Happy California Cows Also Make…Yogurt

Ever see the Happy Cows commercials?  We laugh so hard when we see them, probably because we really identify with them.  We see our past selves when they depict the miserable Midwestern cows in the even more miserable snow, and our present selves in the…

Happy California Cows Also Make…Yogurt

Ever see the Happy Cows commercials?  We laugh so hard when we see them, probably because we really identify with them.  We see our past selves when they depict the miserable Midwestern cows in the even more miserable snow, and our present selves in the Happy Cows basking in the sunshine and green hills of California.  While we don’t exactly live in farm country, we do share our suburban real estate with some of the luckiest cows in the country.

If Happy Cows come from California, then the happiest of the pack must be the Northern California herds that dedicate themselves to producing milk for the Wallaby Yogurt Company.  Six very special dairies are the exclusive source for Wallaby, and are home to cows that are free to roam the range and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Sonoma and Marin counties.  Not only do these bovine ladies live on prime California real estate, they luxuriate in plenty of fresh air and exercise, acres of healthy, organic green grass, and the loving care of multigenerational dairy farmers committed to organic farming.  For many of the farmers, it is a family affair, and the cows are a natural extension of their own.

The result of all this love?  An exceedingly high quality, organic milk that provides the base for a superior yogurt.  And let me tell you, we are in love with this yogurt.  L-O-V-E.

I recently chatted with the founders of Napa-based Wallaby Yogurt about their commitment to providing a locally sourced and sustainable product.   They were inspired by a vacation to Australia in 1992, when they fell head over heels with the uniquely creamy style of yogurt so unlike any they had ever tasted before.  Upon their return home, they set upon recreating and developing a recipe for the Australian style yogurt, and the Wallaby Yogurt Company was born. Unlike most yogurts that rely on gelatin as a thickening agent, Wallaby uses a slow cooking process, one that requires twice as long to produce, but yields its characteristic smooth texture.

Their dedication goes beyond offering a high quality, smooth yogurt made with all organic ingredients.  Packaging materials are carefully selected to reduce the use of plastics.  And there is a true sense of obligation to their employees and their farms.


But how does it taste?  If you’ve never tried Wallaby Yogurt (and you must!), let’s talk flavors.  The Lowfat and Nonfat varieties come in plain, vanilla, and standard fruit flavors.  I personally love the vanilla bean flecked yogurt in my smoothies.  But there are some surprising flavors that standout, such as bartlett pear, strawberry guava, maple, and dulce de leche.  Recently, they introduced the Down Under variety, with explosive fruit fillings such as pink grapefruit on the bottom, topped with a creamy layer.

Most noteworthy, at least for me (an admitted chocoholic), is their Dark Chocolate Down Under.  In the past, I have always been disappointed or puzzled by chocolate flavored yogurts.  Often, the combination of tang to sweet would conflict in my mouth.  But when I tasted Wallaby’s version, it was as though the gates of yogurt heaven opened.  Their creamy yogurt base, subtly sweet with not too much tang, combined perfectly with the chocolate, resulting in an experience very similar to a chocolate mousse.  Without the guilt!

Luckily, we no longer have to live in Australia to enjoy Australian-style yogurt.  You don’t even have to live in Northern California.  Wallaby Yogurt can be found in most natural foods stores nationwide, including Whole Foods.  And that means the California Cows are not the only ones who can be happy.

Comments

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  1. Jenn

    FAGE = BEST YOGURT EVER. Well, for my tastebuds :) Also, I’ve heard good things about Oikos (spelling?)

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi Jenn, Fage is definitely very good! I haven’t tried the ones with the flavor cups yet. And I do want to try the Oikos, especially to see how their Chocolate Pure Pleasure on the Bottom compares to the Wallaby Dark Chocolate Down Under :)

      Reply
  2. Jenn

    I am a huuuuuuuuuuuge yogurt fan. I will admit that you guys living in the U.S. have it good just based on sheer quantity as well as variety. I’m a huge fan of Fage yogurt but we can’t get it here. Next time I’m down south I’ll be sure to check out Wallaby. Always up for trying new dairy :)

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Too bad I can’t export it to you :) Yes, the next time you’re down here, check it out — I think you’ll really love it. I haven’t heard of Fage, I’ll keep my eyes open for it!

      Reply
  3. TinyGatsbyKid

    I’m curious about the fruit in the yogurt. Most yogurts have fruit that is barely recognizable in that artificial gelatin. I hope this is the answer to my prayers.

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      They use only organic fruits — if it’s strawberry, it tastes like strawberry. You’ll love it :)

      Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      I so hear ya, Rebecca! But I’ve also resigned myself to the fact that you get what you pay for. It’s our indulgence :)

      Reply
  4. Stephanie G.

    I’m going to pick some up today while I’m out. I would love to have more organic yogurt in the house but Skyler has never liked the texture, too runny. The only yogurt she’ll eat is Yoplait because of it’s thicker consistancy. I’ll try it today though. Sounds delish!

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Hi Stephanie! Did Skyler like it?? The flavors are awesome but it’s definitely not as thick as Yoplait. I can’t wait to hear if she likes it or not!

      Reply
  5. April in CT

    This is absolutely my favorite yogurt! I found it at Whole Foods last year (which is 40 minutes from us) and recently my grocery started carrying it. YAY! They don’t have the ‘down under’ variety, but I tried one the other day from Whole Foods and it’s delicious. Another good one I found is Liberte’ Mediterranean which is more like a Greek yogurt. It’s thick & creamy and the fig and walnut flavor is excellent. Do yourself a favor and if you ever try it don’t look at the calorie count! lol

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Glad to hear from another Wallaby fan! I go to WF too, just because they’re the only ones near me that carry the large 27 oz containers, and I buy 5 or 6 per week. You’re the second person to mention Liberte yogurt — don’t think I’ve tried it yet, but the fig and walnut flavor sounds divine. I adore figs. I did hear that the calorie count is rather hefty on that one. I’ll just make sure I don’t look at it when I try it!

      Reply
  6. Nasi Lemak Lover

    I can’t find this kind yogurt in the supermarket here.

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      I’m sorry Sonia :( I hope you’re able to visit the US soon so you can try some!!!

      Reply
  7. Linda

    I saw these at the supermarket. How do they compare to Greek Yogurt? I love Greek Yogurt, can’t go back to the regular stuff anymore.

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Hi Linda, It’s a little different from Greek yogurt, which I also enjoy. Greek yogurt, to me, is more tangy and tends to be thick. I love using it in cooking/baking.

      Wallaby is generally not as thick, more smooth and creamy, and their Plain is rich in flavor with a much more subtle tang. I encourage you to try it — it’s great to eat alone, in parfaits, in smoothies, with cereal, fruit, etc.

      Reply
  8. denise @ quickies on the dinner table

    Wow! I almost wish I hadn’t read your post. You made the yogurt sound so divinely delicious, now you’ve got me drooling and I CAN”T get any Wallaby yogurt :( I’ll be fantasising about vanilla bean flecked yogurt all week now *sigh*

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Aw, Denise, I’m sorry they don’t carry Wallaby yogurt in Singapore. At least not yet (you never know!). If/When you come to the States, make it one of your must eats!

      Reply
  9. Donna - Dishy Goodness

    Wow, this yogurt sounds amazing! Great description. I want to try Wallaby now! Thanks for the detailed write-up.

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Hi Donna – definitely try Wallaby! It’s hard to eat anything else now, we’ve really grown to love it so much!

      Reply
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