No Added Sugar French Yogurt

This rich and creamy No Added Sugar French Yogurt is easy to make and is fermented in individual jars for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. Top it with seeds, cinnamon, granola, or fresh berries to make a complete, nutrient dense meal or snack!
When I’m super busy and short on time, I have no problem buying a tub of unsweetened Greek, Aussie, or Icelandic yogurt. It’s an easy way to get a lot of protein, making it a perfect way to start the day! But when I have a little extra time or a lot of milk to use up, I love experimenting with making my own. Recently I tried recreating the popular French potted yogurt, except without all the sugar! Even though every other French yogurt recipe calls for sugar, it’s totally unnecessary and it will turn out just fine without.
This type of yogurt is fermented in individual jars, so they’re already portioned out and ready to go (perfect for any meal-preppers out there). It only takes a few minutes of active time to make and the remaining 12 hours is hands off as the yogurt ferments. You’ll also want to allow a few hours of chilling time before serving.

Ingredients
You don’t need many ingredients to make No Added Sugar French Yogurt, but you will need an Instant Pot. Other than that, all you need is milk and some yogurt with live and active cultures. I know, it sounds silly to make yogurt with yogurt, but it’s the easiest way to get the bacteria for fermentation. You can always save a tablespoon from each batch to start the next one so you don’t have to keep buying yogurt.
I use Organic Valley Whole Milk , but you can use a lower fat version if your prefer. That being said, the French don’t skimp on fat, as it makes food delicious and satiating. There has also been some research suggesting an association between low-fat dairy consumption and anovulation in women. There is definitely more research needed, but it’s an interesting observation and is one more reason why I tend to stick with full-fat dairy.

How to Make No Added Sugar French Yogurt
To make No Added Sugar French Yogurt, pour the milk in the Instant Pot and set it to “saute” mode. Heat the milk to 180℉, being sure to stir often. Check the temperature frequently to prevent overheating.
When it reaches 180℉, turn off the Instant Pot and let the milk cool to 110-115℉. To speed up the cooling, place the inner chamber of the Instant Pot in a large bowl of cold water. Again, check the temperature often, especially if using a water bath, so it doesn’t get too cool.

Then whisk the yogurt starter with the milk until well combined. Pour the mixture into individual 6oz jars.
Wash the Instant Pot and place the trivet in the bottom, followed by a cup of water. Place the jars in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet.

Place the lid on the Instant Pot, but remove the sealing ring first. The ring tends to absorb the smell of other food you’ve cooked in the Instant Pot, and can cause the yogurt to have a hint of onion if you leave it on. Since the yogurt isn’t pressure cooked, the lid does not need to be sealed. Set the Instant Pot to “yogurt” mode for 12 hours. When it is done, it should be set up. Cool in the refrigerator before serving with your favorite toppings.

I hope you enjoy this No Added Sugar French Yogurt! Be sure to leave a rating below and let me know what you think in the comments. Happy cooking!
More Recipes to Try
No Added Sugar French Yogurt
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- 4 6oz jars
Ingredients
- 3 cups Organic Valley whole milk
- 1 Tbsp yogurt with live and active cultures
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Pour the milk in the Instant Pot and set to "saute".
- Heat the milk to 180℉, being sure to stir often. Check the temperature frequently to prevent overheating.
- When it reaches 180℉, turn off the Instant Pot and let the milk cool to 110-115℉. If you want to speed up the cooling, place the inner chamber of the Instant Pot in a large bowl of water.
- Whisk the yogurt starter with the milk until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into individual jars.
- Wash the Instant Pot and place the trivet in the bottom. Add the water.
- Place the jars in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot . Set it to "yogurt" mode for 12 hours. When it is done, it should be set up. Cool in the refrigerator before serving with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!