What's the main difference between sheep's milk yogourt and cow's milk yogourt?

Sheep's milk yogourt is generally thicker and more flavourful because sheep's milk is naturally more concentrated. Cow's milk yogourt stays lighter in texture and more neutral in taste. La Moutonnière offers sheep's milk yogurt.

Does sheep's milk yogourt contain less lactose than cow's milk yogourt?

No, sheep's milk yogourt contains lactose, just like cow's milk yogourt. You shouldn't assume a lower content without checking the specific product, so it's best to stay cautious if you're managing an intolerance.

Is sheep's milk yogourt a good choice for people who have trouble digesting cow's milk?

Some people report better tolerating sheep's milk, which can make it worth trying as an alternative. That said, it's not a lactose-free product or a treatment for a diagnosed intolerance, so medical advice is still a good idea if you're unsure.

Where can I find La Moutonnière's sheep's milk yogourt?

Royogourt is part of the Fromagerie La Moutonnière catalogue, made in Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester in Centre-du-Québec. It's available through the online shop with delivery across Quebec, or for pickup at one of the cheese shop's locations.

Are all of La Moutonnière's products 100% sheep's milk?

No, some products combine sheep's milk and cow's milk, such as Le Sein d'Hélène. It's worth checking each product's description to know its exact composition before buying.

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Sheep's Milk Yogourt vs Cow's Milk Yogourt: What's the Difference?

Published September 18, 2026

Sheep's milk yogourt vs cow's milk yogourt, the difference is felt first in the mouth: sheep's milk yields a denser, creamier, more flavourful yogourt, while cow's milk yogourt tends to stay lighter and more neutral…

Lambs in the La Moutonnière sheepfold — Photo provided by Fromagerie La Moutonnière.

Sheep's Milk Yogourt: Where the Difference Comes From

Sheep's milk is naturally more concentrated than cow's milk. It's this concentration that gives sheep's milk yogourt its thicker texture and its more pronounced, almost creamy taste, without needing any added ingredients. In Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester, in Centre-du-Québec, Fromagerie La Moutonnière has been processing sheep's milk since 1992 and offers, among other things, a sheep's milk yogourt called Royogourt, alongside its firm cheeses, soft cheeses, fetas and ricotta.

Cow's milk yogourt, more common on store shelves, remains a familiar reference point: a runnier texture, a milder taste, and a wide range of formats. The choice between the two really comes down to what you're looking for: a richer, bolder product, or a lighter, more versatile one.

Taste and Texture: What First-Timers Notice

People trying sheep's milk yogourt for the first time often notice:

a thicker texture, almost like cream, without any thickening additives
a more pronounced taste, slightly rounder than cow's milk
a more filling sensation for the same quantity
a colour that's sometimes more ivory than white

This isn't a "better" yogourt than the other, it's simply a different product, with a flavour profile that especially appeals to people who already enjoy sheep's milk cheese or who are looking to break away from their usual cow's milk yogourt routine.

Lactose and Digestion: What You Should Know

This is where precision matters. Sheep's milk contains lactose, just like cow's milk. Sheep's milk yogourt is neither lactose-free nor a treatment for lactose intolerance. Some people who have trouble digesting cow's milk report tolerating sheep's milk better, but this varies from person to person and isn't based on a general rule.

At La Moutonnière, it's described more as a good option worth trying for people who are curious or sensitive to cow's milk, never as a product suited or safe for a diagnosed intolerance. If you have a confirmed lactose intolerance or a dairy protein allergy, caution and advice from a healthcare professional remain the right approach before trying any new dairy product, whether sheep's or cow's milk.

Royogourt: A Quebec Example of Sheep's Milk Yogourt

Royogourt is part of the Fromagerie La Moutonnière catalogue, alongside cheeses like fetas and ricotta. It's a product that nicely illustrates what sets sheep's milk yogourt apart: a rich texture that pairs well with fruit, honey, or simply enjoyed plain, for breakfast or as a light dessert.

Worth noting: not all of the cheese shop's products are pure sheep's milk. Le Sein d'Hélène, for example, is made with a blend of sheep's milk and cow's milk. It's a good reminder that within the same cheese shop, different products can combine both milks depending on the recipe being aimed for.

To discover Royogourt and other sheep's milk products, you can check out the online shop and compare the available formats.

How to Work Sheep's Milk Yogourt Into Your Routine

Sheep's milk yogourt lends itself well to several uses:

at breakfast, plain or with fresh fruit, for a more filling meal
as a base for a savoury dip, thanks to its thick texture
on a brunch platter, alongside bread and homemade jams
as an occasional swap for cow's milk yogourt to change up the texture

For hosts putting together a platter or a brunch table in Quebec, the contrast between a rich sheep's milk yogourt and lighter accompaniments (fruit, granola, honey) creates a nice balance. Visitors to Centre-du-Québec passing through Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester can also discover the product on-site, while buyers elsewhere in Quebec can order online with delivery, or choose pickup at one of the available locations.

Find the full lineup of cheeses and sheep's milk yogourt at the cheese shop's online store to plan your next order or visit.

Frequently asked questions

What's the main difference between sheep's milk yogourt and cow's milk yogourt?: Sheep's milk yogourt is generally thicker and more flavourful because sheep's milk is naturally more concentrated. Cow's milk yogourt stays lighter in texture and more neutral in taste. La Moutonnière offers sheep's milk yogurt.
Does sheep's milk yogourt contain less lactose than cow's milk yogourt?: No, sheep's milk yogourt contains lactose, just like cow's milk yogourt. You shouldn't assume a lower content without checking the specific product, so it's best to stay cautious if you're managing an intolerance.
Is sheep's milk yogourt a good choice for people who have trouble digesting cow's milk?: Some people report better tolerating sheep's milk, which can make it worth trying as an alternative. That said, it's not a lactose-free product or a treatment for a diagnosed intolerance, so medical advice is still a good idea if you're unsure.
Where can I find La Moutonnière's sheep's milk yogourt?: Royogourt is part of the Fromagerie La Moutonnière catalogue, made in Sainte-Hélène-de-Chester in Centre-du-Québec. It's available through the online shop with delivery across Quebec, or for pickup at one of the cheese shop's locations.
Are all of La Moutonnière's products 100% sheep's milk?: No, some products combine sheep's milk and cow's milk, such as Le Sein d'Hélène. It's worth checking each product's description to know its exact composition before buying.