x 8-oz. cartons plain yogurt

Plain yogurt is a fermented dairy product made by introducing live lactic acid bacteria (primarily Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) to milk, where the bacteria ferment lactose into lactic acid. This fermentation process lowers the pH and causes milk proteins to coagulate, creating a thick, tangy product with a distinctive sour flavor and creamy texture. Plain yogurt contains no added sweeteners, flavorings, or stabilizers, allowing the natural tang and mild dairy notes to predominate. The product originated in the Balkans and Middle East, with evidence of yogurt consumption dating back thousands of years; it is now produced worldwide in numerous styles ranging from thin, pourable varieties to thick, strained Greek-style yogurts.

Plain yogurt serves as a versatile ingredient across numerous cuisines, functioning as a base for marinades, dressings, sauces, and dips such as tzatziki and raita. It is consumed as a breakfast staple with granola, fruit, and honey; incorporated into baking and desserts including cakes, muffins, and frozen yogurt; and used as a cooling accompaniment to spiced dishes in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cooking. The tangy flavor profile and creamy texture also make it suitable for tenderizing meats in marinades, balancing richness in savory dishes, and providing probiotic benefits in both sweet and savory preparations.