Homemade Amla Amalaki Yogurt Recipe—Vegan & Gluten-Free

This delicious homemade amla yogurt recipe is packed with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and plant-based protein. Rocks in smoothie bowls, breakfast porridge, salad dressings, and gut-friendly snacks.

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If you’re looking for a creamy, tangy, and nutrient-dense alternative to store-bought yogurt, this homemade amla yogurt recipe is a game changer.

Packed with amla—also known as Indian gooseberry (amalaki)—and tons of gut-friendly probiotics and prebiotics, this plant-based recipe makes nothing short of a pure superfood.

According to Dr. Michael Greger, amla is “the number-one, most antioxidant-packed single whole food on the planet.” It’s prized in Ayurvedic medicine and has been for literally thousands of years.

Added to a nutrient-dense, spermidine-rich vegan yogurt made with gut-friendly bacteria for your microbiome, it covers several critical bases for boosting your health.

It also tastes great with the perfect blend of tart and naturally sweet ingredients.

Homemade Vegan Amla Yogurt Recipe

Why you’ll love this amla yogurt recipe:

1. Amla-Powered Nutrition
Packed with one of the most antioxidant-rich plants on Earth, amla supports healthy aging, immunity, and glowing skin, while blending perfectly with probiotics for a nutrient-dense powerhouse.

2. Gut-Friendly Formula
Combines live probiotics with prebiotic inulin to nourish them, helping maintain a balanced, thriving gut microbiome.

3. Completely Dairy-Free
Enjoy all the creamy, tangy satisfaction of yogurt without lactose or animal products—perfect for plant-based diets.

4. Flexible Flavor Options
Keep it plain, add warming spices like cinnamon and vanilla, or swirl in berries and natural sweeteners like stevia for a personalized taste.

5. Cleaner and Healthier Than Store-Bought
No gums, fillers, or excess sugar—just wholesome, functional ingredients that support wellness.

6. Easy Equipment Choices
Can be made in a yogurt maker, Instant Pot, or simply in a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen.

7. Meal-Prep Friendly
Yields several servings at once and stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or smoothie bowls.

Here’s what you’ll need (recipe card below):

Equipment

• Saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Mixing bowl.
• Glass jars. (with lids, sterilized)
• Kitchen thermometer
• Strainer (fine mesh or nut milk bag – optional, for extra smooth texture)
• Yogurt-maker machine (or Instant Pot with yogurt function for consistent temperature control

According to Dr. Greger, “Amla is so revered that you can find serious scientists at serious academic institutions making statements like this in serious peer-reviewed medical journals: “Every part of the [Indian gooseberry] plant has its unique therapeutic characteristic for the remedy of almost all the ailments.”

And if you’re wondering about the powder, Dr. Greger says the “Dried powdered Indian gooseberries beat out cloves, the prior heavyweight champion, with up to a hundred times or more antioxidants by weight than blueberries.”

So definitely adding it to homemade yogurt is a win. 💚 🌱 

Vegan Amla Yogurt Benefits

1. Gentle on the Body

Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this yogurt is free from dairy proteins that can trigger inflammation and is often easier to digest for those with sensitivities.

2. Nurtures Your Gut

Packed with probiotics, it helps populate your digestive tract with friendly bacteria, creating a balanced gut microbiome.

3. Fuels the Good Guys

The added prebiotic inulin provides food for those probiotics, encouraging them to grow stronger and more active.

4. Strengthens Immunity

Since much of the immune system resides in the gut, a well-balanced microbiome can support immune defenses and help keep inflammation in check.

5. Enhances Nutrient Uptake

A thriving gut environment can boost your body’s efficiency at absorbing vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds from your meals.

6. Supports a Happy Mind

Thanks to the gut–brain connection, improving gut health may have a positive impact on mood and mental clarity.

7. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Amla is recognized as the most antioxidant-rich plant on Earth, delivering unparalleled protection against oxidative stress while supporting healthy aging, glowing skin, and cellular resilience.

Ingredients (makes about 4 cups)

• 3 cups soy milk (unsweetened soy yields thicker yogurt)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp inulin powder (preboitic chicory root or Jerusalem artichoke)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup. (or agave -feeds the probiotics; won’t make yogurt overly sweet)
• 2 tbsp vegan yogurt starter (or one probiotic capsule at least 20–30 billion CFUs)
• 1 tsp tapioca starch (optional for extra thickness; required if you use a plant milk other than soy)
• 1/2 tsp pink salt
• 2-3 tsp amla powder.

Homemade Amla Yogurt FAQ

1. Do I need special equipment to make this?

Nope! While a yogurt maker is handy, you can ferment the yogurt in any warm, draft-free space—inside an oven with just the light on or wrapped in a towel near a warm appliance. The key is holding the temperature steady between 105–110°F (40–43°C).

2. How long should I let it ferment?

Usually 8–12 hours is perfect. Start tasting around the 8-hour mark—shorter time for mild flavor, longer for a tangier, sharper yogurt.

