The Absolute Best Yogurts You Can Buy at the Grocery Store, According to Registered Dietitians

Kelli Acciardo
·7 min read
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Is it just us, or has the yogurt display case at the grocery store become a very overwhelming place lately? With what seems like more and more flavors, types of yogurt and plant-based options crowding the shelves these days, knowing which brands to buy can be somewhat tricky terrain—especially when you're trying to go the healthy route.

All those labels touting words like organic, probiotic, cultured and "real fruit" can be enough to ditch the dairy aisle altogether, but have no fear: we've enlisted the help of a few registered dietitians to break it all down for us in terms of the best yogurts to buy at the grocery store.

Related: 30 Best Yogurts for Weight Loss

The Best Yogurts You Can Buy at the Grocery Store, According to Registered Dietitians

When it comes to the healthiest yogurts to stock up on, the ingredient list should be pretty simple, explains Nashville, TN-based dietitian Chelsea LeBlanc, RDN, LD. "Just milk and active cultures. Some brands may add vitamins too, but you should look for yogurts with at least 6 grams of protein per serving."

If you like your yogurt on the sweeter side, LeBlanc suggests looking for options with less than 7 grams of added sugar, but watch out for yogurts that have sugar at the top! Instead, she says to reach for the ones naturally sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.

With that in mind, are the top five yogurts our panel of registered dietitians always have in their shopping carts.

Best Yogurts You Can Buy at the Grocery Store, According to Registered Dietitians

1. FAGE Total 0% Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt, $7 for 32 oz at Target

According to Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the National Coalition on Healthcare, the healthiest dairy option would be organic, nonfat, sugar-free yogurt, but you can't always find these choices available in mass-market grocery stores. If you run into that issue when shopping for better-for-you yogurt, she suggests going with a health-conscious dairy yogurt like FAGE Total 0% Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt, which is more widely available. "This yogurt is high in protein and void of fat and sugar," she explains, pointing out that it has no GMOs, rBGHs (growth hormones), artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives—a total win in our book.

2. Siggi's Sweetened Plain Plant-Based Coconut Blend, $6 for 24 oz at Whole Foods

<p>Siggi's</p>

Siggi's

As for a non-dairy option for vegans or anyone who is lactose intolerant, Costa is a big fan of Siggi's Sweetened Plain Plant-Based Coconut Blend. "This is another excellent grocery store find that contains a mere 4 grams of added sugar, ensuring it won't overload your daily sugar intake," she says. She's also partial to the straightforward ingredient list that features recognizable items devoid of artificial additives. "Due to its high protein content (from pea protein and macadamia nut butter), simple ingredients and widespread availability, it's a solid choice among coconut, soy, almond or oat-based options."

3. Chobani Plain Greek Yogurt, $5.79 for 32 oz at Target

"For health and overall versatility, Chobani Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt is one of my favorites!" shares LeBlanc. "They have non-fat, low-fat and whole milk options available, it’s made with simple ingredients, has 15-16 grams of protein per serving and contains live and active cultures for a probiotic boost." She also loves that they triple strain their yogurt to be thick and creamy, making it the perfect addition to smoothies, dips, dressings or enjoyed with fruit.

4. Oikos Triple Zero High Protein Nonfat Greek Yogurt, $6 for 32 oz at Target

If you like a sweeter yogurt, LeBlanc says Oikos Triple Zero is another healthy way to go for lots of bone-building vitamin D in each delicious spoonful. "Each serving has 15 grams of protein, no added sugar and no fat," she shares, and even though it's sweetened with stevia, she admits it doesn't have the bitter aftertaste that many others do. We also love that you can get 30% of your recommended daily protein intake in a 5.3 oz cup and they have tons of tasty flavors to choose from.

5. Stonyfield Organic 0% Free Plain Greek Yogurt, $7 for 32 oz at Target

Jordan Hill, MCD, RD, CSSD, and the lead registered dietician at Top Nutrition Coaching also leans towards higher-protein Greek styles when shopping for yogurt. "Greek yogurt can be a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet, providing a great source of probiotics for a healthy gut," she explains. While some brands have flavored yogurts with 10+ grams of added sugar per serving, Stonyfield's organic Greek option has 0 grams of added sugar, 16 grams of proteins, 0 grams of fat per serving and contains only cultured pasteurized organic nonfat milk and live active cultures.

Related: How to Make a Simple Healthy Berry Yogurt Parfait

The Least Healthy Yogurts To Steer Clear Of

We've already shined the spotlight on a few RD-approved yogurts we love but if you're concerned about where your go-to carton lies on the healthy index scale, Hill advises checking its label for unwanted calories, extra fat, added sugars and artificial flavors. "Cane sugar, sugar and fruit juice concentrate will be common ingredients in yogurts that contain added sugars, just like sucralose and acesulfame potassium are artificial sweeteners used in some yogurt brands," she says.

And sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but those fruit-on-the-bottom yogurts? Those are a no-go, according to Costa, along with two-part, flippable yogurt containers that have mix-ins in a separate compartment. "Many big-brand 'lite' yogurts also contain artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to adverse health effects," she adds. "For example, Yoplait Greek 100's inclusion of artificial components like acesulfame potassium and sucralose raises health concerns, making it a less-than-ideal option despite its high protein content."

Can You Eat Yogurt Every Day?

While Costa notes that some people can enjoy yogurt daily without adverse health implications, others, especially those with lactose intolerance, may experience discomfort. "Symptoms such as bloating, gas and diarrhea could indicate an unhappy gut reaction to yogurt, therefore, it's crucial to pay close attention to how your body responds after consuming it and adjust your intake accordingly, or switch to a plant-based option," she says.

The Healthiest Ways To Consume Yogurt

Aside from popping the lid on a cup and digging straight in with a spoon, LeBlanc says another healthy way to incorporate yogurt into your morning routine is by adding it to your overnight oats for a creamy and nutritious kickstart.

For quick and healthy snacks, she also suggests blending yogurt into refreshing smoothies or using it in a dip like tzatziki. "Get creative in the kitchen by making yogurt-based salad dressings, swapping it for sour cream in your tacos or whipping up a better-for-you "cookie dough" dip with peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and vanilla—the options are endless!"

Costa reaches for yogurt to make a nutritious and satiating breakfast or snack when paired with unsweetened Swiss muesli and a handful of fresh berries. "If you prefer a flavorful yogurt without the added sugars, consider enhancing the flavor with vanilla bean powder or cinnamon," she advises. For savory dinner recipes, she also recommends swapping high-fat ingredients such as cream or mayonnaise for a healthier, protein-rich yogurt substitute.

Related: 7 Best Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians

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