Dietitians’ Top Picks: 7 Yogurt Brands Without Added Sugars and Fillers
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Looking for a healthy and delicious snack? Experts recommend prioritizing yogurt brands with simple ingredient lists and minimal added sugar.
Yogurt offers a wealth of health benefits, but navigating the grocery store aisles can be tricky. Not all yogurts are created equal, and many contain hidden sugars and artificial ingredients that can negate their positive effects. According to a leading health expert, plain, unsweetened yogurt is generally the best choice, often consisting of just milk and live cultures. “Short lists with recognizable ingredients mean fewer additives/junk,” one nutritionist explains. For those seeking a protein boost, Greek or Skyr-style yogurts are recommended for their filling properties. To enhance flavor without compromising health, consider adding fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or a touch of honey. Here are seven yogurt brands consistently praised by dietitians for their clean ingredients and nutritional value.
Siggi’s Icelandic-Style Skyr
Siggi’s Icelandic-Style Skyr consistently ranks high among health professionals. It’s “known for simple ingredients and less sugar than many yogurts,” one expert notes. The plain version typically contains only milk and live cultures, making it a high-protein, low-sugar option.
Fage Total Greek Yogurt (Plain)
Fage Total Greek Yogurt (Plain) is another excellent choice. Described as a “classic Greek yogurt with milk and cultures only in the simplest versions,” it boasts a thick texture, high protein content, and minimal sugar.
Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt
Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt – specifically the plain variety, not the fruit-flavored options – is a healthy staple. It’s a “strained Greek yogurt with a shorter ingredient list in plain varieties,” offering high protein and probiotics without artificial additives.
Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt (Plain)
For consumers prioritizing organic options, Stonyfield Organic Greek Yogurt (Plain) is a solid pick. It’s “an organic option with no synthetic hormones or artificial additives,” making it a good choice for those who prefer organic dairy and live cultures.
Wallaby Organic Plain Yogurt
Wallaby Organic Plain Yogurt is frequently recommended for its creamy texture and commitment to simple ingredients. It’s “creamy, organic yogurt with simple ingredients, only with no artificial flavors or preservatives.”
Brown Cow Plain Yogurt
Brown Cow Plain Yogurt stands out for its focus on quality ingredients. It “uses non-GMO ingredients and avoids artificial preservatives,” aligning with a growing consumer demand for cleaner food options.
Coconut Cult (Dairy-Free)
For individuals avoiding dairy, Coconut Cult (Dairy-Free) offers a compelling alternative. This “fermented coconut yogurt” is packed with multiple probiotic strains and contains no added sugar, gums, or preservatives in its original flavors. While plant-based yogurts can vary in protein content, this option is lauded as an “excellent gut-health-focused dairy-free option with a very clean ingredient list.”
Ultimately, choosing the right yogurt comes down to reading labels and prioritizing simple, recognizable ingredients. By opting for these dietitian-approved brands, consumers can enjoy the numerous health benefits of yogurt without the unnecessary additives found in many commercially available options.