3. Can I skip the prebiotics?

Yes, but adding prebiotics like inulin feeds the probiotics, helping them grow more robustly in the yogurt and continue supporting gut health after you eat it.

4. Will any plant-based milk work?

Yes, but the texture will vary. Unsweetened soy milk naturally yields the thickest yogurt, while almond, oat, or cashew milk will be lighter unless you add a thickener such as tapioca starch, agar, or pectin.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—as long as you choose certified gluten-free milk and other ingredients. Always double-check labels for hidden gluten.

6. How long will it keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will keep fresh for about five to seven days. Over time it may develop a slightly tangier flavor as probiotics continue working.

7. Does it have as many probiotics as store-bought?

Yes—and sometimes even more. Using a potent starter culture or probiotic supplement and fermenting under optimal conditions creates a diverse, live bacterial profile.

8. Why do you add amla after fermentation?

Amla is rich in vitamin C and delicate polyphenols that are easily damaged by heat and prolonged fermentation. Stirring it in after the yogurt has chilled preserves these nutrients while still allowing the probiotics and amla compounds to work together synergistically.

Superfoods & Nutrient Boosters

• Vegan Protein Powder– 18 grams of organic plant protein.
• Maca powder – Supports energy and hormone balance.
• Spirulina powder – Provides protein, iron, and antioxidants.
• Amla powder – A powerful source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Matcha green tea powder – A major powerhouse for health and longevity.
• Moringa – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein.
• Wheatgrass Powder – Packed with about everything.
• Broccoli Powder – Powerhouse sulforaphane and more.
• Creatine Powder – Boosts exercise, cognition, muscle, and more.
• Green Powder – Concentrated green power.
• Mushroom Powder – Major energy booster & nootropic.
• Turmeric Powder – Top anti-inflammatory & superfood.
• Beet Powder – Excellent source of nitrates and more.
• Barley Grass Powder – Complete protein, enzymes, antioxidants, and more.
• Blueberry Powder – Antioxidants, anthocyanins, polyphenols.
• Chia Seeds – Complete plant-based protein and more.
• Hemp seeds – High in protein, omega-3s, and fiber.
• Pumpkin seeds – Great for magnesium, zinc, and protein.
• Sunflower seeds – Rich in vitamin E and healthy fats.

Instructions

Heat the milk base

• In a saucepan, whisk together plant milk, coconut milk, and tapioca starch (if using).
• Slowly heat to 180°F (82°C) over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
• This helps activate thickeners and create a smooth texture.

Cool the mixture

• Remove from heat and allow to cool to 105–110°F (40–43°C).
• This is important—too hot will kill probiotics, too cold will slow fermentation.

Add prebiotics and probiotics

• Whisk in inulin powder, maple syrup/agave, and salt until fully dissolved.
• Open the probiotic capsule and stir in the powder (discard the capsule shell) or add the vegan starter.

Ferment

• Pour into sterilized jars.
• Option 1: Place jars in a yogurt-making machine or Instant Pot with yogurt setting for 8–12 hours.
• Option 2: Wrap jars in a towel and keep in a warm, draft-free spot (inside an oven with the light on works well).

Once the yogurt reaches your desired tang, place it in the refrigerator and let chill for at least four hours to set.

Check and chill

• Taste after 8 hours; the longer it ferments, the tangier it will become.
• Once it reaches your desired tang, refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set and thicken.

Add Amla after Fermentation

After chilling, whisk in the amla powder. This preserves vitamin C and other delicate phytonutrients that would be lost during heating or extended fermentation.

Serve & store

• Stir before serving. Enjoy plain or with fruit, seeds, nuts, superfoods, and other ingredients.
• Store in the fridge for up to five to seven days.

Trouble Shooting Tips

1. Lacks Tangy Flavor

If your yogurt tastes bland, your probiotic culture may be past its prime. Switch to a fresh, high-quality probiotic capsule or yogurt starter. Also, keep fermentation temperature steady—if it dips below 100°F (38°C), the bacteria slow down.

2. Overly Sour

For a milder taste, shorten fermentation to six to eight hours. As soon as the yogurt reaches your ideal tang, refrigerate it promptly to halt further souring.

3. Runny Texture

For thicker yogurt, use unsweetened soy milk or mix in 2–3 tsp of tapioca starch during the heating stage. Also, make sure fermentation lasts at least eight hours at a stable temperature.

4. Liquid Separation

A thin layer of liquid on top is simply plant-based whey—totally normal. Stir it back in for a silky texture, or strain it through a nut milk bag to create rich, Greek-style yogurt.

Keep Reading . . .  

Vegan Smoothie Recipes

Banana Protein Smoothie Recipe

Best Vegan Protein Powders

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Avocado Smoothie Recipe

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The medical and health topics covered on the PlateofGrass website and blog have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent or cure any disease. This article and its content is presented ‘as is’ for informational purposes only.

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