Activating The Culture:

Mesophilic Yogurt

Before we begin let’s discuss some side notes. Be sure to read our FAQs and activation page thoroughly before you begin.

  • The first three batches need to be done back-to-back (one right after the previous batch, with no more than 24 hours in between batches).

  • Our mesophilic yogurts are heirloom cultures, meaning you can use a portion of your last batch to make the next one.

  • The cultures will not fully dissolve, and you may notice some lingering culture flakes in the next batch or two. This is very normal.

  • Ensure that you refresh your yogurt by preparing a new batch every five to seven days. If you need to take a break, freeze some yogurt in ice cube trays, and when you’re ready, just pop out a couple of cubes. Depending on how old the yogurt cubes are, you might need to double the amount of starter.

  • Once your yogurt is active and consistently giving you good results, save some as a backup. Always keep your backup in the freezer and replace it every couple of months. Regularly rotating your backup will keep your cultures fresh.

  • The first batch of yogurt may be runny or still liquid, which is normal during activation. The texture and flavor will develop over several batches.

  • Mesophilic yogurt thrives between 68°F and 78°F. If you are fermenting at the lower end of this temperature range, be aware that the fermentation process will take significantly longer. It may require a couple of additional batches to achieve full activation.

  • Each packet contains enough starter to technically activate two batches. If you choose to use only half of the packet, please ensure that you adjust the quantity of milk accordingly.

Let's begin. Here's what you need:

  • Mesophilic yogurt culture

    You can find a wide variety here.

  • 1 cup milk

  • Glass jar

  • Rubber band

  • Coffee filter or lid

Activating The Culture

  1. Add your yogurt starter to a clean jar.

  2. Pour 1 cup pasteurized milk over cultures, stir well and let sit for a few minutes to re-hydrate.

  3. Stir thoroughly and put the lid on the jar.

  4. Culture at room temperature between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it thickens OR at the end of 48 hours (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST)

    Optional: Place in refrigerator for 6 hours.

  5. It’s OK if it’s still liquid. The consistency will improve over the next few batches.

  6. You can now go on to the next step in the activation process and make your next batch of yogurt.

Making Batch 2-3

  1. To make second batch of yogurt, add 1 TBSP of your first batch of yogurt to 1 cup of milk.

  2. Stir well and cover with a lid or coffee filter.

  3. Let yogurt sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. It's ready when firm and separates from the jar when tilted slightly.

    Optional: Place in refrigerator for 6 hours.

  4. Repeat this process to create batch three, using the starter from batch two this time.

How To Make Larger Batches

Once the culture is fully activated and consistently producing good results, only then should you scale up your batches. You may need to give your culture another batch or two to fully activate. Please don’t scale up before the culture is fully awake, as doing so could overwhelm the bacteria and cause your yogurt to fail.

For every cup of milk, incorporate one tablespoon of your previous batch of yogurt. Ensure that the starter is not more than seven days old.

Super Helpful Links