Kefir vs yoghurt

The key difference between kefir and yoghurt is that kefir contains a much wider range of helpful microorganisms. As a start, it is fermented with and contains both bacteria and yeast whereas yoghurt is only fermented with bacteria. 

Low lactose content

Yeast fermentation breaks the lactose in dairy milk down into lactic acid making kefir suitable for most people with lactose intolerance.  The longer the fermentation process and the more yeast it contains the better tolerated it is. Yoghurt is typically not well-tolerated as it contains almost as much lactose as unfermented milk (see our dairy sensitivity spectrum).

Wider range of probiotics

Kefir contains a wider range of healthy microorganisms, called probiotics, than yoghurt and most other fermented dairy products. This means that it is likely to be more effective in changing the gut environment and improving both digestion and overall health. 

Slightly better nutrient profile

Both yoghurt and kefir have similar nutrients to the milk they are made from. Kefir has lower calories and less carbs because of the additional fermentation of sugars. It also contains a specific carb called "kefiran" that has antibacterial properties and may help support the immune function of the gut.