The 7 Best Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians
Probiotic-packed yogurt is a go-to breakfast for many people, but in recent years many folks have swapped out their classic yogurt for Greek-style yogurt, which is thick, rich and protein-packed. It's great with berries and granola, blended into a smoothie, as the creamy base for a dip or a good way to add a hit of creaminess to soups and chilis.
Greek yogurt is also a favorite ingredient for many dietitians. “Greek yogurt is high in protein, generally low in refined sugar, a good source of under-consumed nutrients, and rich in probiotics,” says Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, science and product marketing manager at InsideTracker. “It’s considered a healthy meal or snack option for people looking to add more protein and less refined sugars to their diet.”
But not all Greek yogurts are created equal. Some include refined sugars or artificial sweeteners, while others don’t have as much protein as you’d think. To help you find the best Greek yogurt for you, we quizzed nutrition pros to get their top picks. Here are the 7 best Greek yogurts according to dietitians.
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The 7 Best Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians
1. Fage Total 2%, Plain
This thick and creamy Greek yogurt has 17 grams of protein in 3/4 cup. It's unsweetened, containing only 5 grams of naturally occurring sugar. “To add flavor, nutrition and a little sweetness, I like to microwave berries and mash them up so they're a little jammy and then stir them into the yogurt,” says Breanna Woods, MS RD, registered dietitian for Blogilates.
2. Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt
For those who like a little sweetness with their protein, Chobani Less Sugar Greek yogurt is here to save the day. It offers a respectable 12 grams of protein per serving, which isn't too shabby for a yogurt. “While it does have 5 grams of added sugars, that's still way less sugar than most other flavored yogurts out there,” says Mariana Dineen, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health. “It's the perfect compromise for those who want some sweetness without going overboard.”
3. Stonyfield Organic Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt
If you’re looking for an organic option, give Stonyfield’s Organic Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt a try. It only has five grams of sugar per serving and no fat. Try it in a parfait or acai bowl. It's a great choice for folks who want the benefits of Greek yogurt with a softer, smoother texture.
4. Good & Gather Greek Plain Nonfat Yogurt
Next time you’re at Target, head to the grocery section to pick up this nonfat Greek yogurt, which has 18 grams of protein and 6 grams of sugar per serving. A giant tub costs less than four dollars, so it's also a great budget buy.
5. Maple Hill Organic Plain Greek Yogurt
This organic Greek yogurt is made of milk from 100% grass-fed cow's milk. It's on the pricey side, but the creamy, delicious taste is worth it. Woods recommends buying the plain flavor so you can control the sugar and flavor and also use it in savory foods and as a recipe ingredient. The ingredients list is about as short as it gets: organic milk and live and active cultures, so you can feel good about eating it too.
6. Two Good Low Fat Lower Sugar Vanilla Greek Yogurt
If you're looking for something slightly sweeter, this is a great option. “It's sweet but only has 2 grams of sugar and still provides 13 grams of protein to keep you full,” says Woods. “It's not as thick as other brands and the vanilla is subtle.” Additionally, it has only 90 calories per 3/4 cup serving and two grams of fat.
7. Oikos Pro
If you're on team "more protein, please," Oikos Pro is your new BFF. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it makes a great post-workout snack, a high-protein breakfast to fuel your day or a snack to keep you energized. “It contains zero grams of added sugar, making it the ultimate choice for those watching their sugar intake,” says Dineen.
It’s available in seven different flavors including strawberry, peach, vanilla, mixed berry, cherry, banana and plain.