Plant-Based Yoghurt Recipes and Brands

Plant-based yoghurt is made from soy, coconut, almond, oat, or cashew milks that are fermented with live cultures. It suits people who want dairy-free options, whether for health, ethics, or taste. It also works well in smoothies, breakfasts, and dressings.

Gut health is a key point. Many plant yoghurts contain live cultures, similar to dairy yoghurt. These friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, help balance the gut microbiome. A healthier gut links with better digestion and immune support. You get the same probiotic benefit without animal ingredients.

This simple vegan yoghurt recipe (Plant-Based Juniors) can be made with berries or strawberries. The recipe uses blended cashews, read this post on when children can eat nuts.

Read our post on food safety for people and pets.

Sojade Organic Yoghurts (from France)

Sojade is a France yoghurt brand, made in a solar-powered factory, and only sold in health shops. They got rid of plastic lids years ago, and the flavours are more unique than the usual supermarket fodder.

The company buys beans that do not come from cleared rainforest land. This protects habitats and helps keep deforestation-linked emissions out of the supply chain.

Choose from:

Strawberry: Light and fresh, great for children and quick breakfasts. Try it with sliced banana or a sprinkle of oats.
Blueberry: Known for antioxidants. Works well with toasted seeds or a swirl of almond butter.
Raspberry: A vivid, tangy note that cuts through granola. Perfect in overnight oats or a simple parfait.
Cherry: Deeper and richer, with a dessert-like feel. Lovely with dark chocolate shavings or crushed pistachios.

Serving ideas:

Spoon over granola for crunch.
Blend into smoothies with frozen fruit and spinach.
Use as a dessert topper with stewed apples or poached pears.
Stir into warm porridge for a silky finish.

Cocos Organic (coconut yoghurt from Kent!

Cocos Organic is one of the better brands of coconut yoghurts in shops, made from ethically-sourced (no monkeys used to harvest) coconuts, all certified vegan and organic, and sold in easy-to-recycle packaging.

Coconuts are of course not locally, but after importing (sorry but you can’t grow coconuts in England!), they are then made in a Kent factory, creating local sustainable jobs.

Recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins, if your kerbside does not recycle.

This is a real artisan company, that makes coconuts full of gut-friendly live cultures. Plant-based foods actually absorb calcium better, and strong bones need regular weight-bearing exercise. This is why countries in the Far East that drink little dairy (but walk more) have stronger bones.

Countries that guzzle lots of dairy (the UK, Scandinavia, North America) have far more issues with osteoporosis, as they don’t walk as much, and drink more dairy. Choose from flavours:

Natural
Strawberry
Mixed Berry
Vanilla
Mango Passionfruit

You can find these yoghurts in many good delis and farm shops, and some supermarkets.

If you order organic fruit and veg boxes from Abel & Cole (if ordering flowers, read our post on pet-friendly gardens), you can add this company’s Coconut Milk Kefir to your shopping basket.

The Coconut Collab (gut-friendly high-protein yoghurts)

The Coconut Collab offers thick rich coconut yoghurts (along with a lovely ‘double cream’ for strawberries and desserts. In Natural, Strawberry and Raspberry, there is also a Strawberry Protein and a special blend for Gut Health.

Why Are People Giving Up Dairy?

Chantal Kaufmann

The dairy industry is huge. No-one denies that a small organic dairy farmer treats his cows well. But the big dairy industry (from where most dairy milk is produced – especially for all the by-products used in ready-meals etc) has huge welfare concerns.

It’s still the case in the UK that most male calves (of no financial use to the dairy industry, which is separate from the beef industry) are shot dead soon after birth.

Many cows spend their entire lives in factory farms, being inseminated and giving birth, then having their calves ripped from them soon after birth. Cows and calves have incredibly strong relationships, and will cry out loudly for weeks, if separated.

Some organisations are helping dairy farmers to transfarm over to growing more profitable oats, giving seeds and training. Remaining animals are then left to live out their lives in peace, akin to farm sanctuaries.