Summary The effect of using yogurt on the viscosity, over-run, melting characteristics, pH, acidity, microbiological aspects and sensory characteristics of ice cream was investigated. The ice cream mix in all groups was 10% fat, 18% sucrose, 12% MSNF (milk non-fat solids), 0.8% stabiliser and 0.4% emulsifier. The use of yogurt instead of milk decreased the viscosity of ice cream mix and over-run capacity of ice cream. There was no negative effect of yogurt on the melting characteristics of ice cream. The use of yogurt at 0.7% lactic acid exhibited a good first drop (beginning of the melting point) and melting time, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The results of the sensory scores showed that yogurt ice cream produced using the yogurt at 0.7% lactic acid was statistically similar to the control group. It was concluded that the conversion of milk to yogurt for ice cream production can be made at acidity 0.7% lactic acid with no loss of ice cream quality. Higher levels than 0.7% lactic acid contribute to progressive loss of sensory quality. © 2007 Institute of Food Science and Technology Trust Fund.