Best Yogurt Cultures

Thermophilic reliability or countertop heirlooms — pick your style.

Heated-milk yogurt cultures (Bulgarian for tang, Sweet and Creamy for mild) set in a warm incubator in about 5–12 hours. Countertop mesophilic yogurts — viili, filmjölk, matsoni — set at room temperature but are heirloom cultures that must be re-cultured at least every 7 days. Greek yogurt needs no special culture at all: strain regular yogurt and you are done.