Whether enjoyed as a breakfast staple, a creamy snack, or a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, yogurt offers a surplus of nutritional value. However, with the overwhelming variety of yogurt brands available on store shelves, it can be challenging to navigate the options and make the best choice for you.
From rich and creamy Greek yogurts to dairy-free alternatives, we spoke to nutrition experts to learn about the top contenders and help you make informed decisions the next time you’re in the yogurt aisle.
Quality yogurt will provide a good balance of protein and carbs while also being low in added sugars and unnecessary additives. Here are some key factors to consider when trying to identify a healthy yogurt:
How to choose a healthy yogurt brand
“Fage BestSelf Yogurt is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, without the lactose that can cause an upset stomach. With BestSelf, you can enjoy the delicious creaminess of Greek yogurt without fear of digestive distress,” explains Kim Kulp, RDN, owner of Gut Health Connection.
“Oikos Pro Plain Yogurt is one of my favorite go-to options,” says Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, registered dietitian nutritionist, and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes. “Per serving, it provides 25 grams of protein and zero added sugars. It’s delicious as is or enjoyed with fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, and high-fiber cereal for a very satisfying breakfast.”
The best yogurt brands
“For a dairy-free option, I love Coconut Cult. It has a mousse-like texture and makes for a delicious breakfast or dessert. Not only is it plant-based and organic, but it’s produced in small batches and contains 50 billion CFU of probiotics per ounce, making it a great option for a healthy gut,” shares Julie Balsamo, RD, RDN, a gut health dietitian.
“Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Greek yogurt frequently ends up in my Aldi shopping cart because it’s affordable and versatile,” says Catherine Karnatz, MPH, RD. “This yogurt’s smooth and creamy texture is the perfect addition to smoothies, overnight oats, and fresh fruit. It can even be used as a substitute for sour cream when you don’t have any on hand. I also love that a 3/4 cup serving packs 18 grams of protein, which makes it a nutritious post-workout snack that supports muscle recovery.”
The worst yogurt brands
“One of the newest yogurts gracing the dairy aisle is Icelandic Provisions Honey and Apricot,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, tells Eat This, Not That! “While it is higher in saturated fat, it is made with only high-quality ingredients, and it is the creamiest and tastiest option out there.”
Though she prefers a different flavor, Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, agrees that Icelandic Provisions is one of the best yogurt brands on the market. “The Vanilla Skyr from Icelandic Provisions is one of the best yogurts out there,” says Sauceda. “You get a vanilla flavor that has a deeper and richer flavor compared to others. They use three different vanilla beans to make it. I also love that their texture is thick and creamy, making it a decadent treat all on its own with 15 grams of protein per serving.”
“Cabot has fantastic yogurts,” says Amanda Lane, MS, RD, CDCES, of Healthful Lane Nutrition. “My personal favorite is the 2% Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt. It is a great balance of creamy and high-protein Greek yogurt. Enjoy it topped with berries, seeds, or nuts for a fun twist.”
“I love Siggi’s Skyr! Its high protein content is satiating, and the plain flavor has no added sugar. This way, you can sweeten it up to whatever degree you like,” says Sarah Garone, NDTR, of A Love Letter to Food. “It’s nice and thick, so you can use it as a sour cream substitute, too.”
“Siggi’s is an extra creamy Icelandic yogurt that I absolutely love!” adds Maya Oueichek, MBA, RDN. “It is made with simple ingredients, and it’s packed with protein. The brand follows the traditional Icelandic Skyr yogurt-making method,” explains Oueichek. “This method uses cultured skim milk, which adds extra gut health benefits. Lastly, they offer a wide variety of different flavors, making them fun and versatile to incorporate into meals and recipes.”
