too. You can use a warm oven or warm pad, ect. & you need to maintain the correct temp. You can reserch all of this on our wonderful informative interenet!) There are lots of different makers out there. Check them out & get what suits you best! The basic idea for making yogurt is to heat your milk until it just starts to climb the sides. Then you let it cool to about 90 degrees or so. You can put your finger in it & it's comfortable. If you have skin on your milk, skim it off. Add the yogurt starter to the milk & mix it in well. Pour it in your yogurt maker jar/s & incubate it for 4 - 24 hours depending on your needs & desired tartness. You can even add fruits, syrups before pouring in the milk/culture mix! Just like "fruit on the bottom" in stores only way way better! Anyway, instructions come with the yogurt starter so your covered!

Make your own yogurt at home, it's cheaper & more satisfying!

Good luck & have fun!

I make yogurt twice a week with yogourmet using the yogourmet multi. The family loves it. The timing I use is different than the instructions, it seems to need at least 8 hours to become thick enough. I also let it stand for 2 days in fridge. Afterward, I use hand mixer on low to give it a creamy texture. At that time I add stevia, liquid vanilla & or some type of berry. I jar it up in 8oz canning jars with reusable plastic lids. This way we always have serving size available, easy to grab and go. (I also use raw milk)

I recently bought the Yogourmet yogurt maker along with this starter. I had never previously made yogurt, so I thought it would be best if I used a starter instead of trying plain yogurt for the cultures. It turned out perfectly for me. The directions are simple, and the product does what it should - produces delicious yogurt.

I've tried others but I keep coming back to this one. The price is the best overall and I seem to always be able to get it from Amazon quickly.
I've been making yogurt for years now and I can't stand the stuff in the store. Unfortunately, I never seem to be able to save the last couple tablespoons of the previous batch for the next! This stuff is so inexpensive and convenient, I really don't mind anymore. I use this for at least half the batches I make and the consistency of each batch is wonderful! By far my favorite brand.