Bored With Greek Yogurt? 6 Others You Should Try
Not all yogurts are created equally. Say hello to kefir (and Vietnamese yogurt!) (Photo: Getty Images)
A few years back, the most “adventurous” yogurt you could grab at the supermarket was key lime pie-flavored. Fast-forward to today, and a trip to the dairy aisle feels like an international expedition. Yes, Greek yogurt has seen a huge uptick in popularity, but now the flavor palette also extends up to Scandinavia, across continents to Southeast Asia, and all the way down to the South Pacific. Whether you’re looking for a protein-rich snack, an after-dinner dessert, or a drinkable treat, we’ve broken down the taste profiles and nutritional content of the top 7 international yogurts so you won’t be lost in translation on your next grocery trip.
But no matter which you choose, when it comes to making yogurt a regular part of your diet, it’s wise to keep a few nutritional guidelines in mind. According to Marisa Sherry, MS, RD, “Look for yogurt that has at least 15% of your daily value for calcium and the least amount of sugar for the most amount of protein. And keep in mind how big the container is. Depending on what you add in—like nuts and fruit—the calories can quickly add up.”
Greek
(Photo: Getty Images)
Bio: It was the first international variety to make it big in the US in the last five years, but the Mediterranean dairy staple has been around since early A.D. Triple strained to remove water and whey (most yogurts are only filtered twice), the result is a thick, protein-rich blend.
Nutritional stats: Five ounces of Chobani Non-fat Plain Yogurt has 90 calories, 15 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar, and 15% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Thick, creamy, and tart
Best for: Sauces, marinades, and an on-the-go snack
Related: 6 Surprising Ways To Use Greek
Icelandic
Bio: Traditionally called Skyr, this type of yogurt hails from the tiny Nordic island that has produced it for more than 1,000 years. The ancient recipe calls for skim milk (so it’s guaranteed fat-free) and it’s loaded with cultures, so you’ll score a similar probiotic fix to what you’d get with Greek.
Nutritional stats: Five ounces of Siggy’s plain 0% Fat Skyr has 80 calories, 15 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 4 grams of sugar, and 20% daily value of calcium.
Taste: A bit more tart and thicker than Greek
Best for: A substitute for sour cream or heavy cream, and can be used for baking pies, muffins, or pancakes
Related: 10 Slimming Scandinavian Recipes
Bulgarian
Bio: A friendly rival to Greek (this Balkan country claims they deserve the title of “Yogurt’s Birthplace”), this variety is not strained and features a culture called Lactobacillus bulgaricus, discovered by a Bulgarian doctor who modernized yogurt production. Whole milk is the base of choice so you won’t find any fat-free varieties.
Nutritional stats: One cup of Trimona Bulgarian Yogurt has 140 calories, 8 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of sugar, and 25% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Tangy, less thick than Greek but still creamy
Best for: Cold soups, quiches, toppings on salads, baked potatoes, and meat dishes
Kefir
(Photo: Getty Images)
Bio: Originally from Eastern Europe, this fermented drink is made from a bacterial starter similar to Kombucha. It’s full of probiotics and bacteria that help digest lactose, meaning it’s easy on the stomach, even if dairy normally gives you trouble.
Nutritional stats: One cup of Green Valley Non-Fat Plain Kefir has 90 calories, 8 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 9 grams of sugar, and 30% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Smooth, unflavored varieties can be a little tangy and sour
Best For: Smoothies, or as a beverage snack
Related: 20 Super-Healthy Smoothie Recipes
Vietnamese
Bio: This brand (so far, the only one of its kind) took inspiration from a popular dairy snack sold by street vendors and coffee shops in Vietnam. Before probiotic cultures are added, a slow cooking process caramelizes the milk creating a super soft, milky treat.
Nutritional stats: Six ounces of Tarte Original Asian Non-Fat Yogurt has 110 calories, 12 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, 13 grams of sugar, and 35% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Sweet, light, and creamy
Best For: On its own, or a garnish for sweet dishes like waffles or pancakes
Australian
Bio: Although the Aussie alternative doesn’t originate from any particular traditional recipe, the brand Noosa’s whole-milk yogurt is cooked two times slower than traditional yogurt for a creamier texture.
Nutritional stats: Eight ounces of Noosa’s plain yogurt has 240 calories, 17 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 13 grams of sugar, and 44% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Velvety, something in between Greek and regular yogurt
Best For: Parfaits or on its own
Swiss
Bio: The European dairy treat, also called stirred yogurt, is made from warm cultured milk that is incubated, cooled in a large vat, then stirred.
Nutritional stats: Six ounces of Emmi Low-fat Swiss Yogurt has 110 calories, 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of sugar, and 35% daily value of calcium.
Taste: Creamy, slightly thinner than Greek and Bulgarian
Best For: Smoothies or on its own as dessert
By Maggie Puniewska
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