Vegan Homemade Yogurt Recipe with Probiotics & Prebiotics

Make your own creamy vegan yogurt recipe packed with probiotics and prebiotics—great in smoothies, breakfast bowls, plant-based snacks.

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Creamy, tangy, and alive with gut-friendly ingredients, this delicious vegan yogurt recipe is manna for the biome.

Infused with probiotics—the live beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut—and prebiotics, the fiber-rich fuel they need, this recipe boosts both sides of the spectrum.

It’s also worth noting that unlike conventional brands, this homemade yogurt taps clean, plant-based ingredients. It also boosts nutrient absorption, the immune system, and the the brain.

So whether it’s a quick healthy breakfast with fresh fruit and nuts you’re after, or a post-workout stack, this delicious vegan yogurt recipe is a win.

Homemade Vegan Yogurt Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Gut-Healthy Synergy – Combines probiotics for live beneficial bacteria and prebiotics to feed them, supporting a balanced microbiome.
• 100% Dairy-Free – All the creamy, tangy satisfaction of yogurt without any lactose or animal products.
• Customizable Flavor – Keep it plain, add vanilla and cinnamon for warmth, or swirl in berries and stevia for natural sweetness.
• Better Than Store-Bought – No fillers, gums, or excessive sugars—just clean, functional goods.
• Simple Equipment Options – Works with a yogurt maker, Instant Pot, or even just a warm corner of your kitchen.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes enough for several servings and stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

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

Homemade Yogurt Benefits

• Supports Digestion – Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
• Feeds Good Bacteria – Prebiotic inulin acts as nourishment for probiotics, helping them multiply and thrive.
• Boosts Immunity – A balanced gut supports immune system health and helps reduce inflammation.
• Improves Nutrient Absorption – Healthy gut flora can enhance your body’s ability to absorb other vitamins and minerals.
• Dairy-Free & Anti-Inflammatory – Plant-based ingredients are easier to digest for many people and free from inflammatory dairy proteins.
• Mood Benefits – The gut-brain connection means better gut health may support mental well-being.

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 20–30 billion CFUs)
• 1 tsp tapioca starch (optional for extra thickness; required if you use a plant milk other than soy)
• 1 tsp pink salt

Homemade Yogurt FAQ

1. Can I make this without a yogurt maker?
Yes, you can ferment the yogurt by placing the jars in a warm spot, such as inside an oven with the light on or wrapped in a towel near a warm appliance. The key is keeping the temperature steady between 105–110°F (40–43°C).

2. How long should I ferment the yogurt?
Typically 8–12 hours. The longer you ferment, the tangier the flavor. Taste after 8 hours and continue fermenting if you prefer a sharper flavor.

3. Can I use any plant-based milk?
Yes, but the texture varies. Soy milk tends to yield the thickest yogurt, while almond, oat, or cashew milk may produce a lighter consistency unless thickened with agar, tapioca starch, or the pectin included in this kit:

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—provided you use certified gluten-free plant milk and ingredients. Always check labels for hidden gluten.

5. How long does it keep?
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. The tanginess may increase slightly over time.

6. Does homemade yogurt have as many probiotics as store-bought?
Yes—and sometimes more! By using a high-quality probiotic or starter culture and fermenting under the right conditions, you can achieve a rich diversity of live bacteria.

7. Can I make this recipe without prebiotics?
You can, but adding prebiotics like inulin improves the growth and survival of probiotics in the yogurt and in your gut.

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 agar/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).

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.

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

Yogurt is too runny

• Use soy milk or add a thickener like 1 tsp agar-agar or 2–3 tsp tapioca starch when heating the milk.
• Make sure fermentation lasted long enough (at least 8 hours) and the temperature stayed consistent.

Yogurt is too sour

• Shorten the fermentation time next batch to 6–8 hours.
• Chill the yogurt promptly when it reaches your desired tang.

No tangy flavor

• Your probiotics may be expired or inactive—use a fresh, high-quality probiotic capsule or yogurt starter.
• Check the fermentation temperature; if it drops below 100°F (38°C), bacterial activity slows down.

Separation (liquid on top)

• This is normal and is plant-based whey. Stir before serving, or strain through a nut milk bag for thicker, 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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