Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt [Cold Start Yogurt] is simply an easy no boil method of making rich and thick yogurt in just a few hours.
Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt, also known as Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt, is a thick, creamy yogurt that you can make faster than the boil method.
After numerous emails and messages asking for a “No Boil, Cold Start” Yogurt recipe, I decided to post my method.
I first heard about this method from Cuong Nguyen, when he posted his Vietnamese Yogurt recipe in the Instant Pot Community, a couple of years ago. This cold start recipe was created by Cuong and the craze took off like wildflowers.
Cast of Ingredients for Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt
Sometimes you are in a hurry and just want some quick and healthy Instant Pot Yogurt for breakfast.
You have told me how much you love my Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe but so many of you have written to me, asking if you can skip the “boiling” stage.
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Ingredients for No Boil Yogurt
- Fairlife Milk or other Ultra Filtered Milk (full fat milk is best)
- Yogurt Starter
I was hesitant because my Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe was the first Yogurt recipe to truly crack the Instant Pot Yogurt Making code. My recipe and method is now widely used by most Instant Potters and is the recipe found on many Blogs.
The plus side is that this Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt recipe is a perfect recipe to make in the Instant Pot Mini DUO! Directions for using the Instant Pot Ultra are found in the “Notes” section of the recipe card below.
What is Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt?
- Also called No Boil Yogurt. Simply put, it’s just skipping the boiling step. The Milk is not first heated/”boiled,” like in my Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe.
- This Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt recipe uses Milk that has already been cleaned of unwanted bacteria.
- The Cold Milk and Starter are put into the Instant Pot together.
- Cold Start Yogurt is a one step process in the Instant Pot.
Fairlife Milk is pasteurized at a higher temperature than other milk and for a shorter period of time, so it is safe to use for this recipe. Using Fairlife, for this recipe, the taste of the Yogurt will be a bit stronger, almost concentrated, than the taste my regular Instant Pot Greek Yogurt.
Using other brands of Ultra Pastaurized Milk, that has not been through the filtration process that Fairlife uses, will work too, and will be taste similar to regular yogurt.
Please make sure that your country doesn’t have rules for making homemade yogurt without the boiling step.
Pour in the Fairlife Milk
What is Fairlife Milk?
- Fairlife Milk is an ultra-filtered product, which runs through “soft” filters to concentrate the Milk and remove impurities
- There is more natural protein and calcium which comes directly from the Milk.
- Because of the Filtration process, the Milk is higher in protein and calcium.
- There is less sugar and the Milk is Lactose Free!
- Fairlife Milk is not organic, but is ultra-pasteurized.
Other ultra-pasteurized Milk that is ultra-filtered can be used as well and will produce some Whey, which can be strained.
Add Fresh Yogurt (“Starter”)
Any yogurt that has only milk and live active cultures, can be used as the Yogurt Starter. After the first time making this Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt recipe, you will be able to save some Yogurt for future Yogurt Making adventures.
You can also use Starter from my regular Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe.
A nice Ice Cube Tray with Cover, will keep Tablespoons of Fresh Yogurt frozen, without a smell transfer.
Pop out a cube about an hour before you are planning to make Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt. It will defrost quickly and be ready to mix in with the Fairlife Milk.
What is a Yogurt Starter?
- Fresh Yogurt that is only made with Milk and contains live active cultures.
- Some people like to use an Heirloom culture as their Yogurt Starter. I don’t know much about those, so I can’t speak to that type of Starter.
- Fage and Oikos are both great to use as a Starter.
Your own Frozen Yogurt Cubes will be considered a “Starter” too! I started with Fage and haven’t purchased any yogurt in two years.
Whisk the Yogurt Starter with the Milk
How to Flavor Cold Start Yogurt?
- A can of sweetened condensed milk can be whisked in with the milk and yogurt starter.
- A bottle of True Bliss can also be used to sweeten the yogurt.
After adding the Yogurt “Starter,” take a Whisk and make sure the Starter and any sweetener is mixed in well. This is the way that Cuong prefers his yogurt; the sweet way, which is Vietnamese style!
Push the Yogurt Button
Choose 7-10 hours. Remember, the Yogurt is NOT under pressure, so a Glass Lid can be used.
For the Instant Pot DUO Plus and Instant Pot Mini DUO:
- Push the Yogurt button until it says “Yogt.”
- Hit the +/- button to choose your time.
- The Yogurt setting should always be on “Normal.”
For the Instant Pot DUO and Instant Pot Smart:
- Push Yogurt and then Adjust.
- The Yogurt setting should always be on “Normal.”
The longer you incubate, the more tart your yogurt will be.
8 or 9 hours seems to be the best times for most people.
8 hours gives a very mild taste with a slight tartness, while incubating for 9 hours, packs quite a punch.
Thick Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt
While this is a great method for getting the job done in the least amount of time, I suggest trying out the regular Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe and seeing which method you prefer.
