In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is Greek Yogurt?Health Benefits of Greek YogurtNutrition InformationHow to Enjoy ItThe Bottom Line
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
What Is Greek Yogurt?
Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt
Nutrition Information
How to Enjoy It
The Bottom Line
Greek yogurt is an easy, filling and high-protein snack or breakfast option that’s typically considered to behealthier than regular yogurt. Is this true, though? Should you always go for Greek yogurt, and what’s the best way to eat it to maximize its health benefits? Here, a registered dietitian breaks down what you need to know.
Pictured Recipe:Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
Greek yogurt is similar toregular yogurtbut contains less liquid and has a denser texture. “Greek yogurt is the result of straining regular yogurt, where the straining removes liquid whey and leaves the yogurt with a thicker consistency,” says registered dietitianKelly Jones, M.S., RD, CSSD, LDN, of Kelly Jones Nutrition.
In general, Greek yogurt is healthy. However, the healthiness of Greek yogurt also depends on what it’spaired with, the quantity you’re eating and the type you choose. It’s possible to turn your good-for-you Greek yogurt bowl into a sugary one, which can spike blood sugar as a result. Combining Greek yogurt with nutritious foods and toppings can boost a bowl’s nutritional value and flavor without adding sugar, refined carbohydrates and saturated fat.
This nutrition information may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Here is the nutrition breakdown for one 7-ounce container of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt, according to theUSDA:
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
What Is Skyr—and Is It Healthy?
Provides Muscle-Building Protein
Protein is a macronutrient necessary forbuilding and maintaining muscle massas you age. This is especially important for people struggling to getenough proteindaily. Despite its lack of whey, Greek yogurt is more protein-rich than regular yogurt. “Although straining removes whey, the reduction in fluid actually increases protein content per ounce,” Jones says.
“Regular yogurt has on average 1.5 grams per ounce while Greek has roughly 2.5 grams per ounce,” Jones says. She recommends consuming protein throughout the day to keep your brain sharp and your energy and hunger levels stable. Greek yogurt is a great way to help meetyour body’s protein needs.
Contains Skeleton-Supporting Calcium
A container of Greek yogurt packs about 230 milligrams of calcium, making it a good-to-excellent source of thebone-maintaining mineral(depending on your age; females over 50 have higher calcium needs, and so do both males and females over 70, per theNational Institutes of Health). “Calcium is important for bone health, muscle contractions and blood pressure,” Jones says.
If you’re looking to getmore calciuminto your diet, though, you may want to consider regular yogurt. When comparing equal amounts of low-fat Greek yogurt with low-fat plain (regular) yogurt, Greek varieties contain about 60% less calcium compared to regular. That’s because some of the calcium is in the liquid, which is strained off in Greek varieties, Jones says.
May Help Stabilize Blood Sugar
Greek yogurt is rich in protein and low in sugar and carbohydrates. The aforementioned protein benefits are a boon to your health in ways beyond maintaining andbuilding muscle mass.
This can come in handy in the morning if you regularlyskip breakfastor grab something like a pastry, and also if you typically reach for snacks that are higher in carbohydrates (like crackers or chips) in the afternoon. Making a smallGreek yogurt bowlinstead can give you more staying power.
Contains Gut-Healthy Probiotics
Greek yogurt also provides asource of gut-healthy bacteria, or probiotics. Eating foods with probiotics can help keep yourmicrobiome(or the community of microorganisms in your gut) healthy, aid in digestion and support your immune system, according to theNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
“When it comes to probiotic content of Greek yogurt, pay attention to the label and look for ‘live and active cultures’ with probiotics from varied dietary sources,” Jones recommends.
Always check labels when shopping for Greek yogurt at the grocery store. “As with any yogurt on the market, many products have high amounts of added sugar, so it’s important to choose what best fits your lifestyle, personal wellness and health goals and taste preferences,” explains Jones. You can also make your ownGreek yogurt at home.
You’ll also benefit from a little fat, so don’t go fat-free. “I encourage my clients to choose yogurt, whether Greek or regular, containing fat, as fat is crucial for release of satiety hormones and is needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K, which may be present in foods you often pair with yogurt,” Jones says.
Including yogurt in your diet is also associated with a lower body weight, body fat percentage and waist circumference. This is because this combination of nutrients helps to increase levels of appetite-suppressing hormones. Because of these satiety hormones, Greek yogurt can aid in weight loss.
Some ideas for enjoying it and keeping it healthy? “Add seasonings to plain Greek yogurt and use it as a savory dip for peppers and carrots, which contain vitamin A, or top with mango and kiwi, which contain vitamin E,” says Jones. ThisFeta, Kale & Pear Saladis another idea, as it’s packed with vitamin K and you can dress it with a Greek yogurt dressing. Greek yogurt also makes theseGreek-Inspired Burgers with Herb-Feta Saucereally sing.
Other ideas? Pair Greek yogurt with popular combinations and foods—nuts and seeds work well as toppings, while yogurt dip or sauce tastes great with eggs, avocado, smoked orgrilled salmonand green vegetables like broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
Greek yogurt contains more protein compared to regular yogurt. It’s also a good source of calcium and provides probiotics that are good for your gut health. Choose plain Greek yogurt when you can and add yummy toppings on your own, such as nuts and seeds, fruit or even a few chocolate chips.
How Long Is Yogurt Good for After the Expiration Date?
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