Why Does Greek Yogurt Have Paper On Top?

Greek yogurt has gained massive popularity over regular yogurt thanks to its rich, tangy flavor, creamy consistency, and impressive protein content. As it has become a favorite among yogurt lovers, many brands have introduced their own versions. If you’re a fan of Greek yogurt, you’ve probably noticed that not all brands are the same. For instance, you might have found that mysterious, soggy paper sitting on top of your go-to yogurt and wondered what it’s there for.

What Is Greek Yogurt?

Anyone who’s tried both knows the most noticeable difference between Greek and traditional yogurt is the texture. Greek yogurt is much thicker and creamier, in stark contrast to the thinner consistency of regular yogurt. This is because Greek yogurt undergoes a straining process, removing much of its liquid. In fact, you can create Greek-style yogurt at home by straining regular yogurt through cheesecloth for several hours. A similar process is used to make Labneh, though it’s strained even more, resulting in a super thick texture with almost no liquid left. The liquid that remains may look like watery yogurt, but it’s actually called whey and is a byproduct of the straining process.

What Is Whey?

You’ve probably heard of whey in protein bars or as a smoothie booster, but it also plays a key role in yogurt. Whey is a byproduct of the fermentation that turns milk into yogurt. It’s one of the primary proteins in milk and is found in liquid form in both yogurt and cheese-making. In regular yogurt, whey is abundant and evenly mixed in. However, the more the yogurt is strained, the less whey remains, causing it to pool on the surface rather than being distributed throughout the thicker yogurt.

What Does the Paper on Top of the Yogurt Do?

If you’ve ever opened a tub of Greek yogurt and found a layer of liquid whey without the paper, you may have noticed the distinct separation. Some people choose to pour it off, while others mix it back in. Greek yogurt is loved for its rich, thick texture, and mixing in the whey can change that — as whey is quite acidic and can thin the yogurt. Pouring it off can be tricky, too, risking a messy spill. To prevent this, some brands (like Fage) add a layer of paper on top to absorb the whey. It’s a bit like blotting grease from a slice of pizza with a paper towel, keeping the yogurt’s intended texture intact without the customer having to deal with excess liquid.

Why Don't All Yogurts Have It?

Some brands don't mind the whey and don't see it as a problem, since it’s a natural part of yogurt-making. Others use ingredients like emulsifiers, gelling agents, and gums to prevent the whey from separating. However, this comes at the cost of altering the yogurt’s flavor and texture. Brands that focus on fewer, simpler ingredients or market themselves as more "natural" typically avoid these stabilizers, which means you'll often find a bit of whey collecting on top of your yogurt.

Should I Throw the Paper Away or Keep It?

By the time you open a fresh tub of yogurt and remove the foil, the little piece of paper has already done its job. Some people find the soggy, whey-soaked paper off-putting and choose to toss it. That’s perfectly fine — it won’t affect the yogurt’s freshness or spoilage rate. If you decide to get rid of it, just know that more whey will likely accumulate on the surface of your yogurt. If the paper doesn’t bother you, feel free to leave it in place. It’s already absorbed most of the whey, but as you eat, more will seep out, and the paper will continue to soak it up.