13 Yogurt Brands Nutritionists Trust—And 3 They Avoid

People who follow healthy diets love yogurt because it is high in protein, has good bacteria, and can be used in many ways for meals and snacks. But not every yogurt is the same. There are so many names on the shelves of the grocery store that it can be hard to tell which ones are really good for you. Nutritionists usually don’t look at fancy labels but instead look at the yogurt’s ingredients, sugar level, and probiotic types to find the ones that are best for gut health, weight loss, and general health.

This article will talk about 13 yogurt brands that nutritionists say are good for you because they use clean ingredients and have good nutrition. It will also talk about 3 brands that nutritionists say you should stay away from because they have added sugars, fake tastes, or don’t have good cultures. This list will help you shop smarter, whether you’re trying to improve your gut health, live a plant-based lifestyle, or just want a better snack. Here are the good and bad foods that will help you stick to your diet and feel great.

1. Wallaby Organic Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

A lot of experts love Wallaby Organic Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt because it has a mild, creamy taste and a good mix of nutrients. This yogurt, which is made with organic milk and has live active cultures, is a great source of protein and good bacteria. It doesn’t have any extra sugar or chemicals added to it. The whole milk base helps you feel full, which keeps your hunger in check, and the thicker Greek texture is great for snacks or to go with meals.

Its short list of ingredients and low level of processing are often praised by nutritionists as being in line with the ideas of clean living. It can also be paired with fruits, seeds, or savory foods like herbs and veggies because it has a mild taste. It’s especially suggested for people who want a full-fat choice that’s good for their gut health and metabolism. The fact that the ingredients were gathered in a fair way makes it even more appealing to people who care about their health and the earth and who want quality and honesty in their dairy products.

2. Nancy’s Organic Whole Milk Yogurt

Nancy’s Organic Whole Milk Yogurt is on the food lists of many experts because it is committed to organic production and has a very high probiotic content. This yogurt has a special mix of live cultures, with types like L. yeast acidophilus and B. bifidum, which are known to help keep the gut healthy and the immune system working well. People who like traditional yogurt will like this one because it is smooth and has a slightly sour taste.

Unlike yogurts with added sugars, Nancy’s whole milk yogurt doesn’t have any. This makes it a better choice for long-term health and stable blood sugar. Nutritionists like that it comes from hormone-free cows that were raised on grass, which adds to its image as a clean-label product. It also has a lot of protein and good fats, so it fills you up and keeps you healthy. Nancy’s is tasty and useful, and it fits well with a whole-person approach to health and nutrition, whether it’s eaten on its own or as a base in soups, dips, or sauces.

3. Cocoyo Coconut Yogurt

When it comes to dairy-free yogurt, Cocoyo Coconut Yogurt stands out because it has a very clean list of ingredients and a lot of probiotics. It’s especially recommended by nutritionists for people who are allergic to dairy or who live a plant-based lifestyle. Cocoyo is mostly made from raw young coconut and fermented with live cultures. Each dose has billions of probiotics that help keep your gut bacteria healthy. It’s different from many heavy, highly processed non-dairy yogurts because of its tangy, fizzy taste and light texture.

One of the main reasons health experts trust it is that it doesn’t have any extra sugars, thickeners, or fake ingredients. It also has a lot of good fats from coconuts, which make you feel full and help your body absorb nutrients. Even though it costs more than regular yogurt, many experts think it’s worth the extra money because it is pure and good for your digestive system. Cocoyo is a dairy-free, nutrient-dense choice that doesn’t skimp on taste or gut support. It can be added to smoothies or parfaits or eaten on its own.

4. Maple Hill Organic Plain Greek Yogurt

Nutritionists trust Maple Hill Organic Plain Greek Yogurt because it is made with grass-fed milk and has a lot of protein. This yogurt is made with organic milk from cows that only eat grass. This makes the yogurt higher in omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which are both good for your heart and metabolism. The thick, Greek-style texture makes it a satisfying snack or meal, especially for people who are trying to lose weight or keep their muscle mass.

It has a tangy, rich taste and no added sugars, so it can be used as a healthy base for both sweet and savory recipes. Nutritionists like that it has a short list of ingredients—usually just milk and cultures—so that allergens and other additives are kept to a minimum. Maple Hill also supports safe farming methods, which makes it a great choice for people who care about the environment. Because it is high in nutrients and comes from ethical sources, this yogurt meets all the needs of both health workers and regular people.

