How to Choose Quality Yogurt and Dairy Products

When choosing quality yogurt and dairy products, the first things to check are the production and expiration dates on the package; a fresh product is generally several weeks from its expiration date, while products close to that date are more often found on discount shelves. The ingredients list for yogurt is expected to contain only milk and a starter (bacterial culture), and the ingredients list for milk should say only “milk”; additives such as starch, gelatin, or milk powder indicate that the product's texture has been artificially enhanced. The carton or bottle should not be swollen, crushed, or leaking; this is another point to check on the store shelf because damaged packaging may allow air or bacteria to enter. Instead of taking the first carton you see, checking cartons in the back with later dates can help you choose a product that stays fresh longer at home. What does package information show? The fat-content information on yogurt and dairy packaging (whole, reduced-fat, or fat-free) directly affects the product's texture and taste; whole-milk yogurt is generally thicker and creamier. If the product label states that it contains live probiotic bacterial cultures, this generally indicates fresher, less processed production, because live cultures are damaged by high-heat processing. Storage temperature information is also important; products whose cold chain has been interrupted may have a change in texture, so make sure the product is actually stored in a refrigerated case at the store. How should texture and appearance be assessed? The surface of quality yogurt should look smooth, and there should not be too much liquid separation when touched with a spoon; a thin layer of liquid on top of the package is normal, but a pool of water amounting to nearly half the yogurt may indicate that the product is old or poor quality. For milk, there should be no lumps or curdling in the bottle, and it is expected to remain fluid and homogeneous when shaken. Products such as cream and clotted cream should be closer to white than yellow; an excessively yellow color can sometimes indicate artificial coloring, so comparing it with the ingredients list is useful. How do you check smell and taste? When opened, yogurt and dairy products should have a mildly sour but not unpleasant smell; a sharp, ammonia-like, or moldy smell is a sign of spoilage, and the product should be rejected without tasting it. Noticing excessive sourness or a lumpy, grainy texture while eating is likewise a sign of spoilage, so do not eat the rest; never taste a product that already smells or looks suspect to decide whether it is safe. If dairy products have a grayish color or spots of mold on the surface, they should not be consumed; even if this appearance is at a single spot, it may have spread to the entire product. Common mistakes at the grocery store One of the most common mistakes is choosing discounted products or products close to their expiration date for the price advantage and then breaking the cold chain before getting them home; even a short time in a warm car can increase the rate of spoilage. Another mistake is comparing yogurts from different brands only by price without reading the ingredients list. Buying a large size without planning to consume dairy products before their shelf life expires is also a common mistake; even after an opened package is closed, it may spoil sooner than expected, so choosing a size that suits how quickly it will be consumed is safer.