Eight Tips for Buying Healthier Yogurt 🥄

While homemade yogurt is nutritious, sometimes store-bought options are more convenient. However, not all yogurts are equally healthy. Here’s how to choose the best yogurt to support your health and digestion.

1. 🦠 Look for Live Cultures

Choose yogurt with “live and active cultures” on the label, which contain probiotics that support gut health and boost immunity. Avoid yogurts labeled “heat-treated” because the heating process kills these beneficial bacteria.

Recommended Product: FAGE Total Greek Yogurt, 0% Nonfat, Plain, 32 oz – This Greek yogurt contains live cultures and no added sugars, making it a great choice for gut health.

2. 🍓 Check the Sugar Content

Look out for added sugars in flavored yogurts. Ideally, yogurt should have under 10 grams of sugar per serving. Added sugars can negate the health benefits of yogurt. For natural sweetness, consider adding fresh fruit to plain yogurt at home.

Recommended Product: Stonyfield Organic Greek Nonfat Yogurt, Plain, 32 oz – With no added sugars and high protein content, this organic yogurt is a solid choice for those seeking a low-sugar option.

3. 📏 Mind the Serving Size

Different brands use different serving sizes, typically between 4 and 6 ounces. Be sure to check the serving size so you can accurately compare the protein, sugar, and nutrient content of different yogurt options.

Quick Tip: A single serving of yogurt is typically 4 to 6 ounces; check labels carefully to avoid unintentional sugar or calorie intake.

4. 🔥 Avoid Heat-Treated Yogurt

If yogurt is labeled as “heat-treated” after culturing, it may not contain active probiotics. Heat kills these beneficial bacteria, making heat-treated yogurts a less healthy choice.

5. 🚫 Avoid Yogurt with Fillers and Additives

The healthiest yogurt should contain only milk and live cultures (or milk alternatives for dairy-free options). Watch out for fillers like carrageenan and xanthan gum, which are often used to thicken or sweeten yogurt without providing any health benefits.

Recommended Product: Nancy’s Organic Greek Whole Milk Yogurt, Plain, 24 oz – This organic whole milk Greek yogurt has no fillers or artificial additives, ensuring a clean, natural product.

6. 🇬🇷 Choose Greek or Plain Yogurt

Greek yogurt and plain varieties are often higher in protein and lower in sugar than flavored yogurts. They make a versatile base for both sweet and savory dishes, with fewer ingredients.

Recommended Product: siggi’s Icelandic Strained Nonfat Yogurt, Vanilla, 24 oz – This Icelandic yogurt is thick and protein-rich, with a minimal ingredient list to maintain purity.

7. 🥥 Try Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternatives

For those avoiding dairy, yogurt made from almonds, coconuts, or oats provides diverse probiotics and a creamy texture. These dairy-free options are ideal for anyone seeking plant-based yogurt.

Recommended Products:

• Cocojune Organic Pure Coconut Yogurt, 1 lb
• Forager Project Cashewmilk Yogurt, Unsweetened Plain, 24 oz
• Chobani Oat Barista Edition, 32 oz (Pack of 6)

8. 🌱 Choose Organic Yogurt When Possible

If you’re buying cow’s milk yogurt, choose organic varieties to avoid exposure to antibiotics and synthetic hormones like rBST. Organic options generally contain fewer additives, offering a cleaner choice for health-conscious buyers.

Recommended Product: Stonyfield Organic Greek Nonfat Yogurt, Plain, 32 oz – This yogurt is non-GMO, organic, and made without synthetic hormones.

Quick Checklist for Healthy Yogurt Shopping 🛒

• Does it contain live cultures?
• Is it free from added sugars and fillers?
• Is it made with quality milk or milk alternatives?
• Does it align with your dietary needs (e.g., dairy-free, low-sugar)?

Simple Yogurt Parfait Recipe 🍓

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek or plain yogurt
• Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup granola or nuts

Instructions:

1. Layer the yogurt in a bowl or jar.
2. Add fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
3. Top with granola or nuts for added crunch.

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