"Don't Throw It Away Thinking It's Spoiled"... Why You Should Always Mix the Clear Liquid on Yogurt

UK NHS Doctor: "Whey Separation Is a Natural Process"
"Mix It Back Into Yogurt to Get the Nutrients"

Experts are drawing attention with their advice not to discard the clear liquid that pools on the surface of yogurt products, but instead to mix it in and consume it.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, General Practitioner (GP) Dr. Amir Khan recently recommended consuming the clear liquid that collects on the surface of yogurt after storage. This clear liquid, which appears in yogurt, is known as whey—a type of milk protein.

Dr. Khan explained, "Whey commonly appears in yogurt, which is often eaten for breakfast, and it is rich in protein and various nutrients." He added, "Although it may look as if the yogurt has gone bad, it is actually a liquid that naturally separates from the yogurt."

Dr. Amir Khan, a physician with the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. Screenshot from social media

He continued, "Whey is practically like liquid gold," advising, "Instead of pouring it down the drain, you should mix it back into the yogurt and eat it."

The reason for whey separating out of yogurt can also be observed in the manufacturing process. Milk proteins consist of casein and whey proteins. During fermentation, the casein coagulates and forms thick curds, while whey proteins remain in liquid form and float to the surface. Whey contains protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin B, and various other nutrients essential for the human body.

It is very natural for whey to separate out of yogurt, as noted in a 2023 article in the international journal "Journal of Food Science and Technology." According to this paper, whey protein may separate during either the manufacturing or storage process, and the extent depends on factors such as fermentation temperature, cooling process, protein composition, and the bacterial strains used.

However, it is not necessary to go out of your way to consume whey protein separately. It is not that whey itself has particularly special health components, but rather, mixing the whey back into the yogurt allows you to consume a wider range of nutrients without wasting any beneficial ingredients.

Meanwhile, studies have shown that the lactose in yogurt is digested more easily than in milk, making it more effective for people with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs due to a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Yogurt, however, generates enzymes during fermentation that partially break down lactose, which is why symptoms are less likely to occur.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.