Homemade Yogurt has NEVER been easier than with this Cold Start Instant Pot Yogurt. Two ingredients and time is all you need to have perfect, creamy, thick yogurt.
If you are looking for making yogurt without ultra-pasteurized milk, be sure to grab my recipe for Instant Pot Yogurt. If you are looking for more Instant Pot Recipes, please check out all Instant Pot Recipes.
One of the biggest reasons I love my pressure cooker is for Homemade Yogurt.
It was one of the first recipes I mastered and I make it on a weekly basis.
But a lot of people have been asking how to make Cold Start Yogurt, and I am here to say, Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt is so much easier than my original Instant Pot Yogurt Recipe.
Cold Start Yogurt
It could not be easier to make yogurt using cold start yogurt, and it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to mess up–the same can not be said about my traditional Instant Pot Yogurt.
There are no thermometers needed, no boiling of milk, no wondering if your milk didn’t reach the right temperature to achieve perfect yogurt. Plus cold start yogurt comes out thick, just like Greek yogurt–no need for straining!
Just two simple ingredients and a pressure cooker is all that is needed for this cold start yogurt.
Ingredients for Cold Start Yogurt
- Ultra Pasteurized Milk
- Like Fairlife brand
- Most Organic Milks are Ultra-Pasteurized as well–but be sure it is labeled “ultra-pasteurized”
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures
How To Make Cold Start Yogurt
Step One: Clean your Instant Pot
- Be sure your pressure cooker is clean and you use a clean inner ring when making yogurt–no one wants yogurt tasting like Instant Pot Chili!
- I wipe my inner pot down with vinegar and then rinse well and dry.
- I also recommend a separate sealing ring to use for yogurt–not necessary but it does help!
Step Two: Add Milk and Starter to Pressure Cooker
- Pour milk into inner pot of pressure cooker.
- Whisk in starter/prepared yogurt.
Step Three: Incubate Yogurt
- Place lid on pressure cooker.
- Hit “Yogurt” and it should read 8:00.
- Let it begin to incubate.
Step Four: Refrigerate Yogurt
- After 8 hours, remove inner pot from pressure cooker.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 8 hours.
- Place yogurt in glass jars to store in refrigerator.
Tips for Making Cold Start Yogurt
- There is NO substitution for ultra pasteurized milk. If you do not use ultra pasteurized milk, you need to follow these instructions for Instant Pot Yogurt.
- Fairlife milk is also ultra-filtered, which means it has more protein and less sugar, meaning it will produce a thicker yogurt than just ultra pasteurized milk. If you use ultra pasteurized milk, no ultra-filtered milk, you may want to strain your yogurt for super thick yogurt.
- Cold start yogurt is lower in sugar and carbs than traditional yogurt. It is also higher in protein.
- Use any percentage fat milk you like for this cold start yogurt, the higher the fat percentage the creamier the yogurt. I prefer 2% Ultra Pasteurized Milk.
- You can cut this recipe in half, or if you have an 8 quart pressure cooker, you can also double this recipe for homemade yogurt.
- For homemade yogurt, you must, use either use a yogurt starter or plain yogurt with active live cultures. I like to use plain Greek yogurt–Chobani or the store brand.
- Feel free to sweeten yogurt with vanilla extract, honey, maple syrup, or fruit AFTER incubating.
- A huge tip for making yogurt in the future, is to FREEZE your starter immediately after fresh yogurt is made. I recommend using an ice cube tray. Each ice cube holds 1 tablespoon of yogurt so you will know exactly how much yogurt to defrost when making a new yogurt batch. Just be sure to thaw your yogurt cubes in the fridge to not alter the cultures in the yogurt.
- If you would like tangier yogurt, set incubation period to 10 hours instead of 8 hours.
- Homemade yogurt should last for up to 10-14 days in your refrigerator.
More Instant Pot Basic Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Stock
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce
- Instant Pot Beans
- Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt
Ingredients
- 56 ounces Ultra Pasteurized Milk
- 2 tablespoons prepare yogurt with live cultures or yogurt starter
Instructions
- Pour milk into inner pot of pressure cooker.
