While scrolling through TikTok, the latest recipe promising to be high-protein (but still tasty!) caught my eye: fluffy yoghurt.
Developed by the fitness influencer @llexliftz (who now identifies herself in her bio as “fluffy yoghurt girl”), this no-cook dish is basically Greek yoghurt transformed into something sweet, light, and airy via the magic of food chemistry. And I wasn’t the only one intrigued: The TikTok I watched has racked up more than four million views (and spawned a whole slew of stitches).
As someone who’s always down to try a new recipe, I decided to try it out. I scooped some plain Fage Greek yoghurt into a bowl, drizzled some agave syrup on top, added about a tablespoon each of vanilla powdered dessert mix and baking powder, and started stirring.
With a little armwork, the mixture began to take on the promised fluffiness – a texture similar to mousse. So far, so good. When I took a bite, though, I noticed an odd tingling sensation on my lips and tongue, kind of like a swig of fizzy soda or sparkling water. I definitely wouldn’t say it was disgusting, but it wasn’t pleasant, either. (Though, to be fair, I’m not the biggest fan of sparkling food or beverage products in any case.) I was put off by that weird mouthfeel. I didn’t even make it as far as adding the peanut butter and chocolate chips I bought for toppings.
Surprised and a little disappointed, I later contacted Lauren Butler, an assistant professor specialising in food and nutrition, to discuss what might have been going on. She explained that one ingredient might’ve been to blame: baking powder (which is also responsible for the fluffiness). Long story short, the stuff is potent. If overused, Dr. Butler said, it can sometimes infuse the whole dish with a “metallic taste.”
For what it’s worth, @llexliftz has cautioned against overdoing it with the baking powder in a few fluffy yoghurt videos, so I figured the recipe was worth another shot.
With Dr. Butler’s words of caution in mind, I tried again a few days later, careful to keep the powder to a minimum. (Seriously, the amount took up less than a third of a spoon.) This time, there was no weird fizzy feeling – only the slightest hint of a tang. What’s more, the final product was actually pretty tasty, more reminiscent of a dessert than a potential pre-workout snack. Cover with biscuit crumbs and raspberries? Congratulations, you have yourself a convincing cheesecake dupe. Layer on vanilla wafers and banana slices? Banana pudding. Stir in some peanut butter and chocolate chips? You’ve basically got cookie dough.
Plus, as Dr. Butler explained, fluffy yoghurt is also “a great way to get in that protein that our bodies need to build muscle” because Greek yoghurt packs a ton of the stuff – about 20 grams per seven-ounce container.
Not only does protein help with muscle repair and recovery, but it also helps keep you satisfied, which is important if you’re choosing fluffy yoghurt as a breakfast or a snack. (One thing to keep in mind, though Using an artificial sweetener that contains sugar alcohols can cause GI symptoms like bloating and diarrhoea, Dr Butler explained – so if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to pick another option.)