Sort of. It's a fresh, soft cheese made by straining yogurt, so it sits right on the line between yogurt and cheese.

Can you make labneh from Greek yogurt?

Yes. Stir in a little salt, wrap it in cheesecloth and let it drain in the fridge overnight. You'll get a thicker, tangier spread.

Labneh vs Greek yogurt: what's the difference?

Labneh is yogurt salted and strained so long it turns into a soft, spreadable cheese, tangier and saltier than Greek yogurt, which is strained less and still eats like yogurt.

Labneh

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Thick, tangy and salty, like a cross between yogurt and cream cheese.

What does Labneh taste like?

Greek yogurt

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Thick and creamy but still spoonable, with a cleaner, milder tang.

The real difference

Both start as yogurt with the whey (the watery part) drained off. Greek yogurt is strained until thick. Labneh is salted and strained much longer, often overnight, until it's dense enough to spread like cream cheese or roll into balls. That extra time concentrates the tang.

Side by side

LabnehGreek yogurt

TextureSpreadable, like soft cream cheeseThick but spoonable

TastesTangy, salty, richMild tang, clean, milky

On a menuSpread on a plate with olive oil and za'atar, with pitaBreakfast bowls, parfaits, sauces like tzatziki

Which to order

Order labneh if you want a rich, tangy spread for warm bread.
Order Greek yogurt if you want something cool and creamy at breakfast.

Quick questions

Is labneh a cheese?: Sort of. It's a fresh, soft cheese made by straining yogurt, so it sits right on the line between yogurt and cheese.
Can you make labneh from Greek yogurt?: Yes. Stir in a little salt, wrap it in cheesecloth and let it drain in the fridge overnight. You'll get a thicker, tangier spread.