- Whisk in starter/prepared yogurt.
- Place lid on pressure cooker.
- Hit "Yogurt" and it should read 8:00 (If not, hit ADJUST until screen reads 8:00). Let the pressure cooker do it's thing!
- After the 8 hour incubation period, remove inner pot from pressure cooker. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 8 hours.
- After refrigeration, store yogurt in glass containers for 10-14 days.
Notes
- Fairlife milk is also ultra-filtered, which means it has more protein and less sugar, meaning it will produce a thicker yogurt than just ultra pasteurized milk. If you use ultra pasteurized milk, no ultra-filtered milk, you may want to strain your yogurt for super thick yogurt.
To Make Cold Start Yogurt You May Need
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This instant pot yogurt method was named “Cold Start” by Freida Loves Bread to the best of my knowledge.
Kristen Chidsey
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Could I add vanilla extract to the starter to flavor the yogurt
Hi Timothy! I prefer to add any sweeteners and the vanilla extract after the yogurt has set up. However, I doubt the extract alone would effect the overall outcome too much.
I wonder if anyone knows if it would be possible to put the milk and starter in glass jars inside the instant pot so that I could save the step of scraping it out into jars after the yogurt has thickened? If I tried this would I put the jars right in the bottom of the instant pot or set them in a few inches of water in the bottom of the instant pot? thanks. ralph
Hi Rallph! You can do this, you would just need to be sure to precisely divide your milk and starter evenly. For 4 jars, I would use 1/2 tablespoon starter in each jar and then 14 ounces of milk in each jar. But you must put 2 cups of water in your Inner pot and then place glass jars on wire rack–glass on the bottom of your inner pot could cause the glass to break. It is unlikely at low temperature of yogurt setting, but better safe!
I have one gallon of horizon organic 2% milk and would like to use it all to follow this recipe for cold start instant pot yogurt. Any idea how much yogurt I would need to add as the starter for one gallon? 56 oz isn’t quite half a gallon…so I’m trying to figure out the correct ratio of starter to milk. Thank you.
Hi Amber! 4 tablespoons of started will be enough. Technically, I use 2 tablespoons per 64 ounces of milk, but because ultra pasteurized milk comes in 56 ounces, that is how the recipe. Adding extra starter does not hurt, adding too little can. Enjoy!
I don’t have the yogurt option on my Instant Pot….can I still do this?
Hi Kristie! I have directions for how to make yogurt without a yogurt button here https://amindfullmom.com/instant-pot-yogurt/ 😊
If I’m lactose intolerant would yogurt made with lactose free milk but using a chobani (lactose)yogurt starter be lactose free? Or at least low lactose?
Hi Ashley! Technically you can use lactose free milk to make yogurt. You can even use packaged dairy free yogurt cultures to keep this completely lactose free. However, lactose free milk can be much more difficult to culture and may require up to triple the amount of culture. Hope that helps.
So easy to make! I just finished incubating mine and put it in the fridge. Looks so great! I can’t wait to add some vanilla and bottle it up! It’ll go great with fresh in season fruit! Thank you! Your recipe was a lot less complicated than others I read. Perfect for a beginner like myself.
YAY!! I am so glad you found my directions easy and had success. I hope you enjoy using this recipe over and over again!
I have a question about the ultra pasteurized milk. I see in your photograph that you are using the ultra filtered milk, which is what I bought at the store. However, when I got home, I did a little research and it looks like the ultra filtered is not the same as the ultra pasteurized. Is the ultra filtered ok to use, or do I need the ultra pasturized? Looking forward to trying this, but what to make sure I dont run into any problems. Thank you.
Hi there! Ultra filtered is fine…it is ultra pasteurized and filtered making it higher in protein and lower in sugar.in fact, I have found it actually turns out creamier. Sorry for any confusion.
Thank you for your quick reply, Kristen! Should have figured what you had pictured was correct, but Google confused me, lol! Looking forward to trying your recipe…I’m sure it will be awesome!
