With more people cooking from scratch these days – a recent Lakeland survey found that 31% of UK adults are cooking from scratch more than they were a year ago – it makes sense that appliances like yoghurt makers are having a moment. I can definitely see the appeal now. Being able to make something as everyday as yoghurt yourself feels surprisingly satisfying.
What I like most is how simple the process is. You just stir a small amount of natural yoghurt into warm milk, pour it into one of the containers and set the time and temperature on the digital display. I usually leave it overnight and by morning I’ve got a big batch of fresh yoghurt ready to go.
The machine can make up to about 1.65 litres of plain yoghurt at once, which is more than enough for breakfasts, overnight oats and the odd smoothie during the week.
The yoghurt itself tastes great – really fresh, creamy and tangy in a way that reminds me of the good-quality pots you buy at the supermarket, but without any of the additives.
I’ve been adding honey, berries and nuts, and it’s brilliant spooned over granola. It’s also nice knowing exactly what’s gone into it.
Another bonus is that you can experiment with different types of milk. I tried whole milk first for a richer result, but semi-skimmed worked perfectly well too. If I want thicker, Greek-style yoghurt, I just strain it using the included strainer, which removes the whey and gives a much creamier texture.
Overall, the Lakeland Multi Yoghurt and Soft Cheese Maker has made homemade yoghurt far easier than I expected. It’s simple, versatile and a good way to cut down on plastic yoghurt pots while enjoying something fresh and homemade.
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The soft cheese feature was a pleasant surprise as well. Following the simple recipe in the booklet, I made a ricotta-style cheese that was lovely spread on toast with herbs. It’s not something I would have thought to make myself, but the machine makes it feel very doable.
In terms of design, it’s compact and lightweight, so it doesn’t take up much space on the counter. The digital screen is clear and easy to use, and once it’s set, you can pretty much forget about it until it’s ready.
I didn’t think I’d use it as often as I do, but it’s quickly become part of my weekly kitchen routine.
