Stop Buying the Wrong Yogurt!
Yogurt can be an easy breakfast or snack, but walk into a grocery store and you'll find dozens of choices.
So how do you know which one is worth buying?
A recent Food Network article from registered dietitian Toby Amidor highlights nine yogurt brands and explains what shoppers should look for on the label.
For older adults, a few things may be especially worth checking: protein, added sugar, calcium, vitamin D, and live cultures.
What should you look for?
1. Protein
Protein becomes increasingly important as we get older because it helps maintain muscle. Greek yogurt and Icelandic-style Skyr tend to be especially high in protein.
2. Added sugar
Some flavored yogurts can contain a surprising amount of added sugar. Check the Nutrition Facts label and compare brands before putting one in your cart.
3. Live and active cultures
These are the beneficial bacteria found in yogurt. Many containers will identify them on the label, and some carry a “Live & Active Cultures” seal.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D works with calcium to support healthy bones. Some yogurts are fortified with vitamin D, so check the label if this nutrient is important to you.
5. Lactose
If regular dairy bothers your stomach, Greek yogurt may be easier to tolerate because it generally contains less lactose than traditional yogurt. Lactose-free options are also available.
Nine brands featured by Food Network
Here are the nine products highlighted in the article:
Icelandic Provisions Vanilla Skyr — Thick and creamy, with about 11–17 grams of protein per serving.
Too Good & Co. Blended Mixed Berry Greek Yogurt — A lower-sugar option.
Trimona Foods Organic Plain Bulgarian A2A2 Yogurt — Made with organic whole milk and live cultures.
Fage Total 2% Strawberry Greek Yogurt — A Greek yogurt available in several fat levels.
Painterland Sisters Savannah's Peach Skyr — A whole-milk Skyr providing about 16–18 grams of protein per single-serving container.
Nancy's 100% Grass-Fed Whole Milk Yogurt — Contains live probiotics and is made with whole milk.
Silk Protein Vanilla Dairy-Free Yogurt — A soy-based option providing about 12–13 grams of plant protein and 4 grams of fiber.
Chobani Zero Sugar Toasted Coconut Vanilla Greek Yogurt — Uses stevia and monk fruit extracts for sweetness.
Oikos Pro Mixed Berry Greek Yogurt — Provides 20 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce.
The bottom line
You don't necessarily need the most expensive yogurt—or the one with the fanciest packaging.
The next time you're standing in the dairy aisle, turn the container around and look at protein, added sugar, vitamin D, and the ingredient list.
And remember: everyone's nutritional needs are different. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, lactose intolerance, or another medical condition that affects your diet, check with your doctor or registered dietitian about which yogurt is appropriate for you.
A simple yogurt choice can be a convenient way to add protein and other nutrients to your day.
