Curd vs hung curd vs Greek yogurt: What is the difference and which has more protein

When it comes to curd, hung curd, and Greek yogurt, they are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. While all three are dairy products made through fermentation, they differ in texture, preparation, nutritional value, and protein content. Scroll down to read the difference.

Protein: 3-4 g per 100 gms
Also known as dahi, it is made by adding a bacterial culture or a spoonful of existing curd to warm milk and allowing it to ferment for several hours. It is proven that during fermentation, beneficial bacteria, convert lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives curd its tangy character.

Protein: 8-10 g per 100 gms
It refers to simple curd that has been strained to remove excess whey. And as the whey is removed, the curd becomes thicker, creamier, and denser and reduction in moisture concentrates the nutrients, including protein and fat.

Protein: 8-10 g per 100 gms
It is a strained yogurt that originated in Greece and has gained popularity worldwide because of its high protein content and thick texture. Like hung curd, it is made by removing whey from fermented milk. Its production is more standardized and may involve specific bacterial cultures that influence flavour and texture. And commercially available yogurt is low in fat and high in protein.

Preparation: Curd is prepared by fermenting milk and involves no straining. Hung curd uses straining for removing whey and Greek yogurt, is produced using specific cultures and commercial processing methods.
Taste: Curd is mildly tangy, hung curd is slightly richer and more concentrated, while Greek yogurt is tangier and creamier.

According to experts, the winner is Greek yogurt which is said to have maximum protein compared to other too. The higher protein is primarily due to straining, which removes water and concentrates the milk solids. It is said that for someone who is looking to increase protein intake, without relying heavily on supplements, Greek yogurt and hung curd can be valuable additions to the diet.

It is said that curd is traditionally valued for its probiotic content, which aids digestive health too. And Greek yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria, although the exact strains and amounts vary by brand. And hung curd, retains many of the beneficial bacteria found in regular curd, making it a good option as well.