Dr Amir Khan, a GP and regular guest on Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, is urging people not to throw away the liquid that separates from yoghurt, saying the body will benefit from consuming it.
In a video shared on his social media channels, he explained that the liquid, a natural byproduct called acid whey, is completely safe to eat. "Don't throw it away. I know it looks a bit odd but it's actually meant to be there," he said.
What Is the Liquid in Yoghurt?
Dr Khan reassured viewers that the pool of liquid found inside a yoghurt pot is nothing to worry about. "It's called liquid whey and it naturally separates out from the yoghurt because yoghurt is a fermented food. Nothing's spoiled, nothing has split, nothing is bad, it's not fat," he said.
He added: "It's actually where a lot of the nutrition lies, this kind of liquidy stuff here."
Nutritional Benefits of Liquid Whey
Dr Khan listed the various benefits of liquid whey, including protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins. "It's really good for your gut health, so don't pour it down the sink — I know it's tempting," he said.
He continued: "You're literally tipping away nutrients your body can use so just mix it into the yoghurt and it is really, really good for you. It's just normal fermentation, that's what yoghurt is. Anyway, mix it in, don't throw it away and your body will thank you."
Dr Joseph Salhab, an American gastroenterologist, echoed Dr Khan's advice. "Don't pour this part of the yoghurt out. It's one of the most nutritious parts. It's just whey protein that's separated itself out. All you gotta do is mix it back in and enjoy."
Viewer Reactions and Signs of Spoiled Yoghurt
Reactions on social media included one viewer admitting, "I feel seen, tipping it down the sink," while another replied, "Who throws that out? I just stir it back in before I eat the yoghurt." A third person joked: "Shouldn't the caption be 'don't throw this a-whey'??"
For those unsure whether their yoghurt has gone bad, signs include visible mould such as white fuzz and spots that are green or black, excessive liquid, and a bad taste.
