Yogurt Making Troubleshooting   

Q. My first batch of yogurt (using the freeze-dried starter) has been culturing for the maximum number of hours but is still the consistency of milk. What should I do?



Q. My yogurt separated into solid and liquid layers (curds and whey). What happened?

A. Separation is usually an indication of overculturing or culturing at too warm of a temperature. Adjust the length of culture time and check the culturing temperature to make sure it is within the appropriate range.


Q. My yogurt seems to have set, but there's a little clear liquid (whey) floating on the top and the sides. Is this okay?

A. Some whey formation is normal when culturing. Drain the whey for a slightly thicker yogurt or stir it in, which will give you a thinner yogurt. 


Q. My yogurt looks lumpy and curdled. What did I do wrong?

A. Sometimes overculturing (too long or too warm) can cause the yogurt to curdle or become lumpy before it separates fully. To make a smooth consistency, simply whisk it. (Remove some of the whey if you like, or stir it back in.) Check the culturing temperature to make sure it is within range: 105°-112°F for thermophilic cultures, 70°-77°F for mesophilic cultures.

A culture that is too old can also cause this problem. We recommend reculturing heirloom cultures within 7 days for best results.


Q. Why is my yogurt is grainy or gritty?

A. If the flavor is pleasant, but the texture is grainy or gritty, it often indicates that the milk was heated too quickly. Heat milk slowly to avoid this issue.


Q. Why is my yogurt bitter?


Overcultured yogurt may also taste bitter. Check the culturing temperature to verify it is within the appropriate range.


Q. Why is my yogurt thinner than store-bought yogurt?

A. Store-bought yogurts generally contain thickeners. Drain whey or add thickeners to homemade yogurt to achieve similar thickness. 

Q. Why is my raw milk yogurt runny?



Q. Why is my yogurt too sour or not sour enough?

A. Culturing temperatures on the higher end of the range and longer culture times will yield a more sour flavored yogurt. To achieve a less sour flavor, culture at the lower end of the range or for a shorter period of time. 


Q. Why is my yogurt foamy (or stringy) and yeasty-smelling? 

A. This issue is generally caused by cross contamination from yeast, which can come from a sourdough starter culturing too closely, or wild natural yeast that has come in contact with the yogurt. To avoid this problem, be sure to clean all equipment, utensils, counters and other materials used in the yogurt-making process.


Q. Why is my yogurt moldy?


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