I bought the Fairlife milk also and realized later that there was no indication on the bottle that it was ‘ultra-pasteurized’, only ultra-filtered. Thanks for clearing it up.
Thank you for this recipe! It could not have been easier! I also strained it overnight in a cheese cloth to make it thick and creamy! Turned out perfect!
Hi Elena! I am so glad you found this so easy! I sure do! Enjoy!
Hi! Do you let it cool after incubation before refrigeration, or do you put the pot straight in the fridge hot?excited to try!!
Hi Emily! The Yogurt will not get that hot, so feel free to put right into the refrigerator 🙂 I hope you enjoy!
Hi! I think my first batch is a success! I was wondering if you might clarify for me the best time to add sweetener. I don’t trust them to add their own honey with any sort of restraint! 😂🤣😂
Thanks!
Blair
Hi Blair! I can imagine kids go crazy with sweeteners 😉 I would personally add after the yogurt has set up in the fridge. Hope you all enjoy!
I saw a recipe that adds one can of sweetened condensed milk at the beginning. I tried it and it makes a beautiful smooth, thick and creamy yogurt. Have you tried that? Thanks.
Hi Laura! Feel free to add in the sweetened condensed milk. I don’t add because I don’t want added sugar in my yogurt (and this is still thick and smooth) but it does not change the process if you add it in.
My instapot keeps beeping with the words ADD after 4.5 hours. What am I supposed to be adding please.
Hi DeeDee! Can you tell me what IP model you have? That will help me trouble shoot this for you. After the beeping does it go back to counting the time? If so my hunch is that your model is telling you now you can add in sweeteners or flavors (but I would need to know what model you have to and if it continues to work after the beeping) Thanks!
Hi Kristen,
LOVE your regular Instant Pot yogurt recipe and I’m trying this one today with 2% Fairlife and my previously frozen starter culture. If I make a double batch do I need to adjust the incubation time at all?
I am so happy you enjoy this yogurt Patti. If you double the recipe, be sure to double the starter, but the incubation time remains the same.
Thanks, Kristen, I have a perfect double batch! And no boiling, super easy…keep those great recipes coming! 🙂
Hi! Super excited to make this! Can I freeze after the 8 hours in the fridge? (Go-gurt style for kids)
Thanks so much 🙂
Absolutely…we do this all the time. And will last 3 months…but I find best for 30 days.
I used exactly the following:
52oz Fairlife while ultra filtered milk
1 tablespoon Chobani non-fat plain greek yogurt
14oz can Nestle Carnation condensed milk
(8 hour yogurt setting on Instant Pot using a regular glads lid and not the Instant Pot standard lid)
It was PERFECT! Thank you for the recipe😊 Any idea if I can use the Fairlife ultra filtered CHOCOLATE milk?
Hi Andrea! I am so glad you enjoyed. I would imagine chocolate milk WOULD work, but I have never tried. Let us know if you give a whirl–it will help others in the future 😉
I am wondering if you tried the chocolate milk? bought some today 🙂
Hi Jodi! I have not personally tried it with chocolate milk, but I have had others tell me it work–but was not quite as thick. I would love if you try it to come back and let everyone know the results–it will help others out 🙂 I hope it is fantastic!
I want to flavor the entire batch (6 qt.) with vanilla extract. How much would you suggest I use?
I personally use 1 tablespoon—but we really like vanilla 🙂 You may want to start with 2 teaspoons and increase form there.
At what point would you add the vanilla?
I add it after yogurt has been cultured and sat in fridge for 8 hours. This will help preserve the thick texture you want!
Thanks for all the info…I’m looking forward to making my first batch! What is your opinion, Kristen, on disposing of whey as Gwen recommended? I read that whey is nutritious & should be stirred back into yoghurt.
Hi Adri! I never throw away the whey. I use it to make smoothies or oatmeal–but I would not stir back into the yogurt as that will change the consistency.
If I want to make a double batch could I simply double the amount of Fairlife and starter and follow the same procedure?
