We often get asked whether yoghurt is a healthy choice and what the healthiest yoghurt is.
If you’ve seen our Instagram feed, you’ll know we are big fans of yoghurt for breakfast or as a healthy snack when the 3pm munchies strike. This is because yoghurt is naturally rich in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, is a great source of protein and contains probiotics.
However with the ever increasing number of yoghurts available, it’s important you know what to look for and how to make the best choice for your health.
Here’s 5 things to keep in mind when choosing a yoghurt.
1. Opt for plain yoghurt
Choosing a plain yoghurt means you usually don’t have to worry about any sneaky added sugars in the yoghurt. When you look at the nutrition information panel on a plain yoghurt, the sugar you see is simply a sugar called lactose that is naturally present in dairy foods (and FYI this is a natural sugar not an added sugar).
If you don’t like the taste of plain yoghurt, try mixing through some fresh or frozen fruit to naturally sweeten it. You could also try adding a handful of crushed nuts or seeds to give it some flavour. These days there are also some healthy flavoured yoghurt options that have no added sugars.
2. Greek yoghurt is best
Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
In terms of Greek style yoghurt, this is not strained the same way Greek yoghurt is and hence doesn’t contain as much protein. Greek style yoghurts often contain thickeners such as cream, milk solids, gelatine and gums to give it a creamier texture. We recommend going for the real deal instead!
3. Look out for probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that, when consumed, contribute to improved gut health. Common probiotics that you may have heard of include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, along with others like Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus.
With the rising interest in gut health, probiotics have become a staple in various food products including yoghurts, however, the industry is not tightly regulated. To ensure you’re getting genuine probiotics, look for yoghurts that meet the following criteria:
- Live Microorganisms: The product should contain live probiotic strains and specify the strains it contains.
- Adequate Amounts: Look for products which actually specify how much there product contains. This will be written in Colony Forming Units (CFUs) e.g. 1 billion CFUs.
- Health Benefit: The manufacturer should specify the probiotic strain and associated health benefits, supported by efficacy studies. For example “can help strength your immune system”
If a yoghurt doesn’t provide this information, it may not truly be a probiotic, and terms like ‘cultured,’ ‘fermented,’ or ‘wild fermented’ might be more accurate.
Some yoghurts on the market that accurately record their probiotic include:
- Activia Probiotic Yoghurt
- Jalna Greek Yoghurt
- Farmers Union Greek Style Yoghurt
- Vaalia Probiotic Yoghurt
- Liddells Probiotic Yoghurt
- Vitasoy Soy Yoghurt
To learn more about probiotics read here.
4. Don’t fear full fat yoghurts
The fat content of dairy foods, specifically yoghurt is an interesting consideration. Reduced fat and diet yoghurts have long been a popular option and dominated parts of the yoghurt aisle.
New research has shown that for otherwise healthy people (that’s people without heart disease or diabetes), full fat dairy is A OK in the context of a healthy diet. Fat is satiating. Fat is what makes yoghurt deliciously creamy and to achieve this effect in a diet yoghurt, additives are often added like emulsifiers and gelatin.
5. Don’t fall for the coconut yoghurt hype
While coconut yoghurt might be an option for vegans or people with milk allergies or intolerances as it is dairy free, unfortunately it doesn’t stack up too well nutritionally. Coconut yoghurt is a high-kilojoule, high saturated fat choice and it is lower in protein, calcium and doesn’t naturally contain probiotics. Check out our comparison here if you’re not convinced!
Our top yoghurt recommendations (based on nutrition and taste of course!)
—
Notes
- This article was written by Accredited Practising Dietitians at The Biting Truth.
- Check out more of nutrition articles here.
- Looking for individual support when it comes to your diet? Learn more about our private dietitian coaching here.