People who pour away the liquid found at the top of their yoghurt pot are being urged to stop by a popular health expert. Dr Amir Khan says the liquid, known as whey, contains key vitamins and minerals that support gut health.
Taking to Instagram this week, Dr Khan told his 1.1 million followers to mix the liquid into the yoghurt rather than pour it down the sink. "Guys, I just want to say, you know this watery stuff that develops on the top of yoghurt overnight and stuff? Don't throw it away," he said.
What is the liquid in yoghurt?
"I know it looks a bit odd, but it's actually meant to be there and it's called liquid whey. It naturally separates out from the yoghurt because yoghurt is a fermented food," he explained. He reassured viewers that the presence of the liquid does not mean the yoghurt has spoiled, split, or is "bad", and said the liquid is "not fat".
"It's actually where a lot of the nutrition lies," he said. Explaining the benefits, he said: "So it contains protein, calcium, potassium, B vitamins, and it's really good for your gut health."
Warning not to be tempted
Warning viewers not to be 'tempted' to get rid of the liquid, he said: "Don't pour it down the sink. I know it's really tempting. You're literally tipping away nutrients your body can use." He added: "So just instead, mix it in into the yoghurt, and it is really, really good for you."
In a final plea, he said: "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."
In the comment section, one viewer said: "So glad you said this, I wasn’t sure. I’ve been a bit put off with the watery bit. But I’ll shove it all in my plate now." Another admitted: "I had no idea!"
Why is liquid whey good for you?
The liquid on top of yoghurt is whey protein, similar to how oil sits on top of natural peanut butter. All yoghurts can experience liquid separation, but the amount varies based on the type of yoghurt.
Milk has two main kinds of protein: whey and casein. When milk turns into yoghurt, the casein protein forms clumps, creating yoghurt's thick texture. Whey protein stays in liquid form. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids the body can't produce by itself. It also provides calcium, probiotics, and vitamins. Whey helps you feel full longer, and the body can digest and absorb it more easily than other proteins, such as casein.
Signs your yoghurt has spoiled
Visible mold, bad smell, odd texture, a lot of excess liquid, or a bloated container are signs of spoilage. If you notice any pink, grey, green, blue, or fuzzy spots on the container, throw it away. Fresh yoghurt should smell clean and tangy. If it has a rancid, too sour, or cheesy smell, it's time to toss it out. If the yoghurt feels grainy, lumpy, or has a curdled texture that doesn't smooth out when stirred, it has spoiled.
A little bit of liquid (whey) on top is normal and can be mixed in. However, if there's a large amount of liquid that won't mix back in, it means the yoghurt is bad. If the lid is swollen or you hear a hissing sound when you open the container, gas has built up from bacteria or yeast spoiling the yoghurt.
