Opt for 2% or whole milk yogurts when you can.'It's important to get completely unsweetened yogurt-a lot of yogurts actually have as much added sugar as ice cream!' says Caitlin Self, MS, CNS, LDN, owner of Frugal Nutrition. Nutritional experts are also quick to urge caution with these sweetened containers. Because Greek yogurt tends to be denser and more tart than traditional yogurts, manufacturers are quick to add sweeteners. The healthiest Greek yogurts all meet a strict set of nutritional criteria. Oh, and did we mention it can help you lose weight? Researchers have found that adding low-sugar, high-protein yogurt snacks to your daily diet can help fuel weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism and minimizing hunger pangs. Plus, a full-fat carton is an appetite-stabilizing treat to quell those angry 3 p.m. Its ratio of protein to carbs makes it an ideal post-workout snack for repairing muscles and replenishing spent energy stores. Greek yogurt isn't just a great replacement for your sugary breakfast cereal. What are the health benefits of Greek yogurt? Although, if you're lactose intolerant, you may want to opt for a lactose-free yogurt. 'Lactose-sensitive individuals may tolerate it even better than traditional yogurt,' says dietitian Jenna Appel, MS, RD, LDN, CPT, and Owner of Appel Nutrition. Lactose is a type of sugar, so because Greek yogurt has less sugar, it also has less lactose than traditional yogurt. 'Additionally, straining off the whey means there will be fewer carbs (and thus, sugar) in Greek yogurt,' says Fine. This makes it a bit more 'nutritionally-dense' per ounce serving, which means it will help to keep you fuller, longer,' says Fine. 'Because of it's denser concentration, Greek yogurt generally has up to double the amount of protein when compared to regular yogurt. This makes Greek yogurt different from traditional yogurt in some notable ways. Because manufacturers remove more of the whey, which is the liquid component of milk, you're left with a product that is denser in texture. 'Greek yogurt is more strained than regular yogurt, making it thicker and creamier,' says dietitian Rachel Fine, MS, RD, CSSD, CDN, and owner of To The Pointe Nutrition. What is Greek yogurt and how is it different from traditional yogurt?Įveryone always talks about how great Greek yogurt is, but what actually is it? That's why we consulted nutritional experts to come up with the best healthy Greek yogurts (and the worst)-so you don't have to stress or even read nutrition labels on your next grocery trip.

With hundreds of companies offering 'authentic' yogurt lined up on your grocery store shelves, you may need a little help weeding out the good from the bad. Before you add this product to your daily breakfast routine, you have to navigate the dairy aisle.

Oikon yogurt