Why Is My Homemade Yogurt Grainy?
Sneak Preview: Find out why your homemade yogurt is grainy in this discussion about some possible causes of not-so-nice grainy yogurt.
Did your homemade yogurt turn out grainy? I feel your disappointment. While it may taste alright and it’s safe to eat, it’s probably not what you were going for. Right?
I’ve encountered grainy yogurt myself. It’s so frustrating, and unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers. But, based on my experience, I’ve figured out at least one reason.

Recently, I made a batch of yogurt using a different starter. Despite using the same method, my yogurt turned out grainy. When I complained, my daughter-in-law chimed in that sometimes hers was also grainy.
Both of us thought our yogurt still tasted good. We talked and compared. It seemed like our starter might be the culprit. Here are my conclusions from my unscientific investigation.
Possible answers to the question, “Why is my homemade yogurt grainy?”
- While recreating the grainy texture, I discovered using a starter with additives can be problematic. It may not be the only cause, but this will definitely do it.
- Using too much starter as discussed here can be another cause.

The results of my experiment
In the picture above, the ingredient labels for each of the starters (commercially-made yogurt purchased locally) claim to have “live active yogurt cultures.” All made yogurt successfully.
Note that the yogurt shown on the bottom three spoons contained additives.
- Lower left: inulin (a type of fiber) and pectin (The Greek Gods nonfat plain Greek yogurt)
- Lower middle: pectin (Krogers nonfat, plain yogurt)
- Lower right: corn starch and gelatin (Braum’s low-fat yogurt)
The smooth and creamy yogurt on the top three spoons originated with the following starters:
- Upper left: Fage nonfat yogurt
- Upper middle: Stonyfield nonfat yogurt
- Upper left: My own homemade yogurt that had been in the freezer for at least 6 months.
The moral of the story??
When using commercially produced yogurt as a starter, stick to yogurt with live cultures, but NO additives.
Does it matter if I use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt as a starter?
Whether it’s Greek yogurt or regular makes no difference in my experience.
Bonus: A blackberry cobbler a là yogurt

I take this treat to work with me
If I don’t have blackberries, I’m fond of substituting whatever fresh or frozen fruit I can find in my kitchen. THE TOTAL CALORIE COUNT IS REASONABLE since I can get 6-7 servings from one recipe.
If you are still trying to perfect your method for making yogurt at home, check out the video below. Maybe it will give you some ideas.
If you have questions or suggestions, email me privately to Paula at saladinajar.com. Hope to see you again soon! Paula
Paula Rhodes, author
I’m a retired home economist, wife, mother, grandmother, and creator of Saladinajar.com. I believe you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Here you’ll find time-saving tips, troubleshooting advice, and confidence-inspiring recipes to make life in the kitchen more fun, appetizing, and satisfying.