Making your own plant-based yogurt at home is easier than you’d think, and the results are usually better than what you find at the store. You control the ingredients, the thickness, and the tang level. Plus, a batch of homemade vegan yogurt costs a fraction of those $7 tubs at Whole Foods.
The right yogurt maker keeps a consistent temperature during fermentation, which is the single most important factor in getting good results. Too hot and the cultures die. Too cool and the yogurt never thickens. A dedicated machine takes the guesswork out of it.
I’ve tested both electric and non-electric options with almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. Here are the ones that consistently produced thick, creamy results.
Best Vegan Yogurt Makers
Whether you’re into almond, soy, coconut, or any other non-dairy milk, these yogurt makers got you covered. Let’s dive into my top picks that make the yogurt-making process a breeze for us plant-based folks.
Cozy Steel Yogurt Maker
If you’re seeking a hassle-free and eco-friendly way to craft your own vegan yogurt at home, this is a treasure worth considering.
Pros
- Creates a rich and creamy yogurt without reliance on electricity
- Comes with a comprehensive guide packed with varied recipes
- Eco-conscious choice with its plastic-free design
Cons
- The glass jar doesn’t accommodate a full quart of milk
- Manual process may not appeal to everyone
- Lacks the convenience of an automatic timer
My latest kitchen experiment with the Cozy Steel Yogurt Maker has left me impressed. The self-reliant process, not dependent on electricity, fits seamlessly into my eco-friendly routine. Admittedly, I was used to the set-and-forget method of my old electric maker, but there’s a unique satisfaction found in the manual approach this kit offers.
The recipe book that comes with it is a genuine goldmine, offering more than a bland manual. It’s been educating and inspiring, allowing me to explore beyond my usual almond milk-based yogurts into realms of coconut and oat delights. I admire the fact that it’s not just a product but a gateway to expanding one’s culinary horizons, particularly for vegan diets where options can sometimes feel limited.
Despite its charm, it’s not without minor setbacks. The jar’s capacity doesn’t quite hit the mark for a full quart, a snippet I learned the practical way. And, while I’m rallying behind the lack of plastic, I can’t help but miss the convenience of an automatic timer. Yet, these are small trade-offs for the overall experience – crafting fresh, preservative-free yogurt that I tailor to my personal tastes and nutritional goals.
Euro Cuisine Easy Yogurt
If you’re seeking a simple path to gut-healthy, creamy vegan yogurt at home, this is your go-to gadget.
Pros
- Incredibly straightforward operation
- Offers individual servings with seven glass jars
- Dishwasher-safe components simplify cleanup
Cons
- Limited capacity per batch
- No auto shut-off feature
- Not suitable for all international voltages
I just whipped up a batch of velvety smooth vegan yogurt using this nifty little machine. It’s quite the cost-cutter, allowing me to churn out batches of preservative-free yogurt that satisfies my cravings and supports my gut health. Every time I peek through the transparent lid, I get a little thrill watching my probiotic creation take shape.
The clarity of its design impressed me. With an unambiguous on/off switch and a time reminder, it felt like I had a personal yogurt assistant guiding me. No need for a deep dive into complex controls or settings – it’s wonderfully hassle-free.
I adore how this machine promotes creativity. It’s not just about making standard yogurt; I had the freedom to explore different textures and flavors. The straining process for a thicker Greek-style yogurt was uncomplicated. Plus, cleaning up was a breeze since I could just pop the jars in the dishwasher. However, I admit that the capacity sometimes leaves me wanting more, and I do wish it auto shut-off for those times I get sidetracked.
All in all, the convenience of crafting batches tailored to my vegan diet, coupled with the ease of use, outweighs the few quirks. It’s a reliable sidekick for my kitchen adventures in vegan yogurt making.
Cultures for Health Vegan Yogurt Kit
If you’re venturing into the world of homemade vegan yogurt, this starter kit is a comprehensive and convenient option.
