The bacteria necessary in a traditional yogurt starterare: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles - Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria may also be added. The combination of these probiotic strains makes a culture that will produce a yogurt with a thick, smooth, creamy consistency and a mild tart flavour. In additional to be primary strains other beneficial strains may also be included in a culture.
The original Specific Carbohydrate Diet, from the book ‘Breaking the Vicious Cycle - Intestinal health through diet’, calls for a yogurt starter that does not contain Bifidus Bifidum bacteria because it can ‘take over’ and cause health problems in some cases. While on the early stages of the diet, it is best to avoid anything that has ‘bifid’ in its name. e.g. Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus Bifidus, Bifidobacterium longum etc
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STRAINS: Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, S thermophilus, L acidophilus
MAKES: Available in boxes of 6. Each sachet makes 2 litres of yogurt.
STORAGE: Sachets are divided in two sections of 5 grams and packed in sealed double-layered envelopes for long-lasting quality.
FREE FROM: Additives, maltodextrin, gluten and GMO
Sold online via GAPS Australia website
STRAINS: Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophiles, Casei
MAKES: 1 bottle makes up to 80 Litres of yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS: Add 1/8 of a teaspoon to 2 litres (or 2 quarts) cow or goat milk. Alternative milk requires a 1/4 teaspoon to make a non-dairy milk yogurt.
FREE FROM: Dairy, gluten and common allergens.
DAIRY FREE DISCLAIMER: “The highest quality and pure LAB cultures are used in this formula. The yogurt strains are recognized to have exposure to some dairy peptones (broken down molecular structures) during their fermentation. The final culture is filtered and has less then detectable levels of dairy proteins. Considered dairy-free yogurt based on the standards established in the nutritional industry.”
STORAGE: GI ProStart does have to stay refrigerated to keep the bacteria alive but can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 10 days with only a 5% loss of active bacteria, after 10 days the bacteria will die off quickly. Can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 year.
Sold on their website or at GPA Wholefoods
STRAINS: Acidophilus, Thermophilus, Bulgaricus
INSTRUCTIONS: Scoop size = 0.8 grams. Add half scoop (0.4 gm) to 2-4 quarts of milk at 100 Deg F (38 Deg C). Mix thoroughly and ferment for 9 hours or longer. 150 billion cfu’s per gram of yogurt starter powder.
STORAGE: Keep sealed in the refrigerator to retain maximum potency. Starter can travel for 2-3 weeks without refrigeration. Expires one year from date of manufacture.
FREE FROM: Dairy, sugar, gluten, soy, casein, yeast, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, FOS or any genetically modified or engineered ingredients.
The following commercial yogurts are only to be used as starters and are not otherwise legal foods. It is imperative to check the ingredients labels carefully. Some yogurts that are used as a starter may contain sucrose, cream and lactose however these are consumed over the 24-hour fermentation.
In Australia these brands are SCD legal:
In New Zealand these brands are SCD legal:
The GAPS diet allows Bifidus Bifidum bacteria in a starter but is not a requirement, so all of the above listed SCD starter cultures may be used to make GAPS 24 hour yogurt or this homemade probiotic yogurt.
Sold at Luvele
STRAINS: L. casei, B. longum, L.acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus
MAKES: Available in boxes of 6. Each sachet makes 2 litres of yogurt.
STORAGE: Sachets are divided in two sections of 5 grams and packed in sealed double-layered envelopes for long-lasting quality.
FREE FROM: Additives, maltodextrin, gluten and GMO
Sold online at their website or the GAPS Australia online shop.
STRAINS: Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Streptococcus Thermophilus, Lactobacilus Acidophilus, Lactobacilus Lactis, Bifidobacterium Lactis
INSTRUCTIONS: Scoop size = 0.8 grams. Add half scoop (0.4 gm) to 2-4 quarts of milk at 100 Deg F (38 Deg C). Mix thoroughly and ferment for 9 hours or longer. 150 billion cfu’s per gram of yogurt starter powder.
STORAGE: Keep sealed in the refrigerator to retain maximum potency. Starter can travel for 2-3 weeks without refrigeration. Expires one year from date of manufacture.
FREE FROM: Dairy, sugar, gluten, soy, casein, yeast, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, FOS or any genetically modified or engineered ingredients.
The following commercial yogurts are only to be used as starters and are not otherwise GAPS legal foods. It is imperative to check the ingredients labels carefully to avoid sugar, fruit juice or other additives or gelling agents.
Australia: In addition to the commercial yogurt starters listed for SCD above, these brands may be used.
New Zealand: In addition to the commercial yogurt starters listed for SCD above, these brands may be used.
For more on yogurt starter cultures click here
For a list of SCD & GAPS starter cultures in the US click here
For a list of SCD & GAPS starter cultures in UK click here
For a list of SCD & GAPS starter cultures in Europe click here
If you know a starter culture or commercial yogurt that should be listed here, please contact support@luvele.com.au so we can include it in this post.