The 16 Best High-Protein Yogurts, Plus Tips from a Nutritionist on How to Make Healthy Picks
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Yogurt that comes with chocolatey bits, crushed cookies and sweet fruit spreads inside are no doubt delicious, but they aren’t the healthiest options out there. Ideally, yogurt should be low in sugar and high in probiotics and protein to keep you full between meals. But in a world of so many yogurt brands—let alone flavors and formulations—how do they compare? To find some of the most nutritious picks on the market, I tapped a nutritionist for her shopping recs and suggestions, then scoured the internet for more popular brands and flavors for every palate. Read on for 16 of the best high-protein yogurts money can buy.
16 Types of Yogurt, Explained (Because the Dairy Aisle Is Overflowing These Days)
Meet the Expert
Dr. Felicia Stoler, DCN, is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and exercise physiologist. She's the author of Living Skinny in Fat Genes: The Healthy Way to Lose Weight and Feel Great and the former host of TLC's Honey, We're Killing the Kids.
1. Siggi’s Plain Simple Ingredient Skyr
“Siggi’s is my favorite because of the simplicity of the ingredients,” explains Stoler. There’s nothing but pasteurized skim milk and live active cultures in this particular variety. “I love that their sweetened varieties have a light, sweet taste,” rather than being so intense it’s cloying. If you prefer your yogurt sweetened or flavored, keep an eye out for Siggi’s Lower Sugar Skyr, which comes in vanilla and strawberry.
2. Icelandic Provisions Low-Fat Plain Skyr
Another favorite of Stoler’s, Icelandic Provision’s plain skyr can be used in sweet and savory recipes alike, as well as eaten solo. “Greek yogurt and skyr are thicker than plain yogurt,” she explains. “This thicker style of yogurt has more protein because it has less fluid.” This variety is just low-fat milk and cultures, but the brand also has a wide range of exciting flavors that are a bit higher in sugar.
3. Fage Total O%
Despite its rich, creamy texture, this Greek yogurt is completely fat free. Made from pasteurized skimmed milk and yogurt cultures, it’s both filling and free of added sugar. “Yogurt is the only ‘food’ from an animal that contains carbohydrates and protein,” explains Stoler. “Yogurt contains dairy, so there’s lactose (aka milk sugar) whether or not there’s added sweetener. So, there’s more than just reading the nutrition facts panel.” In short, keep an eye out for added sugar on the label, and don’t let natural milk sugar deter you from buying a brand you love.
4. Chobani Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt
From dips to crème brûlée, this high-protein yogurt can do it all. If you prefer flavored yogurt and want to keep your sugar intake to a minimum, consider Chobani Zero. Not only is this category sugar-free, but it’s also low in calories and free of lactose. Just know it’s sweetened with allulose and monk fruit (Stoler steers clear of yogurts with non-nutritive sweeteners, pectins or thickening agents).
5. Lidl’s Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
This is Stoler’s go-to fat-free yogurt. “For yogurt and milk, I always lead with fat-free,” she says. “I prefer to get my fats from other food sources, trying to get in healthier fats.” It’s free of added sugar too, so feel free to make it heartier and sweeter by pairing it with nuts, granola or fresh fruit.
6. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
For an organic brand, this pick from Whole Foods is pretty affordable at just over $4 for 32 ounces of high-protein yogurt. Packed with six live and active cultures, it’s a gut-healthy choice for anyone who prefers full-fat to low-fat or fat-free.
7. Ellenos Unsweetened Plain Greek Yogurt
If you’re willing to splurge a bit on yogurt, this hand-crafted pick from Seattle is worth the spend. Made from whole milk and five types of active cultures, it’s sure to keep you full before lunch or dinner.
8. :ratio Food Vanilla Protein Yogurt
This high-protein yogurt contains sugar alcohols and thickeners, but the brand’s wide range of flavors may be just right for you if you’re on keto or another low-carb diet. It’s free of added sugars and packs a whopping 28 grams of protein in every serving, courtesy of whey protein concentrate.
9. Two Good & Co. Plain Yogurt
Low in calories, high in protein and free of added sugar—any questions? Because it’s made with nonfat milk, a few additional ingredients are added for a thicker consistency. If you like flavored yogurts, Two Good’s contain real fruit ingredients and stevia for sweetness.
10. Oikos Pro Plain Yogurt
Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate and cream unite with yogurt cultures for a super satiating, protein-packed snack you’ll want in your fridge 24/7. Flavored versions of Oikos Pro are slightly sweetened with stevia leaf to keep the sugar content down.
11. Stonyfield Organic Greek Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
Pasture-raised, organic whole milk stars in this satisfying staple that can be used in soups, baked goods, dressings and more. The dairy is combined with six live active cultures to be turned into yogurt. Furthermore, it’s made without pesticides, antibiotics and artificial growth hormones.
12. Kite Hill Greek Style Plant-Based Yogurt
If you’re allergic to or cutting back on dairy, this almond milk-based alternative just might win you over. Made without added sugar, Kite Hill’s take on Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics and shockingly creamy. Even the vanilla version is unsweetened (and made with real vanilla beans).
13. Yoplait Protein Vanilla
Free of added sugar (thanks to a touch of sucralose for sweetness) this high-protein yogurt made from nonfat and reduced fat milks is sure to hit the spot. The vanilla flavor makes it great for pairing with fresh berries, honey and walnuts or even your favorite cereal.
14. Wallaby Organic Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
Traditionally, Australian yogurt is extra thick and creamy like Greek yogurt and skyr, but it’s also unstrained. Wallaby cooks its milk slower and longer to make yogurt that’s extra rich. The brand also offers nonfat and low-fat Greek yogurts, if you’d prefer one lower in fat and calories.
15. Nancy’s Probiotic Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt
This pick is strained in the traditional style, which delivers ridiculously thick results. Made with whole and nonfat milks, the high-protein yogurt contains no added sugar and boasts 20 percent of your daily recommended calcium per serving.
16. Light + Fit Plain Greek Yogurt
According to the brand, this pick has half the fat of the average flavored Greek yogurt. You can eat a whole cup of the stuff for less than 100 calories, so go ahead: Add whatever sweet mix-ins you’d like. (I’m partial to strawberries and bananas.)
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