Pros
- Includes all necessary components to start making yogurt immediately
- Enables a cost-effective way to create vegan yogurt at home
- Simple-to-follow instructions ideal for beginners
Cons
- Some users report needing additional equipment like a yogurt maker
- A few incidents of packaging arriving damaged
- Limited to a 3.6 rating suggests varied user satisfaction
Making my own yogurt has always sounded like a complex science experiment, but the Cultures for Health Vegan Yogurt Starter Kit turned it into a breezy afternoon activity. This all-in-one package saved me from the hassle of hunting down each component separately.
The kit came with four packets of dairy-free yogurt culture, a box of Pomona’s Pectin for thickening, a handy thermometer, and even a cotton nut milk bag for straining. The simplicity of the process impressed me—I just needed to mix the cultures with my choice of plant-based milk and let it ferment.
The pectin was a game-changer; it gave a pleasantly thick texture to my almond milk yogurt that I often find lacking in store-bought versions. The thermometer helped me monitor the fermentation process, ensuring that I maintained the perfect temperature for the cultures to do their magic. Plus, the nut milk bag was a quality addition, doubling up for both straining the yogurt and making plant-based milk.
Despite the kit’s convenience, I found myself wishing my kitchen was better equipped. While I improvised using a warm spot in my house for incubation, the results might be more consistent with a proper yogurt maker.
Plus, the 3.6 rating hinted that not everyone had the smooth experience I did; it’s worth considering that this kit might not be foolproof for every aspiring yogurteer. Finally, when recommending this to a friend, they mentioned their kit arrived with the box crushed, which is a bit of a letdown for gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant milk works best for homemade yogurt?
Coconut milk (full-fat, canned) gives the thickest, creamiest results with the least effort. Soy milk is another reliable option because of its high protein content, which helps the yogurt set. Almond and oat milk can work but often need a thickener like agar-agar or tapioca starch to get a proper consistency.
Do I need a yogurt maker, or can I use my oven?
You can absolutely make yogurt without a dedicated machine. Some people use an oven with just the light on, a slow cooker on warm, or even a cooler with a jar of hot water. The point is maintaining a steady 110 to 115F for 8 to 12 hours. A yogurt maker just makes that easier and more consistent, especially if you’re making batches regularly.
How long does homemade vegan yogurt last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, homemade vegan yogurt typically lasts 5 to 7 days. The flavor gets tangier as it ages, which some people prefer. If it develops an off smell or visible mold, toss it.
Why is my vegan yogurt runny?
The most common reasons are: the fermentation temperature was too low, the culture wasn’t active enough, or the plant milk didn’t have enough protein or fat to set properly. Try using full-fat coconut milk or adding a tablespoon of agar-agar powder (dissolved in warm liquid first) before fermenting.
Buying Guide
Here’s what actually matters when picking a vegan yogurt maker.
Capacity
Most yogurt makers produce 1 quart per batch. That’s roughly four servings. If you eat yogurt daily or feed a family, you’ll be making multiple batches per week. Larger capacity machines exist but they’re less common for home use. Consider how often you’re willing to make a fresh batch.
Temperature Control
This is the most important feature. Yogurt fermentation requires a steady 110 to 115F for 8 to 12 hours. Electric machines with built-in thermostats handle this automatically. Non-electric models rely on insulation to hold heat, which works but requires more attention. If you want set-it-and-forget-it convenience, go electric.
Materials
Glass and stainless steel are the best jar materials. They don’t absorb flavors, they’re easy to clean, and they don’t leach chemicals. Avoid plastic containers if you can, especially since the yogurt sits at a warm temperature for hours. BPA-free plastic is an acceptable second choice.
Ease of Cleaning
Yogurt is sticky when it dries. Dishwasher-safe jars and removable parts make cleanup painless. Check whether the lids seal well too, since yogurt splashes during transport to the fridge can create a mess.
Timer and Auto-Shutoff
A built-in timer with auto-shutoff is a nice convenience, especially if you start a batch before bed. Without it, you’ll need to set a separate alarm and manually turn off the machine. Not a dealbreaker, but worth paying attention to.
Looking to naturally sweeten your yogurt creations? Check out our list of the best vegan maple syrup brands next!
