Labneh vs. Laban — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 19, 2024
Labneh is a thick, creamy cheese made from strained yogurt, often used as a spread, whereas Laban is a tangy yogurt drink popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Difference Between Labneh and Laban
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Labneh is produced by straining yogurt to remove whey, resulting in a thick, spreadable consistency, ideal for dips and spreads. In contrast, Laban is consumed as a beverage and retains a more fluid consistency, often seasoned with herbs or salt for added flavor.
While Labneh typically has a tangy flavor due to the fermentation of the milk, it is milder compared to Laban, which retains the sharp, refreshing tartness typical of liquid yogurt drinks.
Labneh is rich in protein but has a higher fat content because of the concentration of yogurt solids, whereas Laban is generally lighter and may be more hydrating, making it a popular choice in hot climates.
Often served as part of a mezze platter or as a base for savory toppings like olive oil and herbs, Labneh plays a central role in Middle Eastern culinary traditions. On the other hand, Laban is usually consumed as a standalone drink or used as a base in smoothies and other blended drinks.
In terms of cultural significance, both Labneh and Laban hold important places in Middle Eastern diets, but Labneh often doubles as both a food staple and a culinary ingredient, while Laban is primarily appreciated for its digestive benefits and refreshing qualities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Form
Thick, cheese-like
Liquid, drinkable
Primary Use
Spread on bread, dip
Refreshing drink
Texture
Creamy and spreadable
Fluid and drinkable
Taste
Mildly tangy
Sharply tart
Nutritional Content
Higher in fat, concentrated protein
Lower in fat, good for hydration
Compare with Definitions
Labneh
Can be seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
She topped the labneh with olive oil and za'atar.
Laban
Can be salted or mixed with herbs.
He prefers his laban with a pinch of salt.
Labneh
Thick dairy product made by straining yogurt.
I spread labneh on my toast for breakfast.
Laban
Popular throughout the Middle East.
In many Middle Eastern countries, laban is a traditional drink.
Labneh
Consumed primarily in the Middle East.
Labneh is a staple in many Middle Eastern households.
Laban
A yogurt-based beverage.
Laban is often drunk to beat the summer heat.
Labneh
Often used as a base for dips.
For the party, I made a garlic labneh dip.
Laban
Used in culinary preparations like smoothies.
She used laban to make a minty yogurt smoothie.
Labneh
Served as part of a mezze.
Our mezze platter includes hummus, tabbouleh, and labneh.
Laban
Known for its digestive benefits.
Drinking laban after meals can aid in digestion.
Labneh
(in Middle Eastern cooking) yogurt that has been strained until it has the consistency of soft cheese, typically served with savoury seasonings as a dip or spread
Fried cauliflower with labneh
Laban
(uncommon) leban
Labneh
Yogurt that has been strained to filter or remove the whey and thus has a consistency between that of yoghurt and cheese.
Laban
Hungarian choreographer who developed Labanotation (1879-1958)
Common Curiosities
Can Labneh be made from non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy versions of labneh can be made from plant-based yogurts such as almond or coconut yogurt.
Is Laban suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals?
Laban may still contain lactose, which can be problematic for lactose-intolerant individuals, though it’s often lower in lactose compared to regular milk.
How long does Laban stay fresh after opening?
Laban typically stays fresh for about a week when kept refrigerated and tightly sealed.
How does the taste of Labneh change with different fermenting times?
The longer the fermenting time, the tangier the labneh becomes.
What are some health benefits of consuming Labneh?
Labneh is beneficial for gut health due to its probiotics, and it's also a good source of protein and calcium.
What is the nutritional value of Labneh?
Labneh is high in protein and calcium but also has a significant amount of saturated fat due to the concentration of yogurt solids.
Can Labneh be frozen for long-term storage?
Yes, labneh can be frozen, but it may alter the texture, making it slightly grainy when thawed.
Is Labneh suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, due to its high fat and low carbohydrate content, labneh is suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
Is Laban consumed at any specific times of day?
Laban is commonly consumed during lunch or as a refreshing drink in the afternoon, especially in hot climates.
What is the best way to serve Laban to guests?
Laban is best served chilled, often in a large pitcher or individual glasses, and can be garnished with mint or cucumber.
What dishes pair well with Laban?
Laban pairs well with spicy dishes as it helps to cool the palate.
Can Laban be made from any type of yogurt?
Laban is best made from plain, unflavored yogurt with live active cultures for the right flavor and texture.
Can adding salt to Labneh affect its flavor or storage?
Adding salt to labneh can enhance its flavor and also help preserve it longer when refrigerated.
How is Labneh incorporated into desserts?
Labneh can be used in desserts as a substitute for cream cheese or sour cream, adding a tangy flavor to cheesecakes, frostings, and fruit dips.
What are the environmental impacts of producing Laban?
The environmental impact primarily depends on the source of the milk and the production practices, with impacts including water use and greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farming.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Vaccination vs. Inoculation
Next Comparison
Coordinate vs. OrdinateAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