You would need to double the starter as well Lisa 🙂
I’m going to make this on Thursday, on my next day off. I ordered extra rings today. They will be here on Wednesday. Will keep you posted.
Thank you so much for another super easy and wonderful recipe! I used store brand Greek yogurt and it turned out perfect. So much better than store-bought yogurt. I normally don’t like plain yogurt but this was so mild it was delicious as is, although it’s even better with added fruit and it makes the best mango smoothies. Thank you for the great tip about freezing cubes for future starter. Also thank you to Erika for recommending a regular glass pot lid which worked well as my ring smells very strongly of cumin. I think it might be worth it to invest in a separate ring since I’ll be making this regularly.
Elaine, I am so happy that you enjoyed the yogurt! We make it weekly here. Another tip is to use a plate as your lid (see Gwen’s tip in comments) I thought that was a great idea as well.
Love the cold start method for yogurt. Fairlife ultra filtered milk is like Greek yogurt after incubation. Just dump out the little bit of whey after cooling in fridge . I just use a dinner plate as a lid instead of the instant pot lid and it works just the same
I LOVE the idea of using a plate for the lid Gwen!
I’m confused. You state to use an ultra-pasteurized milk like Fair life brand. You also say that any organic milk could be used but be sure it is labeled “ultra-pasteurized. Yet Fair life is only labeled as ultra filtered, not ultra-pasteurized. So which type milk can I use?
Casey
I understand Casey! Ultra-Filtered is also ultra-pasteurized but ultra filtered has more protein and less sugar–therefore Fairlife will produce thicker yogurt than standard ultra-pasteurized milk, but it will still work. I will clarify for everyone 🙂
Can i use starter from finished yogurt that has been refrigerated for few days
Absolutely 🙂
I love that you include nutritional information but it doesn’t say the size of a serving (guessing a half cup? or would it be 5 oz given the 56 oz of milk). Also which milk for the 70 calorie serving (guessing this is using 2% Fairlife).
Hi Pam! This is for 2% fairlife milk and for 6 ounces–which if you do strain (and no, most do NOT) it would be more like 4 ounces. Hope that helps clarify! Enjoy the yogurt.
Hi! If you freeze your starter do you then have to thaw it for any certain amount of time or do you just put the frozen cube in with the milk and not have to mix it in? Also, do you know how long the frozen starter cubes are good for? Thanks!!
Hi Becca! Your freezer starter MUST be fully thawed. I usually set it in fridge night before I plan to make yogurt. It needs to be thawed to be able to fully incorporated into your milk and “activate” it. And it should last for at least 3 months 🙂
My son is allergic to dairy and can’t have regular milk, yogurt, etc. He drinks So Delicious coconut milk or Silk coconut milk. I usually get him the soy or coconut yogurt and it is $1.50+ per 5 oz container so I would love to be able to make it myself. Do you have any recipes or websites that would be able to help me out with finding a non-dairy yogurt recipe?
Hi Kellie! I would love for you to be able to make yogurt at home too. Dairy free yogurt is so much trickier. I haven’t tried this recipe myself, but it has good reviews. https://detoxinista.com/how-to-make-vegan-coconut-milk-yogurt/ Good Luck!
Kellie, I am also lactose intolerant. I have found that I can tolerate goat’s milk very well. None of the bothersome things that come with cow’s milk. I am currently trying the cold yogurt method. Anxious to get some yogurt out of this milk.
Please keep us posted on the results.
Can I immediately freeze the initial Greek store yogurt for use next time?
Absolutely Hillary! That is exactly what I do to ensure I always have some ready to make a fresh batch of yogurt.
My yogurt was basically warm milk when the 8 hrs was up and even after refrigerating over night it never thickened up. Any troubleshooting advise?
Can I ask what milk you used? And what yogurt you mixed in? If you let me know I can better troubleshoot for you 🙂
This just happened to me too! I used Organic Valley 2% milk and plain Fage total 5% militant yogurt. What did I do wrong?
