Plain skim milk yogurt is an unflavored, fat-free cultured dairy product with a density of 1.036 g/ml. One US cup weighs approximately 245 g and one tablespoon about 15.3 g. Without added sugars or flavorings, it delivers a clean, tangy taste that works in both sweet and savory applications. It is widely used as a marinade base for tandoori chicken, as a lighter substitute for sour cream in dips and dressings, and as the liquid component in whole-grain pancake and waffle batters where its lactic acid activates baking soda for lift.
What is Yogurt, Plain, Skim Milk?
Plain skim milk yogurt is an unflavored, fat-free cultured dairy product with a density of 1.036 g/ml. One US cup weighs approximately 245 g and one tablespoon about 15.3 g. Without added sugars or flavorings, it delivers a clean, tangy taste that works in both sweet and savory applications. It is widely used as a marinade base for tandoori chicken, as a lighter substitute for sour cream in dips and dressings, and as the liquid component in whole-grain pancake and waffle batters where its lactic acid activates baking soda for.
Dairy products (milk, cream, yogurt, cheese) have different fat and water percentages. Volume hides these differences; weight keeps sauces, batters, and doughs consistent.
Fat content shifts density; pick the correct milk/cream/fat level if variants exist.
For cheese, shredded vs grated vs cubed changes volume—prefer grams.
Does fat percentage matter?Yes. A cup of heavy cream is heavier than milk; swapping without weight alters richness and texture.
FAQ
How does plain skim milk yogurt differ from Greek yogurt in density and weight?
Plain skim milk yogurt (1.036 g/ml, ~245 g/cup) is thinner and less dense than Greek yogurt (~1.06-1.08 g/ml, ~250-255 g/cup) because Greek yogurt is strained to remove whey. If substituting Greek yogurt for plain skim yogurt by volume, the recipe will receive about 5-10 g more mass per cup.
Why is plain skim yogurt preferred for tandoori marinades?
Plain skim yogurt's lactic acid (pH ~4.3) tenderizes proteins without adding fat, which would inhibit surface browning. At 1.036 g/ml, 100 g of yogurt provides consistent coating coverage. Its neutral, unflavored profile allows spices like turmeric, cumin, and chili to dominate the flavor.
Can I use plain skim yogurt to replace buttermilk in baking by weight?
Yes. Both have similar densities (yogurt 1.036 g/ml, buttermilk ~1.03 g/ml), so a gram-for-gram substitution works well. Plain skim yogurt is slightly thicker, so thin it with a splash of milk if the recipe needs a pourable consistency. The acidity is comparable, so leavening reactions with baking soda will be similar.