Pineapple yogurt is yogurt that uses real or artificial flavors to make the dairy product taste like pineapple. It can include pieces of pineapple for a chunky texture or have a smooth consistency. Although not the most common flavor, pineapple yogurt is available through a variety of manufacturers.
Store bought pineapple yogurt may be packaged individually or in bulk. Most consumers purchase yogurt in individual packages, which typically contain 4 to 6 ounces. There are some larger containers available, of 32 or 48 ounces, but most bulk yogurts are plain or vanilla flavored. Store bought pineapple yogurt can be low-fat, fat free, or regular.
Homemade pineapple yogurt is easy to make. Store bought plain yogurt is mixed with pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple. If a smooth texture is desired, pineapple juice or flavoring, either real or artificial, is added to the yogurt. Too much pineapple juice can make the consistency of the yogurt too soupy, so sometimes a condensed flavoring is the best choice. For a sweeter flavor, vanilla yogurt may be substituted, or sugar, honey, or any type of syrup can be added to the mix.
There are some variations on pineapple yogurt that imitate a dessert which primarily uses pineapple. Pineapple upside down cake is one such flavor. These yogurts contain multiple flavors, typically a mix of artificial and real.
Another type of pineapple yogurt is frozen yogurt. It is similar to ice cream in consistency but usually has fewer calories and grams of fat associated with each serving. Frozen pineapple yogurt can be homemade or store bought.
Homemade frozen yogurt requires an ice cream maker to properly chill the ingredients. After mixing yogurt with whole or crushed pineapple or pineapple flavoring, the mixture is poured into the ice cream maker bucket. The bucket is surrounded by ice and turns for 20 to 30 minutes, evenly chilling the mixture to a stiff, but not hard, consistency.
Using these two methods, yogurt can be flavored with virtually any type of fruit. Berry yogurts are especially popular since the texture of the berries creates a pleasant combination with the yogurt. Berries are often naturally sweet, so usually no additional sweeteners are necessary.
Artificial or condensed real flavors can also be used to create virtually any type of yogurt. Although more typically used in candy making, a variety of food grade flavors are available and can be used to flavor yogurt. Not only are fruit flavors available, but also mint, chocolate, vanilla, root beer, cola, butterscotch, and many others.