Probiotic Yogurt… the How and the Why

Probiotic Yogurt (specifically Lactobacillus Reuteri) has been a staple in our diet for about 2 years now. Joe will often do a deep dive into health topics, which i’m so grateful for because I get to be the recipient of all the knowledge he picks up, but sometimes we adopt what he learns and sometimes we don’t. We tend to be a family of simplicity & repetition/consistency, so it doesn’t leave a lot of room for adding more into our routine because we want it to be sustainable.

So when Joe made probiotic yogurt for the first time, I’m sure he wasn’t ready for my quick & adamant adoption since he would be the one making it every other week. I instantly fell in love with it because it not only was a great snack, but I also noticed that it helped me to stay satiated longer and helped with cravings as well. Not to mention, all of the benefits that we get into below.

I love it so much and we have gotten so many questions about it, so I asked Joe if he would do a video on it so we can share what we’ve learned and added into our routine for the past couple years. It takes a few days to make and has a good amount of steps so it has taken us quite some time, but it’s finally here. We’re thankful to Dr. William Davis, from whom we first found this yogurt! 💪

Check out how to make Lactobacillus Reuteri Probiotic Yogurt, the many benefits as well as a fun video we put together for you or us actually making it. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!

How to Make 36-Hour Lactobacillus Reuteri Yogurt (and Why You Should)

If you're looking to boost gut health, immune function, and even support hormone balance, Lactobacillus reuteri yogurt is a powerful addition to your routine. Unlike regular yogurt, this special 36-hour ferment uses a specific probiotic strain—Lactobacillus reuteri—to make a rich and deeply beneficial yogurt at home.

Benefits of L. reuteri Yogurt

• Gut health: Helps support a diverse, balanced microbiome

• Immune support: Stimulates immune-regulating compounds

• Skin and hormone support: Linked to collagen production and increased oxytocin

• Reduced inflammation: May calm chronic inflammatory responses

What You’ll Need FOR ONE BATCH (Our video shows a quadruple BATCH)

• Lactobacillus reuteri powder (20 billion CFU recommended)

• 2 Tablespoons Inulin powder (prebiotic to feed the bacteria)

• 1 Quart Full-fat half and half (organic preferred)

• Instant Pot or yogurt maker with accurate temperature control

Instructions

1. Create the starter mix:
   In a clean bowl, combine the L. reuteri powder with the inulin powder. Add 2 tablespoons of half and half and mix to form a slurry.

2. Build the batch:
   Pour the slurry into your Instant Pot or yogurt maker. Add the remaining half and half and stir gently until well mixed.

3. Ferment:
   Set your device to ferment at 100°F (38°C) for 36 hours. This long, low fermentation allows the bacteria to grow slowly and multiply significantly.

4. Strain (optional but personally recommended):
   After fermenting, strain out the whey from the yogurt through a cheesecloth or fine mesh for 4–6 hours for a thicker texture, like Greek yogurt.

5. Refrigerate and enjoy:
   Store in the fridge and enjoy daily. It will keep for up to 1–2 weeks.

** Use 4-8 tbsp of your finished batch as a starter for your next batch—no need to use new powder every time.**

Have this creamy, probiotic-rich yogurt as a morning boost, a base for smoothies, or a post-workout snack. We recommend 1/2 cup once a day. Your gut—and your whole body—will thank you.

Check out our video below: