Ready to make plant based yogurt at home? In this post I share a video tutorial of how to make plant based yogurt and a shopping list for everything you need to make dairy-free yogurt in your own kitchen. It’s really easy – and ready in just 12 hours! Keep reading to learn how it’s done.
Watch this video for how to make soy yogurt in an Instant Pot:
Watch this video for how to make soy yogurt in the Ultimate Yogurt Maker and make Greek Soy Yogurt:
Check price of Ultimate Yogurt Strainer on Amazon >
Check price of Ultimate Yogurt Maker on Amazon >
Shop my Plant-Based Yogurt Making Tools list on Amazon >
Making plant-based yogurt at home is easier than you might think. Whether you’re making soy yogurt or experimenting with other non-dairy milk yogurt recipes, having the right equipment and ingredients can help you create thick, creamy, and delicious yogurt with consistent results.
Best Plant-Based Yogurt Making Essentials
One of the biggest advantages of making dairy-free yogurt at home is that you control the ingredients. You can choose your favorite plant milk, adjust the thickness, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners often found in store-bought products.
Here are the best plant-based yogurt making essentials for beginners.
1. Plant-Based Yogurt Maker
A dedicated yogurt maker is one of the easiest ways to make plant-based yogurt at home.
Unlike trying to maintain a warm temperature in an oven or cooler, a yogurt maker keeps your yogurt at a consistent temperature throughout fermentation.
Look for features like:
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Adjustable fermentation time
- Easy-to-use controls
- Large container or individual jars
- Consistent heating
If you plan to make non-dairy yogurt regularly, a yogurt maker quickly becomes one of the most valuable kitchen appliances you can own.
Another great option for making yogurt is using an Instant Pot with a yogurt setting like this one.
Or, a bread maker with a yogurt setting like this one.
2. Yogurt Strainer for Dairy Free Greek Yogurt
If you enjoy thick dairy free Greek yogurt, a yogurt strainer is an excellent accessory.
Straining removes excess liquid, creating a thicker plant-based yogurt that’s perfect for:
- Breakfast bowls
- Smoothies
- Vegan sour cream
- Dips
- Cheesecake recipes
- Spreads
The longer you strain your yogurt, the thicker it becomes.
Check price of the Ultimate Greek Yogurt Strainer on Amazon >
3. Glass Jars
Glass jars make storing homemade dairy-free yogurt simple and convenient.
They’re perfect for:
- Individual servings
- Meal prep
- Refrigerator storage
- Freezer storage
- Grab-and-go breakfasts
Wide-mouth jars are especially easy to fill, clean, and reuse.
Here’s a set of jars that is one of the best selling on Amazon right now >
This set of yogurt jars includes a spoon >
I like this 4-pack of yogurt jars because they have beautiful colors on them >
4. Digital Thermometer
Temperature is one of the most important parts of making successful non-dairy yogurt.
A digital thermometer helps you:
- Check the temperature of your plant milk
- Verify fermentation temperatures
- Troubleshoot inconsistent batches
- Avoid overheating ingredients
Even if your yogurt maker maintains the fermentation temperature, a thermometer is still useful during preparation.
I use this inexpensive digital thermometer >
5. Plant-Based Yogurt Starter
Every batch of plant-based yogurt begins with a starter culture.
Depending on your recipe, you may use:
- A commercial vegan yogurt starter
- Plain plant-based yogurt with live active cultures
- A previous batch of homemade yogurt
Using a reliable starter helps produce more consistent results.
There are two vegan yogurt starters I recommend, this one and this one.
6. Inulin Powder
Many people add inulin powder when making plant-based yogurt because it may help improve texture while adding dietary fiber.
Depending on your recipe, inulin may help create:
- A creamier texture
- Thicker yogurt
- Better consistency
It’s an easy ingredient to experiment with if you’re looking to improve homemade yogurt.
Why I Buy THIS Inulin Powder Instead Of Others
7. The Best Non-Dairy Milk for Yogurt
The type of plant milk you choose has the biggest impact on your finished yogurt.
Popular choices include:
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Coconut milk
Soy milk is often considered one of the easiest options for making non-dairy milk yogurt because its higher protein content helps produce a thicker texture.
How to Make Homemade Soy Yogurt (Complete Beginner’s Guide + Best Equipment & Ingredients)
8. Fine Mesh Strainer
A fine mesh strainer is a useful kitchen tool for making plant-based yogurt.
It can help:
- Remove solids from homemade plant milk
- Strain yogurt for a smoother texture
- Prepare ingredients before fermentation
Many people already have one in their kitchen, making it an inexpensive but valuable tool.
9. Silicone Spatula
A flexible silicone spatula makes yogurt making much easier.
Use it to:
- Stir ingredients
- Transfer yogurt into jars
- Mix flavorings
- Scrape containers clean
It’s a simple tool that helps reduce waste and makes cleanup easier.
10. Flavoring Your Plant-Based Yogurt
One of the best parts about making homemade plant-based yogurt is customizing the flavor.
Some popular additions include:
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla extract
- Maple syrup
- Granola
- Cinnamon
- Nuts
- Fruit preserves
Making your own dairy-free yogurt lets you control both the sweetness and the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best milk for plant-based yogurt?
Soy milk is one of the most popular choices because its naturally higher protein content helps create thicker yogurt. Other plant milks can also work depending on the recipe and starter culture.
Can I make non-dairy yogurt without a yogurt maker?
Yes, but a yogurt maker makes the process much easier by maintaining a consistent fermentation temperature, leading to more reliable results.
What’s the difference between plant-based yogurt and dairy-free yogurt?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to yogurt made without dairy milk. Depending on the recipe, plant-based yogurt, dairy-free yogurt, non-dairy yogurt, non dairy milk yogurt, and non milk based yogurt can all describe yogurt made from plant milks like soy, almond, oat, or coconut.
Final Thoughts
Making plant-based yogurt at home is simple once you have the right equipment. A quality yogurt maker, yogurt strainer, glass jars, and a few basic tools can help you make creamy, delicious yogurt whenever you want.
Whether you’re making dairy-free yogurt from soy milk or experimenting with other non-dairy milk yogurt recipes, investing in the right essentials makes the process easier and helps you achieve more consistent results.
Shop my Plant-Based Yogurt Making Tools list on Amazon >
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