Is hung curd better than mayonnaise and yoghurt?

Due to its creamy texture, it goes with every food to enhance its palatability, said nutritionist Aman Puri, founder, Steadfast Nutrition. “As there is no visible oil in mayonnaise, people are unaware of empty calories, the quality of oil and milk used, and how it negatively affects our health. The ratio of milk and oil is 30:70, which barely provides the benefits of milk or egg,” he said.

Yoghurt, in its natural form, is a fermented dairy product with probiotics that promote gut health. “It is lower in fat compared to mayonnaise and provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein,” said Dr Verma.

Hung curd, or strained yogurt, is yogurt from which the whey has been removed. “It’s a healthier alternative, rich in probiotics, protein, and calcium. The straining process reduces lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose sensitivity,” said Dr Verma.

Is hung curd good? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Hung curd and yoghurt both contain live bacteria and are made of milk. “However, yoghurt is significantly higher in live bacteria since these are directly incorporated into milk to form yoghurt. Hung curd is just a strained product of curd in which a few minerals such as sodium and potassium are drained. It contains a higher concentration of nutrients because of less water,” Puri mentioned.

According to Puri, both hung curd and yoghurt are high in protein and good fats and are packed with many nutrients such as vitamin B complex, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous that help in the overall growth and development of children and support brain and bone health.

“Yoghurt is the best and cheapest source of probiotics that enhance gut health. Yoghurt has a significantly higher amount of live bacteria than hung curd but economically hung curd is better than yoghurt. The former is less processed, making it more acceptable. On the other hand, mayonnaise is a highly palatable and acceptable product among individuals because of its taste and texture but it has a poor nutrient profile. Mayonnaise contains saturated fat that increases bad cholesterol in the body, increasing the risk of obesity due to fat deposition and increased risk of heart diseases,” Puri said, adding that hung curd is better for your health than yoghurt and mayonnaise.

Choosing among them depends on dietary goals, said Dr Verma. If looking for a lighter option with probiotics, yogurt or hung curd is preferable. “Mayonnaise, while tasty, is often chosen sparingly due to its higher calorie and fat content. Incorporating hung curd or yogurt into your diet provides a nutrient-packed option that aligns with a balanced and health-conscious approach,” he concluded.