What are all the different types of yogurt?
It can be easy to walk into the grocery store and feel overwhelmed by the different types of yogurt you may find there! Yogurt is so versatile and can be used as part of a meal (like breakfast or for a snack) or as an ingredient in many delicious recipes.
Some people hate it, others love it, but the good news is that it comes in many different varieties that suit every person’s flavor or dietary need.
I am not one to consider myself a “yogurt connoisseur”, but I have had my fair share of different types of yogurt, each with its own taste, texture, and consistency. So here are some tips to pick according to your conditions, the different varieties, and our yummy recipes which incorporate yogurt at the end. You may even dare to try something new!
Yogurt for different conditions
Diabetes/PCOS
Yogurt can be a great snack for those trying to manage their blood sugar because of its protein. What to keep in mind when looking for a yogurt is the amount of added sugar. Yogurt is typically going to have about 7-10 grams of natural sugar, so choosing one closer to that number (rather than like 19 grams of sugar) is going to be best.
Be sure to keep in mind that adding mix-ins (like fruit or granola) will change the total carb amount and you’ll need to factor this in when managing your blood sugar. Interested in more tips to manage your blood sugar?
Check out our FREE resource at the bottom of this blog which our dietitians put together!
IBS
First of all, yogurt is not low FODMAP. But if you want to try yogurt (and know it won’t make your symptoms worse) some studies suggest the probiotics in yogurt can help relieve IBS symptoms. When looking for yogurt, try and look for ones that have a seal that states “live and active cultures.”
This means it was approved by National Yogurt Association (NYA) since there are no official standards for labeling a product as a “probiotic.” Also still keep in mind the sugar amount as stated above. Try and pick yogurt close to the natural sugar amount of 7-10 grams in order to decrease the amount of added sugar.
Allergies
What if you are trying to follow a low FODMAP diet or have allergies that prevent you from eating yogurt? There are non-dairy alternatives just for you! Try yogurt alternatives made from soy, coconut, or almond milk yogurt and these will also have probiotics. Check out point #10 to learn about some popular dairy-free brands!
10 Different Types of Yogurt You Can Find At The Grocery Store
1. Original Yogurt
This is the standby yogurt that most people are familiar with. Some common brands include Yoplait, Stonyfield, Dannon, and most stores have their own generic brand. An 8-oz portion is chock full of calcium, vitamin D, and even some protein.
They also come in various flavors and include low-fat, fat-free, and sugar-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
2. Probiotic Yogurt
Probiotics are live and active cultures that help with the fermentation of yogurt. They are also beneficial to your gastrointestinal health.
While most yogurts do have probiotics and any yogurt that states “live and actives cultures” are good for your health, some brands like Activia develop specific kinds of cultures.
3. Greek-style Yogurt
This is one of the most controversial types of yogurts, where many people either love the tang or hate it. It is higher in protein than original yogurt, and some popular brands are Oikos, Chobani, and Fage.
This yogurt is made from straining most of the whey, leaving behind a smooth thick consistency. I for one, am extremely grateful for its popularity, as its consistency is very similar to the homemade kind I grew up with.
4. Icelandic Yogurt
Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt when it comes to the amount of protein and consistency, but lacks the tang. So this may be good for those who are turned off by the taste of Greek yogurt.
A popular brand is Siggi’s
5. Swiss Yogurt
This yogurt is similar to the blended yogurts of America, but sometimes gelatin is added as a stabilizer.
6. Lassi
Lassi is a fermented milk or yogurt drink that hails from India.
The consistency of this is more akin to a smoothie and can be flavored with anything, which means Lassi flavors can range from sweet to savory.
One of the most popular varieties in the US is mango lassi. Like other yogurts, this kind is full of Vitamin D, and popular brands include Bio Green Dairy or Dahlicious.
7. Doogh
Doogh is something that I am very fond of, growing up drinking it often as a child.
Doogh is basically a carbonated yogurt drink that is very common in Persian cultures. It is similar to the consistency of kombucha or mixing club soda in a smoothie. The most common flavor is mint, and you can buy it premade or make it easily at home! Some popular brands include Sadaf and Abali.
8. Kefir
Kefir, like lassi, is a fermented drinkable yogurt. Kefir tends to have more of a tangy flavor and comes in a variety of flavors. Kefir has also seen a rise in popularity among Americans in the past few years especially since some studies show that the good bacteria in kefir helps with lactose digestion.
Common brands in grocery stores include Helios and Lifeway.
9. Frozen Yogurt
I decided to include this delectable treat as it has had a major boom in the American market as a tasty dessert option in the past few years.
Frozen yogurt shops have become very popular, and are in a “self-serve” style where amounts served are weighed and a plethora of toppings are available to mix and match. But, there have also been more brands that are including frozen yogurt in their product line, so check out the freezer section during your next grocery run!
10. Non-dairy Yogurt
If you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, you may think that yogurt is out of the question, but not to fear! There is yogurt for everyone even those who are dairy-free. The dairy alternative yogurts have become increasingly popular, and are made from different bases, including soy, coconut, rice, and almond milk.
Popular brands include So Delicious, Silk, Kite Hill, and Almond Dream. Be sure to check the label because some do contain trace amounts of milk.
Our Favorite Breakfast Yogurt Recipes using different types of yogurt:
Our Favorite Entrees and Appetizers Using Different Types of Yogurt:
Buffalo Cauliflower with Ranch Greek Yogurt
Healthy Rotisserie Basic Chicken Salad
Our Favorite Dessert Recipes Using Different Types of Yogurt:
What’s your favorite type of yogurt or yogurt recipe? Let us know!
-Blog reviewed and updated by Rebecca Bitzer MS RD LD September 10, 2021
Klara Knezevic has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor of Cooking with Food Sensitivities Survival Guide and Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.
