Tamar Valley Greek style yoghurt review
Here we will give a hands-on, taste-tested review of Tamar Valley Greek style yoghurt. We’ll look into the benefits, ingredients, nutrition and flavour of this popular yoghurt.
For this review we have tested the original, full-fat version.
This yoghurt is available widely in Australia.
Ingredients of Tamar Valley Greek style yoghurt
This yoghurt has only four ingredients - milk, cream, milk solids and cultures. It may not be strictly traditional to use 3 types of milk products to make a yoghurt - but there’s certainly no nasties in there.
Importantly, there’s no added sugar or sweeteners - like in other yoghurts.
It is also gluten and gelatine free.
Tamar Valley yoghurt is made with fresh, pastuerised Tasmanian milk.
Their branding leans heavily on the fact it is made in lush, green, pristine Tasmania - and to be honest, it works on me.
Benefits of Tamar Valley yoghurt
This product comes with the usual benefits associated with yoghurt.
Vitamins and minerals
Yoghurt is a source of various vitamins and minerals including:
calcium
B vitamins (B12 and riboflavin)
magnesium
potassium
These vitamins support bone health, energy production, immune function and cardiovascular health.
Protein
Tamar Valley yoghurt has a decent amount of protein with 5g per 100g.
Probiotics
Because of its probiotics (ie live bacteria), yoghurt provides a range of health benefits including:
digestive health
immune support
reduced inflammation
weight management
Read more about the benefits of probiotic foods.
Bacterial diversity
Unfortunately there is no information given on either the colony forming units of probiotics (ie the amount of bacteria) or what strains of bacteria are used. And their website offers no further information.
Anecdote!
I’m in a homebrew club and some members make sour beer using yoghurt as a starter. Multiple brewers have reported that Tamar Valley works best for this among the popular brands. This (along with the strong sour taste) suggests that there is a strong bacterial colony in the yoghurt.
But it’s a shame they haven’t provided more exact information on this.
Appearance
The yoghurt is plain white in appearance as expected. It also appears thick in that it retains a mounded and uneven structure in the bowl, rather than just sinking to an even level.
Texture
The texture is very thick, creamy and downright luxurious. It is 9.6% fat after all…
Flavour
The aroma is like soured milk - surprise!
The taste is strongly sour, even for yoghurt. Personally I love this, but others might not - especially if they are used to sweetened yoghurt.
Cost of Tamar Valley yoghurt
I bought a 1kg tub from Coles for $7.80. Not exactly cheap - but it’s not much more than the competition and it is a premium product in my mind.
Summary
4.75 stars out of 5.
A delicious, high quality, clean yoghurt with a strong sour kick.
Pros
clean ingredients (but not organic)
no added sugar or sweeteners
thick and creamy
good source of vitamins, minerals and protein
Cons
some information on the bacterial strains present and colony forming units would be helpful
not the cheapest
might be too sour for some
Your reviewer
This article was reviewed by Travis, the founder of this website, long-time gut enthusiast and passionate kombucha maker!