Homemade Coconut Cult Probiotic Yogurt (Chocolate Flavor)
This easy homemade Coconut Cult-style probiotic yogurt tastes just like the real thing- creamy, tangy, and packed with chocolate mousse flavor. It’s the perfect alternative if your local store is always sold out (I've been there!), and bonus: you can make it anytime, right from your own kitchen!
Equipment
- Dehydrator (See notes for alternative methods if you don’t have a dehydrator.)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ethical, organic coconut cream (Only the thick cream, not the water!)
- 1/4 cup organic fresh coconut meat (Do not use dried coconut. You must use fresh coconut meat!)
- 2 tbsp organic cacao powder
- 1/4 cup organic brown coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup organic coconut water
- 2 tbsp Coconut Cult Chocolate Mousse Probiotic Yogurt (This acts as the probiotic starter. See the notes section for how to substitute with freeze-dried probiotic powder if you can’t get a jar of Coconut Cult.)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except for the Coconut Cult Chocolate Mousse Probiotic Yogurt, to a high-powered blender. Blend on medium-high until extremely smooth.
- Now add the Coconut Cult Chocolate Mousse Probiotic Yogurt to the blender and blend on the lowest speed until well combined. If using a probiotic powder, do NOT blend. Pour the yogurt mixture into a large mason jar and gently stir in the probiotic powder using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon. Do NOT use a metal spoon.
- Pour into a large mason jar, cover with a piece of cheesecloth or paper towel, and seal shut with a rubber band.
- Place in your dehydrator to warm at 105°F for 9-12 hours, completely undisturbed. I typically let it warm for around 12 hours. The longer you ferment it, the more tangy it'll taste. (See notes for alternative methods if you don’t have a dehydrator.) After the yogurt has finished incubating, do NOT stir or shake the jar.
- At this stage, the mixture may look separated, bubbly, and a bit watery- that’s totally normal! Pop the jar in the fridge and let it chill until it sets into a thick, scoopable consistency. This usually takes a few hours, but I personally like to let it rest overnight for the best texture.
- Once your yogurt has fully set, scoop everything into a blender and blend on the lowest speed just until it re-emulsifies into a smooth, uniform texture. Then pour it into a clean jar (or smaller jars if you prefer). It’ll be a bit looser right after blending, but don’t worry, once it chills again in the fridge, it thickens back up into that dreamy mousse-like consistency!
- This jar will yield several servings. Every morning, on an empty stomach, I eat 1 to 2 tablespoons. Think of this as a delicious supplement- not a regular yogurt. (See notes below for more on serving size and why less is more with probiotic-rich foods!)
- ***Too tangy? If your yogurt turns out a little too tangy for your taste, don’t worry- you can always stir in a touch of maple syrup or agave nectart after it’s fully fermented and chilled. It’ll mellow out the acidity and add a little sweetness without affecting the probiotic benefits!
Notes
Probiotic Starter Options:
While I use Coconut Cult yogurt as a starter in this recipe for that perfect tangy, creamy flavor, I know it can be tricky to find! If you can't get your hands on the brand's yogurt, no worries—you can easily use freeze-dried probiotic powder instead. Here’s the key:- Choose a blend of different probiotic strains for the best results. A variety of strains helps ensure a well-rounded fermentation and maximizes the probiotic benefits of your homemade yogurt.
- Look for high-quality, dairy-free probiotic powders (preferably with at least 10–15 billion CFUs per serving). You can find these online or at health food stores.
- Make sure the blend of probiotics includes multiple strains (such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) for optimal results. Each probiotic powder varies, so it's a good idea to check the recommended dosage on the package (but generally, 1–2 teaspoons will work).
- For the equivalent of 2 tablespoons of Coconut Cult Chocolate Mousse, you can use around 1–2 teaspoons of freeze-dried probiotic powder. This is typically enough to introduce enough healthy bacteria to kickstart the fermentation process.
No Dehydrator? No Problem!
If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can still make this yogurt using one of the following methods to maintain a warm temperature (103–110°F):– Place the jar in your oven with the light on (don’t turn the oven on!)
– Use the yogurt function on an Instant Pot or yogurt maker
– Tuck the jar into an insulated cooler pre-warmed with hot water(make sure to dump the water out before adding in the jar!)
– Place it in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off microwave or cabinet near an appliance Just make sure the environment stays cozy, and you’re good to go!
How Much Should You Eat Per Day?
While it's tempting to dive into a big bowl of this creamy, probiotic-packed yogurt, moderation is key—especially if you’re new to consuming probiotics or have a sensitive stomach. Here's a general guideline to get the most out of your homemade coconut yogurt:- Start with 1 tablespoon and gradually work your way up to 2 tablespoons a day. In the beginning, it may even be best to consume the yogurt only a few times a week until your body gets used to it.
- If you're introducing probiotics into your diet for the first time, it's best to start small and let your body adjust. This allows your digestive system to get used to the beneficial bacteria without causing any discomfort (like bloating or gas).
Why Start Slowly?
Homemade yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are great for supporting gut health. However, consuming too much too quickly can sometimes lead to minor digestive issues. By starting with a smaller portion, you give your gut time to adapt and avoid any possible side effects. After a few days, you can adjust the serving size based on how your body feels. If you're comfortable with the smaller serving, you can gradually increase it to enjoy the full benefits without overdoing it. Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!