Hi Kelly! Organic Valley Milk is just pasteurized, not Ultra Pasteurized–using Ultra Pasteurized milk is a MUST for cold start yogurt. Most organic milks are ultra-pasteurized but this brand is not. I am so sorry for you!
Hmmm… My Organic Valley says Ultra Pasteurized all over it. I double and triple checked! Any other ideas?
I was debating getting an Instant Pot and this convinced me! Thank you for sharing this! (I LOVE yogurt!)
This is my favorite recipe for an Instant Pot yogurt so far. Perfect every time!
So, what would happen if you used a flavored Chiboni for the starter?
Hi Christina! Well, the sugars can disrupt your yogurt from being as creamy as it could be and the taste may be spread throughout the yogurt. However, people have shared with me they have had success, I just don’t recommend it as it is not as fool proof. If you do try it, please let us know how it goes for you though! All the best!
Can I use A2 milk for this?
Yes, any ultra-pasteurized milk works. Enjoy!
This is the ONLY way I’ll make yogurt anymore! I’d tried the boil start once, but wasn’t super happy with the results. Cold start has yet to steer me wrong. One addition though, a glass lid from a regular pan can be used instead of the instant pot lid so there’s no worry about a stinky ring transferring flavors. All my rings seem to smell like Butter Chicken or baby back ribs… 🤣
LOL!!! Great tip on the clear lid. I have a savory, sweet, and yogurt ring (in various colors) to keep it straight for me, but a clear lid works perfectly.
I tried your IP yogurt, and through no fault of yours, it turned out too tart and runny for me. It wasn’t your fault at all. However, this cold start method is what works for me! It’s super easy and I got that creamy and thicker texture I wanted. I love this– now I just have to figure out the best way to sweeten it to my liking. Yep, I have a sweet tooth and a very sensitive to tart. I’ll get there!
Great Post!
For sweetening options, you can add a can of sweetened condensed milk to the milk/starter and whisk well. This is like Yoplait level sweet. If you want something a bit less sweet, you can use some CoffeeMate Natural Bliss creamer (only the natural kind, because it’s pure dairy and not oils). Again, add before starting the Instant Pot. I only use 1 TB of starter yogurt. Use a yogurt you like the taste of. If you like Yoplait, use Yoplait. If you don’t like Chobani, don’t use it. The particular blend of cultures will make your yogurt taste like your starter yogurt. Another tip for sweet tooths, use a fruit jam as a mix-in after refrigerating or before serving.
How much of the CoffeeMate Natural Bliss creamer do you add when adding the starter? And is it still thick like greek yogurt?
I’m ready to start making my own yogurt and let go of all the ‘stuff’ they add in store bought yogurt.
I sweeten mine with Splenda after straining it for eight hours. I like it thick but creamy so after reserving the amount needed for my next batch I add Splenda to desired sweetness and then hit it with my immersion blender for a thick and creamy consistency.
For my cold start yogurt I use Fairlife fat free. I’ve also used Fairlife 2% as well. I can’t tell any difference so I opt for the fat free (skim) for an even healthier delicious Greek yogurt.
Thank you for sharing your method Lynn. The strawberry addition sounds fabulous.
I have an 8 qt instant pot, but it doesn’t have a yogurt button. How do I make it in the pot without using the yogurt button?
Hi Peggy! Yogurt can be made without a yogurt button–just a bit trickier. You need to hold your Instant Pot at a constant warm temperature ranging from 105-115. So first, you need to get your Instant Pot to that temperature. What I would do is put 8 cups water into your inner pot and turn on saute function. Let your water come to a boil and then turn off pressure cooker (your pressure cooker will be higher than 180 but quickly will come down in temperature) Dump water out, use a towel to dry out inner pot. Add milk and starter and close instant pot. Wrap two warm towels around instant pot to keep it warm, changing the towels after 4 hours, if you feel the towels are too cool to the touch. It is not an EASY method, but it can work with care. Hope that helps. This is for ultra-pasteurized yogurt–if using traditional milk, please read my directions on how to make Yogurt without an Instant Pot button here.