To my palette, Fairlife has a thicker type of taste, rather than a watery, clean like taste, but I presume that is from condensing the Milk, if you will.
I also used this recipe with Filtered, Ultra-pasteurized Milk and it was fantastic. The taste was clean and pure.
My preference is the regular boil, Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe method, but this one is one is pretty darn good too!
DISCLAIMER: This is not an advertisement for Fairlife. This Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt recipe is not to be used with milk that has not been through the ultra-filtration process, like Fairlife which is different than ultra-pasteurized. Regular Milk has some bacteria that needs to be brought up to 180 degrees prior to making Yogurt.
Cover Yogurt and Place in Refrigerator
Allow the Yogurt to chill and set up in the refrigerator.
It is so thick, I doubt you will want to strain it. But if you do, I recommend the Eurocuisine Yogurt Strainer.
This Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt will be very thick and creamy and full of protein and calcium.
Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt
These little Weck Tulip Jelly Jars are adorable for serving Yogurt.
Yogurt Topping Ideas
- Homemade Granola is always great on Yogurt.
- Instant Pot Mixed Berry Compote is one of my favorite toppings.
- Instant Pot Dutch Apple Yogurt, shares the number one spot with…….
- Agave, Granola and Fresh or Dried Cherries.
There you have it. I did it. If you make this Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt, let me know, as I am interested in your thoughts.
Will you make it again or go back to my Instant Pot Greek Yogurt recipe?
Kitchen Equipment and Essentials
- Instant Pot DUO, Ultra, Smart, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker
- Amco Advanced Performance 18/10 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
- Rösle Stainless Steel Flat Whisk
- Weck Tulip Jelly Jars
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Here is the handy printable recipe:
Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt [Cold Start of Milk]
Print Pin Save RateIngredients
- 52 ounces Milk Ultra-Filtered & Pasteurized, like Fairlife Milk or Natrel (Canada's version)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Yogurt ("Starter") live cultures
Sweetener Options (Vietnamese Style)
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 bottle Natural Bliss Coffee Creamer
Recommended Products
Instructions
- Optional step: Clean and sterilize your Instant Pot by adding one cup of water, closing the pot and pushing the sterilize, pressure cook or manual button and setting the timer to 1 minute. Carefully release the pressure and dump out the water.
- Place cooking pot into refrigerator to cool off or put a few ice cubes into the pot and then dump out.
- To Make Cold Start Yogurt: Add cold milk and 1 Tablespoon of yogurt starter (any yogurt with active cultures to the Instant Pot.
- Whisk the milk and yogurt together well.
- If sweetening the yogurt, add the sweetened condensed milk or the Natural Bliss now and whisk it in very well.
- Push the Yogurt button and then use the +/- buttons and set time to 8 hours. Make sure the Yogurt setting says "Normal."
- When Yogurt cycle is finished, remove cooking pot and transfer to refrigerator to chill overnight. Transfer Yogurt to containers and enjoy.
Notes
Instructions for Using the Instant Pot Ultra
- Turn the dial to the temperature setting
- Push the dial
- Turn the dial to Medium
- Push the dial
- Turn the dial back to the time setting
- Push the dial
- Turn the dial until you have the time you want
- Press start!
Nutrition
PIN this Instant Pot No Boil Yogurt [Cold Start Yogurt]!
![Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt [No Boil Method]](https://staging.thisoldgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Instant-Pot-Cold-Start-Yogurt-13.jpg "Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt [No Boil Method]")
Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt [No Boil Method]
I am so excited to try this! I have been avoiding making yogurt in my instant pot because I didn’t want to deal with the boiling process. Can you explain how you freeze your starter? I currently spend so much money on Fage greek yogurt, if I could freeze my own starter that would be even better!
Can you use coconut milk for this?
Finally psyched myself up to try making yogurt in the IP. Using Fairlife, 1 tbsp Olympic organic vanilla yogurt as starter, and hoping for the best!
Does it matter if I leave the yogurt in the pot after the 8 hours are finished ?
You can leave it as long as you like, the longer, the more tart. Jill
Thanks for this!
I fully agree that the regular (boil) method is slightly better, but it’s really nice to have this easier, quicker method that I usually don’t even have to strain.
I appreciate all of the work you’ve put in to these recipes to share a great method and really good tips to help.
Yours is the one I refer to when other folks ask for help with yogurt-making.
Thank you, K Ann. Jill
I used regular 2% milk to do the cold start yogurt not realizing I should have gotten the ultra pasteurized. It tastes fine and looks good but should I throw out the rest or can I save it in some way? I am still not sure on the difference other than bacteria but if I’m drinking the milk how can making it into yogurt be any worse?
I’m gonna have to think that’s fine…thanks for this comment…i was pretty sure that regular pasteurized milk would work and I’m gonna try it now…the only reason you would boil raw milk for yoghurt is to let the yoghurt culture take over…pasteurized milks have no more natural bacteria so truly what would be the point in boiling them??? (Ultra pasteurized milk is dead; nothing healthy in there if you really know anything about it)
How many servings should I do if I’m using a DUO Mini? Will 7 work or will it go over my max fill line? Thanks!
