Yoghurt has long been praised as a healthy fridge staple, and Greek yoghurt often gets an even bigger nutritional spotlight. Naturally thicker and creamier than standard yoghurt, it typically contains less sugar and roughly double the protein, making it a popular choice for gut health, muscle support and feeling fuller for longer.
But for all its benefits, yoghurt does come with one feature that can put people off: the watery layer that sometimes gathers on top. According to Dr Amir Khan, a GP known for appearances on Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, that liquid is nothing to worry about. It is acid whey, a natural byproduct of yoghurt-making, and he says pouring it away means missing out on useful nutrients.
Is the liquid in yoghurt okay to eat?
So if you peel back the lid of a yoghurt pot and spot a little pool of liquid, there is no need to assume anything has gone wrong, the doctor explained.
In a video posted to his social media accounts, Dr Khan said the liquid is whey, which separates naturally because yoghurt is a fermented food. He stressed that it does not mean the yoghurt has spoiled, curdled or turned bad — and it is not fat.
In fact, he told followers that the runny-looking layer is where a good amount of the yoghurt’s nutrition can be found.
The advice struck a chord online. One Instagram user confessed they felt “seen” because they usually tip it down the sink, while another wondered why anyone would throw it away, saying they simply stir it back into the yoghurt before eating.
Another viewer added a pun to the conversation, joking that the message should really be: “Don’t throw this a-whey.”
Why the liquid in your yoghurt is good for you
Whey liquid separates from yoghurt as part of the normal fermentation process, and it is completely safe to consume. Dr Khan highlighted that it can contain valuable nutrients including protein, calcium, potassium and B vitamins.
“It’s really good for your gut health, so don’t pour it down the sink — I know it’s tempting,” he added.
“You’re literally tipping away nutrients your body can use so just mix it into the yoghurt and it is really, really good for you. It’s just normal fermentation, that’s what yoghurt is.
“Anyway, mix it in, don’t throw it away and your body will thank you.”
Dr Joseph Salhab, an American gastroenterologist, echoed Dr Khan’s advice. “Don’t pour this part of the yoghurt out. It’s one of the most nutritious parts. It’s just whey protein that’s separated itself out. All you gotta do is mix it back in and enjoy.”
How to know if your yoghurt has gone bad
Nobody wants to eat mouldy yoghurt. Here are a few signs it’s gone bad:
