Source
Protein
8.19 g · 16% DV target
A thick, tangy Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese with a velvety consistency that serves as a dense, protein-rich staple of the Levantine diet.
Labneh, as a concentrated dairy product, provides a complex matrix of essential nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, which are well-established for supporting bone mineral density .35
Because it is produced by straining yogurt to remove acid whey (the liquid byproduct of fermentation), labneh has a denser texture and a higher concentration of milk solids and proteins compared to standard yogurt .1011
The nutritional profile of labneh can vary significantly based on its fat content, which is typically categorized by the milk used—ranging from non-fat (less than 0.5% fat) to high-fat (above 3% fat) varieties .7
Early research indicates that labneh can serve as an effective carrier for functional ingredients, such as probiotics like L. plantarum, which may enhance its potential benefits for gut health .1
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
8.19 g · 16% DV target
3.75 g · 7% DV target
0.27 g · 27% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
47.5 μg · 5% DV target
0.21 mg · 16% DV target
0.50 μg · 21% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Keep covered in its own liquid or olive oil to prevent drying.
As a concentrated dairy product, it has a higher water and carbon footprint than standard yogurt per kilogram.
Historically, labneh was preserved by rolling it into small balls and submerging them in olive oil, a method that allowed the cheese to be stored for over a year without refrigeration.