Just did a taste test of the two methods. I was sure I would like the boiled recipe best ’cause I’m in love with that yogurt but it didn’t turn out that way. The cold start yogurt started out with tang then went to a little sweetness (to my palate anyway.) I used only Trader Joe’s ultra pasteurized milk. The boiled to me was just entirely tangy, nothing subtle going on there at all. Unfortunately, I like all things sweet so cold start wins there. Not sure yet if they’re similar in texture, but from what you said I thought I wouldn’t have to strain the cold start. But it seems to have as much whey as the boiled and I’m draining it for just as long. I seem to like it really thick, maybe that’s why or something else I did….Thanks for the wonderful recipes!
Do you have the nutritional information on this recipe? I know you have it in the regular recipe but I’m watching my carbs so I’m looking specifically for that. Or would it be the same as the Faye life label?
Hi! Love your recipes! I recently started Keto and was wondering if you knew the carb count for a serving. Thanks!
I wonder the same thing. For now I’ll assume it’s the carb count of the fair life milk and starter.
Third time making yogurt in my 6qt duo. First 2 times went as planned.
This time after pressing yogurt button, the “yoght” did not come on but
just started to keep time. Canceled after 1hour to see if it was warming up
and it is , so closed back up and hit yogurt button but only keeping time.
Pressed yogurt bottom several times but never got “yoght”
Any thoughts?
Click the adjust button. Jill
When I press my button, it says 8 and normal because that is how much time I normally select. It won’t say Yogrt until it is done incubating.
I think the only reason I haven’t started making my own yogurt is that I heard somewhere that you can get yeast infections. How can you guarantee that won’t happen with these recipes?
Yogurt can treat a yeast infection, it doesn’t give you one. A poor immune system or antibiotics can give you a yeast infection.
I just made delicious yogurt for the first time in my instant pot. I found the Fairlife milk in my store and used that 2Tbl of Chobani plain yogurt and I can of sweetened condensed milk. It worked great was just the right touch of sweetness. My husband would never eat plain yogurt and can’t be bothered adding anything just before he eats it so I knew I had to do something that makes it sweet. Next time I am going to add vanilla extract when I mix everything together. Bought tons of huge coffee filters but this is thick enough I don’t think I will need them. I have a very fine mesh cone that I use with plain yogurt to make a very thick cheese-like product. I have made Boursin cheese out of it and it was delicious.
This is wonderful. So glad your husband will enjoy your yogurt. Jill
Can you use Fairlife skim milk for the same recipe and get good yogurt
Yes.
I have followed your recipe to a T and it came out lumpy. It is still delicious.Jusr wondering. Thanks
Absolutely the easiest and tastiest instant pot yogurt! Thick and creamy. I use the whey in soups and bread – it adds a depth of flavor. Never fails!
Thank you so much. Jill
Do I add the sweetened condensed milk at the beginning, when it’s done or after it cools?
I’ve made it before and love it!
Cold-start yogurt with a pressure cooker that doesn’t have a yogurt button. I have a Cuisinart CPC 600 Using Fairlife Whole Fat milk, I mixed in 2 Tablespoons Chobani Greek Style yogurt. I have found sugar in any form is not good. I will not be using scm. 7 half pint mason jars fit perfectly. I put flat lids on just to keep from condensed water off the yogurt. I poured in 1C of water in the pot, put the pressure cooker lid on – just to keep in the warmth. Put it on KEEP WARM for 20 min. unplugged and looked at the clock – made a mental note for at least 10 hours from 8:30p. I checked the jars of yogurt at 8:30a. Put the whole pot with the 7 jars in the fridge for 4 hours. At 12:30p – Perfecto ! I have a photo.
Sounds perfect, Deb. Jill
We loved this. I used non fat sweetend condensed milk and a teaspoon of vanella. 8 hours and it was perect. trying it today with low fat milk
This is so nice to hear. Thank you! Keep enjoying. Jill
When do you add the scm and vanilla?
I have started using this easy method with fair life. I have made it about 7/8 times so far. I prefer the traditional way but this is so much easier. “Note” I have been letting it sit in the 3 qt instant pot for at least 12 hours. 8-10 hours is bland and tastes nothing like greek yogurt.
I’ve used the canned milk as a sweetener twice but prefer to leave it out. ( way to sweet )
Honey or fruit is the best as I would use in any store bought plain yogurt.
This yogurt does not produce good whey. The whey comes out white, not yellow. This method costs more but is simple. Nothing beats the old fashion way “whey” but if your feeling lazy then this is your best choice. No heating or candy thermometer needed. Enjoy!!!!!
HI Jill! Just started a pot of yogurt with this method! I’ve used your other method with great results so I’m looking forward to seeing how this one turns out 🙂
Thanks!
Enjoy, Mindy. Jill