The Super Smart Yogurt Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

I'm not a huge fan of  yogurt , but I've been trying to eat it more often because I know it's a good source of protein and gut-friendly probiotics. If you've ever opened a container of  yogurt , sour cream or crème fraîche, you probably know why I have a reaction to it—it seems like I always find a layer of liquid pooled on top, which isn't my favorite thing! It's a common issue, but thanks to a clever tip from Cook's Illustrated (originally shared by reader Jen Muzzi of Newark, Delaware), there's an easy way to keep your  yogurt smooth and creamy, and I really wish I'd known about this before. 

Cook's Illustrated ( @cooksillustrated ) is a respected cooking magazine known for its in-depth recipe testing, unbiased equipment reviews and scientific approach to perfecting classic and modern dishes, so if they say it works, I'm ready to give it a try!

Related: The 7 Best Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians

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All You Need Is a Spoon

According to Cook's Illustrated , you just need to simply smooth the top of the yogurt with a spoon before putting it back in the fridge. This helps prevent separation, so you don't have to stir it every time you open the container. 

This works because when yogurt sits in the fridge, whey (the watery portion of dairy products) naturally separates due to gravity and the natural settling of its other components. By leveling the surface, you minimize the pockets where liquid can pool, slowing down the separation process. It's a simple trick to keep yogurt creamy and uniform without needing to stir it so often.

Keep in mind, though, that this won't work for days on end, so if you wait a week between yogurt helpings, you'll still find liquid pooled at the top. If you're an infrequent yogurt eater and are bothered by the whey, single-serve containers may be better for you.  

Related: 'I Ate Yogurt Every Day for a Week—These Are the 3 Biggest Changes I Noticed'

More Tips to Keep Yogurt from Separating

Store yogurt in the coldest part of your fridge (typically the back) to maintain its consistency. For best results, always use a clean spoon when scooping yogurt to prevent introducing bacteria that could alter its texture.

Don't stir it too much. While it's tempting to mix everything together, excessive stirring can actually break down the structure and cause more liquid to form. You should give it a light mix before eating. 

If you're bothered by the whey, opt for full-fat varieties of yogurt. Higher fat content helps maintain a thicker, creamier texture with less separation. 

With these simple tricks, you can keep your yogurt smooth, delicious and ready to enjoy every time you reach for it! Maybe some of these tricks will help me keep the liquid at bay so I can start to enjoy eating yogurt. Wish me luck!

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