Labneh (strained yogurt cheese)
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Labneh is a thick, creamy strained yogurt cheese made by draining whey from yogurt, resulting in a spreadable or scoopable consistency. Its typical ingredients are simply yogurt (often full-fat), salt, and sometimes herbs or olive oil for flavor. It is a staple in Middle Eastern and Levantine cuisine, enjoyed across countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Labneh is high in protein and fat, with very low carbohydrates since the straining process removes most of the lactose-containing whey. It is a good source of calcium, probiotics, and vitamin B12, with a rough calorie count of around 100-150 calories per 100-gram serving, depending on the fat content of the original yogurt.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, labneh is often served as part of a traditional breakfast or mezze platter, drizzled with olive oil and sometimes rolled in za'atar. Nutritionally, its fermentation and straining process makes it easier to digest than regular yogurt and concentrates its gut-friendly probiotics.