Do emulsifiers and thickeners added to yoghurt take away from the gut health benefits?

Last updated 31/01/2025

All yoghurt is produced by bacterial fermentation of milk.

The fermentation of lactose (the milk sugar) into lactic acid by the bacteria gives yogurt its classic gel-like thickness and taste. Emulsifiers or thickeners are sometimes added to improve the mouthfeel and creaminess, as well as helping to spread fat evenly throughout the product and to reduce bacterial overgrowth. These additions to yoghurt only make up a very small percentage (< 5%) of the total ingredients.[1] 

Some types of yoghurt contain additional probiotics that have been shown to help with gut health; the most common types being Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium. These 'friendly' probiotic bacteria can promote gut health by restoring the balance between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in the gut (collectively known as the gut microbiome).[2] Yoghurt is an ideal food for the addition of probiotics as the milk (which includes protein and fat) acts as protection to help the probiotics survive the digestive system, so they can exert their benefits in the gut. [3] 

For information about the digestive benefits of yoghurt and other dairy foods visit this page.