Can I put yogurt in Yonanas?

Yonanas is a popular kitchen gadget that allows you to make soft-serve frozen treats using just fruit and a few simple ingredients. Many Yonanas owners wonder if they can use yogurt in their Yonanas machine to create frozen yogurt. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about putting yogurt in a Yonanas machine.

What is Yonanas?

The Yonanas Original Healthy Dessert Maker is a countertop appliance that uses a specialized blade to turn frozen bananas and other fruits into a soft-serve consistency. It was created by Yonanas founder Yoichiro Mizuo after he was looking for a way to get his family to eat more healthy fruits. The Yonanas machine breaks down the cell walls of frozen fruit to transform it into a creamy, frozen dessert.

Here are some key features and benefits of the Yonanas machine:

• Makes soft-serve style “ice cream” from frozen fruits and vegetables
• No added sugar or preservatives
• Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, or granola
• Simple to use and clean
• Frozen dessert in minutes
• Healthier alternative to traditional ice cream

The Yonanas is ideal for people looking for a guilt-free frozen treat. It provides the satisfaction of ice cream with the nutrition of fruit. So can you put yogurt in a Yonanas machine to make frozen yogurt?

Can You Use Yogurt in Yonanas?

Yes, you can use yogurt in a Yonanas machine! Plain Greek yogurt works best. The Yonanas blades are able to break down the yogurt into a smooth, creamy texture. Yogurt provides protein and a creamy base that perfectly complements the fruit.

Here are some tips for using yogurt in a Yonanas machine:

• Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
• Make sure the yogurt is very cold or frozen
• Combine yogurt with frozen bananas and/or fruit
• Add mix-ins like berries, chocolate chips, or nuts
• Blend in a ratio of about 1 part yogurt to 3 parts fruit

Almost any flavor of yogurt will work in the machine. Try peach, vanilla, strawberry, or coconut yogurt. Just avoid yogurts with artificial sweeteners as they may cause an unpleasant aftertaste.

Yogurt Yonanas Recipes

Using yogurt in a Yonanas opens up an entire world of delicious frozen yogurt possibilities! Here are some tasty yogurt Yonanas recipes to try:

Strawberry Banana Yogurt Yonanas

• 1 cup strawberries, frozen
• 2 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

Combine all ingredients in Yonanas machine and process until smooth. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries if desired.

Piña Colada Yonanas

• 2 cups pineapple chunks, frozen
• 1 banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
• 1/2 cup coconut Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes

Blend all ingredients in Yonanas machine until smooth. Top with additional coconut flakes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Yonanas

• 2 bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
• 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp. chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp. peanut butter

Process ingredients in Yonanas machine. Swirl in peanut butter before serving.

Berry Yogurt Yonanas

• 1 cup mixed berries, frozen (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• 2 bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
• 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp. honey

Blend together in Yonanas machine. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.

Tips for Using Yogurt in Yonanas

To get the best results when using yogurt in a Yonanas machine, follow these tips:

• Use Greek yogurt for the creamiest consistency – it’s thicker than regular yogurt
• Make sure yogurt is very cold or frozen before adding to machine
• Combine yogurt with very ripe, frozen bananas and/or frozen fruit
• Add a splash of milk or non-dairy milk if too thick
• For probiotic benefits, add yogurt after processing fruit rather than blending together
• Store any leftovers in freezer within airtight container

It may take some experimenting to find your perfect yogurt to fruit ratios. We recommend starting with 1 part yogurt to 3 parts frozen fruit. Adjust according to your taste and texture preferences.

Benefits of Adding Yogurt

Adding yogurt to your Yonanas creations offers several benefits:

• Protein – Yogurt provides an extra protein boost that can help keep you full.
• Creaminess – The fat in yogurt gives a rich, creamy mouthfeel and texture.
• Healthy fat – Greek yogurt contains heart-healthy fats compared to ice cream.
• Fiber – Yogurt has fiber that works together with the fiber in fruit for digestive health.
• Calcium – Yogurt is an excellent source of bone-strengthening calcium.
• Probiotics – Yogurt contains live cultures that are beneficial for gut health.

Overall, adding yogurt to Yonanas creations boosts the nutritional value. It adds important nutrients while still keeping the treat relatively low in sugar and fat.

Downsides of Yogurt in Yonanas

While yogurt can be a great addition to Yonanas recipes, there are a couple potential downsides to keep in mind:

• Can create more sugar than fruit alone depending on yogurt used
• Some yogurt flavors and brands may add artificial sweeteners or preservatives
• Too much yogurt can throw off ideal fruit to liquid ratio
• May increase calories compared to eating fruit alone
• Frozen yogurt not quite as thick or creamy as soft serve from an ice cream machine

As long as you opt for unsweetened, plain yogurt and watch your portions, yogurt can be a healthy addition to Yonanas treats. Just be mindful of any extra calories, sugar or additives based on the specific yogurt used.

Can I Use Regular Yogurt?

For the best consistency, we recommend using Greek yogurt in a Yonanas machine rather than regular yogurt. Here’s why:

• Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt
• It contains less liquid, so it won’t disrupt ideal fruit to liquid ratios
• The higher protein content contributes to a richer, creamier texture
• Greek yogurt blends more smoothly than runny regular yogurt

Of course, you can experiment with regular yogurt in your Yonanas if you prefer. Just be prepared for a slightly thinner, more liquidy consistency. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from regular yogurt through a cheesecloth or paper towel before using.

Non-Dairy Yogurt Alternatives

For those who avoid dairy or are vegan, non-dairy yogurts work beautifully in a Yonanas machine. Some nutritious options include:

• Coconut milk yogurt
• Almond milk yogurt
• Oat milk yogurt
• Soy milk yogurt
• Cashew milk yogurt

Look for unsweetened varieties without any added sugar. You can even make your own non-dairy yogurt at home using coconut cream, soy milk, or nut milks. Just be sure to chill it well before using in your Yonanas recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does yogurt make Yonanas healthier?

Using yogurt in moderation can add health benefits to Yonanas treats. Greek yogurt provides protein, calcium, probiotics, and vitamins. Just be mindful of any added sugar in flavored yogurts.

Do you have to freeze the yogurt first?

Freezing yogurt before using in a Yonanas machine helps achieve an ice cream-like texture. However, you can use yogurt straight from the fridge as long as it is very cold. Freezing firms up the yogurt even more.

Can yogurt damage the Yonanas blade?

The stainless steel blades in the Yonanas machine are designed to be able to break down soft foods like yogurt. As long as you alternate yogurt with slice fruit, the blade should remain in good condition.

What consistency is yogurt Yonanas?

The texture of yogurt-based Yonanas creations is similar to soft serve ice cream, but not quite as thick. It’s creamier than using just fruit. The consistency depends on ratios used.

Does yogurt make it taste creamier?

Yes, yogurt adds natural creaminess and richness to Yonanas desserts. The fat in the yogurt contributes to a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Conclusion

Adding yogurt to a Yonanas machine is a great way to create healthier frozen treats. Plain Greek yogurt works best to achieve a creamy soft serve consistency. Make sure yogurt is very cold before using. Combine with frozen bananas and fruit in a 1:3 yogurt to fruit ratio. Yogurt boosts protein, calcium, probiotics, and creaminess. With so many delicious options, yogurt opens up possibilities for infinite Yonanas recipe ideas!