5. OIKOS Triple Zero

OIKOS Triple Zero is a popular choice that experts like for people who want high-protein, low-sugar yogurt. The name “Triple Zero” comes from the fact that each serving has no extra sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no fat. It has stevia as a sweetener and a lot of protein, so it’s good for runners, weightlifters, and anyone else who wants to eat more protein without adding extra calories or sugar.

It has a smooth, satisfying taste and comes in different flavors, so people who don’t like plain yogurt can still enjoy it. Many nutritionists suggest it to people who are trying to cut back on sugary snacks and treats because it helps satisfy sweet needs and supports metabolic and muscle repair. Some health-conscious people like yogurts with fewer ingredients, but OIKOS Triple Zero is still a reliable, practical choice for balanced nutrition in an easy-to-use shape. It’s also easy and cheap to switch from regular sweetened yogurts because it’s easy to find.

6. Activia Probiotic Yogurt

Nutritionists have loved Activia Probiotic Yogurt for a long time, especially its Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 probiotic strain, which has been clinically shown to improve gut health. Even though it has some extra sugar, doctors usually don’t mind that if it helps people who are having stomach problems, especially constipation. Many people, including older adults and picky eaters, like it because it’s smooth and doesn’t taste too strong.

Activia also has extra calcium and vitamin D added to it, which are good for your bones. It is often used as part of dietary changes to reset the balance of gut bacteria after taking antibiotics or when the digestive system is under a lot of stress. When nutritionists suggest Activia, they often stress the importance of portion control and tell their clients to choose the plain or low-sugar versions. In general, Activia is a good choice for therapeutic nutrition because it is easy to get and contains ingredients that have been shown to be good for gut health.

7. Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt (Skyr)

Nutritionists like Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt, or Skyr, because it has very few ingredients, a high protein content, and a low sugar content. Skyr is actually squeezed cheese that has the texture of yogurt. This makes it thicker and more filling than regular yogurt. Health workers like Siggi because it only uses milk from family farms and doesn’t use any artificial tastes or preservatives.

Each dish has a lot of protein—usually about 15 grams—without a lot of calories, which helps you feel full and keep your muscles. The brand has a lot of different tastes, and many of them are naturally sweetened with fruit and don’t have much extra sugar, so they’re good for people who are watching their blood sugar or cutting back on sugar. Nutritionists also like that there are choices with whole milk, which is better for hormone health and tastes better. Siggi’s is a good mix of traditional fermentation and modern health concerns thanks to its Scandinavian roots and current nutritional profile.

8. Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt is easy to find and has been endorsed by nutritionists as a tasty choice for people who are watching how much sugar they eat. It has 45% less sugar than regular yogurt and tastes slightly sweet thanks to natural sweeteners and real fruit. Kids and adults both like it. Nutritionists like how well it balances protein and carbs, which makes it a good choice for breakfast or to recover from a workout.

It also has live cultures in it to help keep your gut healthy. Since it’s thick and creamy, it’s both filling and useful, whether you eat it by itself or use it in a recipe. Chobani is always improving its products to meet new health standards. For example, it uses non-GMO foods and has a “clean label.” People who want something in between totally plain yogurt and highly sweetened yogurt often suggest this product. It combines convenience, nutrition, and taste in one easy-to-reach cup.

9. FAGE Total 2% Plain Yogurt

Nutritionists recommend FAGE Total 2% Plain Yogurt because it has a healthy amount of fat, is very thick, and doesn’t have any extra sugars. The 2% milkfat is just the right amount of fat to make you feel full without being too rich. This makes it good for a lot of different diet plans. Nutritionists like how pure it is—it usually only has milk and live, active cultures—so you know it’s a clean, simple food that doesn’t have any added chemicals.

It has a lot of protein—about 17 grams per serving—which helps repair muscles and keep you from getting hungry. It can be used as a base for drinks, sauces, or even sweets, making it very flexible. People who want a reliable, healthy yogurt often suggest FAGE because of its constant quality and clear nutritional profile. Whether you’re trying to control your weight, blood sugar, or digestive health, FAGE Total 2% gives you a healthy, tasty base for regular food that doesn’t skimp on texture or taste.

10. Stonyfield Organic Plain Yogurt

Nutritionists often suggest Stonyfield Organic Plain Yogurt because it comes from organic farms, doesn’t contain any GMOs, and has a lot of probiotics. It comes in both low-fat and whole milk types, so it can meet the needs of people with different diets while still being healthy. People who care about their health will really like this yogurt because it comes from cows that were raised without drugs or artificial hormones.

