While the food industry has become more and more dominated by the fast pace and convenience of mass production, Erbil Yogurt Inc. has managed to carve out a position that is uniquely their own by doing something that is deceptively simple: being true to tradition. With generations of Kurdish tradition in the art of dairy-based foods, Erbil Yogurt has grown into a respected name in authentic yogurt-based foods that have a deep and abiding significance in the Kurdish diaspora, as well as a wider appeal to people who are interested in real, natural foods. With a foundation in the farm-to-table philosophy, Erbil Yogurt is dedicated to quality over speed, authenticity over trendiness, and tradition over cultural compromise.

What Makes Erbil Yogurt Different

Erbil Yogurt products are made using fresh farm milk and live cultures, with no artificial flavors, preservatives, gelatin, or unnecessary thickeners. In addition, the yogurt brand proudly claims to be gluten-free and does not contain any GMOs and rBGH growth hormones. As a result, the yogurt brand provides consumers with a flavorful and easily digestible product for daily consumption, whether consumed alone, paired with meals, or used as an ingredient for cooking.

However, Erbil Yogurt has also become a cultural icon. The brand represents a taste of home for Kurdish-Americans. The brand has also resisted retailers’ attempts to remove the word “Kurdish” from their brand name.

Related: Hawler (Erbil) Named Asia’s Top Travel Destination for 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler

Erbil Yogurt’s growing lineup reflects both classic Kurdish staples and modern lifestyle needs:

Kurdish Yogurt (Plain & Whole Milk)
A foundational product made with whole milk and live cultures. Thick, clean, and naturally tangy, it’s ideal for daily meals, cooking, or pairing with bread and vegetables.

Smoked Kurdish Yogurt & Yogurt Drinks (Mastaw)
A standout offering rooted in Kurdish tradition. These smoked yogurt drinks deliver a bold, distinctive flavor that separates them from standard dairy beverages, available in multiple sizes for home or foodservice use.

Flavored Yogurt Drinks

For those seeking variety without sacrificing quality, Erbil Yogurt offers flavored whole-milk yogurt drinks, including:

• Mint

• Lemon

• Strawberry

• Chocolate

Each maintains the brand’s natural standards while offering a refreshing, approachable taste.

Kurdish Labneh (Thick & Creamy Yogurt)
Strained for richness and texture, Erbil Labneh is smooth, dense, and versatile — perfect for spreads, breakfasts, or traditional dishes.

Geymar (Clotted Cream)
A beloved Kurdish specialty, Geymar is rich, indulgent, and traditionally enjoyed with honey or bread, preserving a culinary practice passed down through generations.

Natural Black Raisin Juice

Expanding beyond dairy, Erbil’s black raisin juice follows the same philosophy: no preservatives, no artificial additives, and a focus on natural flavor.

Built on Family, Driven by Purpose

The Nanakaliy family who founded the company had their inspiration come from yogurt-making methods that were handed down through many generations of their family history. Halmat Nanakaliy, the founder, was born in the city of Hawler and lived in a home where his family members were well known for their production of yogurt and cheese for the community. After many years away from each other due to loss of homes and moving, they finally got back together in the United States and turned a lot of those family recipes into a well-managed, commercially viable company without ever compromising the integrity of their original product.

Today, Erbil Yogurt uses state-of-the-art food safety methods, but remains a family-owned business that employs members of the Kurdish community and is accountable to its customers from start to finish in each product they sell.

There is a strong push for food products that are authentic and representative of the cultures they come from, and as a result, Erbil Yogurt will be expanding deliberately into new flavor profiles, lactose-free products, probiotics, and availability of products at other retailers — yet will always be committed to the core principles of the brand.

Erbil Yogurt is a great example of a company that continues to tell the story of food even in this time when most food does not tell its own story but continues to provide significant meaning to the cultural heritage of its country of origin through food quality and connection with family members.