Nutritionists like it because it has live, active cultures that help keep the gut bacteria healthy. The plain form doesn’t have any extra sugars, so you can add fresh fruit, nuts, or spices to make it your own. Because it’s creamy and has a gentle taste, it’s good for a lot of people, from kids to older adults. As one of the first companies to sell organic milk, Stonyfield has made a name for itself for quality and caring for the environment. Overall, this yogurt brand is still one that people trust. It also fits with goals for health and the environment, so it’s a good choice for a healthy diet.

11. Icelandic Provisions Skyr

Another high-protein, low-sugar choice that nutritionists suggest is Icelandic Provisions Skyr, especially because it is real and has a lot of nutrients. It tastes thicker and creamier than regular yogurt because it is made with traditional Icelandic methods and heirloom cultures. It has a lot of casein protein, which breaks down slowly and helps you feel full for longer. Nutritionists like that it has little sugar, especially in the plain and lightly sweetened kinds.

This makes it perfect for people who are watching how many carbs they eat. Sustainability is also important to Icelandic Provisions, and the company works with small family farms, which appeals to customers who care about the environment. The brand has both spiced and plain varieties. The plain variety is the most flexible and nutrient-dense. Many experts suggest it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a food to help you heal after a workout because it is high in protein. Overall, this skyr stands out because it combines traditional craft with current health trends. This makes it a good choice for yogurt.

12. Forager Project Organic Cashew Yogurt

Forager Project Organic Cashew Yogurt is a great choice for vegans and people who can’t handle lactose because it doesn’t contain dairy and still tastes great and is good for you. It’s creamy, a little salty, and pleasantly sour because it’s made from organic cashews and live active cultures. Nutritionists like that it doesn’t have any of the gums, thickeners, or fake ingredients that a lot of plant-based yogurts do.

It doesn’t have as much protein as dairy-based choices, but it does have some good monounsaturated fats and fiber. People can add their own tastes, like fruit, spices, or a touch of honey, to the plain type because it is not sweetened. Wellness experts trust Forager even more because it is committed to sustainability and clean sources. For people who want a useful plant-based yogurt that fits with both healthy and moral eating rules, this is a great choice. A lot of experts think that Forager is the healthiest and most pure dairy-free yogurt you can get.

13. Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt

Nutritionists like Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt because it comes from farms to stores and has great nutritional value. It has a thick, creamy texture and a lot of protein because it is made from whole milk and traditional skyr cultures. Regenerative farming methods are emphasized by the brand. These methods not only help the earth but also make the milk healthier.

This yogurt, especially the plain kind, is low in sugar and high in protein, so it’s great for keeping your blood sugar in check and your muscles strong. Nutritionists also like that it has a short list of ingredients and doesn’t have any extraneous ones. This is good for your gut health and general health. People who want a healthy, nutrient-dense dairy product that helps rural farming communities will really like this. Painterland Sisters is a unique brand that uses healthy foods and ethically sources them, which makes it a strong option for any health-conscious kitchen or meal plan.

Bonus Yogurt

Yogurt Brands Nutritionists Tend to Avoid

A lot of yogurt brands are very healthy, but some don’t do as well (see list below). Nutritionists usually stay away from brands that have a lot of extra sugars, artificial tastes, and thickeners that aren’t needed. People often say that Yoplait Original is unhealthy because it has up to 19 grams of sugar per serving, which makes it less of a health food and more of a treat.

In the same way, Dannon Fruit on the Bottom often has fake tastes and high-fructose corn syrup, which makes people worry about how it affects their metabolism. Go-GURT is another brand that people usually avoid because it is highly sold to kids but has dyes and too many sweeteners that make it less healthy. Nutritionists say to carefully read the labels and pick yogurts that have simple ingredients, live active cultures, and not a lot of added sugar. Folks can enjoy yogurt as a truly nutritious part of a balanced, health-conscious diet by staying away from these sugary foods.

Bottom Line

Which yogurt you choose can have a big effect on your daily nutrition and health as a whole. Nutritionists say that the best brands are those that use simple foods, have few added sugars, and have live, active bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. There is a healthy choice for everyone, whether they like dairy, non-dairy, full-fat, or low-fat.

Stay away from yogurts that have too many sweeteners and chemicals and taste more like dessert. Stick with names that really help you without sacrificing taste or health. Make smart, health-conscious choices with every spoonful of yogurt so that it works for you instead of against you.

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