With an abundance of Greek yogurt varieties filling the dairy case, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by choice while browsing the options at the grocery store.
From whole milk to nonfat, and plain versus flavored, deciding which one to purchase can be challenging. Switching from one brand to another becomes even more difficult when textures, fat contents, and even ingredients vary significantly between them. The introduction of "Greek-style" yogurts further complicates matters, as they infiltrate the shelves alongside the authentic thick-strained types. Even within the same brand, transitioning from one product line or fat percentage to another can result in noticeable differences in taste and mouthfeel.
With the addition of vanilla, the variety of Greek yogurts expands even further, introducing more variables into the equation. Each brand's yogurt formula incorporates different types and quantities of sweeteners, extracts, and natural flavors, resulting in a wide range of interpretations. What one brand considers sweet, another might classify as low sugar, and using different sweeteners, such as sucralose versus stevia, can amplify the perception of sweetness. Vanilla holds various meanings for different individuals—some associate it with birthday cake, while others envision a milkshake.
So, how do you select a healthy Greek yogurt that also satisfies your taste buds? Previously, we enlisted dietitians to assess the nutritional profiles of several popular options, identifying the healthiest Greek yogurts available. Now, we're complementing this analysis with a taste test of each variant to assist you in determining which gut-healthy snack aligns best with your palate.
Below, you'll find a comparative assessment of the taste of each of the six RD-approved Greek yogurts, ranked in descending order from least to most favorable.
6) The Greek Gods Plain Nonfat Yogurt
NUTRITION: (Per 1 Cup):
CALORIES: 100
FAT: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
SODIUM: 140 mg
CARBS: 14 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 12 g)
PROTEIN: 10 g
Technically, The Greek Gods brand produces Greek-style yogurt rather than authentic Greek yogurt. Unlike traditional straining methods used in Greek yogurt production, The Greek Gods employs a more conventional approach and thickens the yogurt with added pectin. Consequently, this results in lower protein content and a longer ingredient list. However, this unique approach allows the brand to offer a yogurt with a milder taste profile, ideal for those who prefer to avoid tanginess. I purchased a 24-ounce container of the brand's plain nonfat yogurt at Sprouts Farmers Market for $4.99.
Appearance: Upon lifting the printed plastic lid and plain foil seal, I encountered a solid, slightly greyish, glossy yogurt with a halo of liquid and a faint yellow tint. As I scooped out a portion for testing, there was a noticeable squelching sound as the spoon sliced through the yogurt, resembling silken tofu with the consistency of canned cranberry sauce. Upon transferring it to a bowl, the separation of liquid became more evident, with small chunks floating within. Despite this, the overall texture appeared unnervingly smooth and uninviting.
Taste: While The Greek Gods brand may be renowned for their whimsical antics, labeling this yogurt as Greek may be a stretch. As an avid yogurt enthusiast, I approached this tasting with an open mind, but unfortunately, I found the experience to be quite unpleasant. I had to vigorously stir the yogurt to achieve a more traditional consistency, yet even so, each spoonful felt gloppy and required additional effort to swallow. Despite the absence of tanginess, as advertised by the brand, the yogurt exhibited other unfavorable qualities that left much to be desired. A gelatinous, flavorless texture prevailed, leaving a hollow sensation reminiscent of something crucial missing, coupled with undertones resembling mild farmer's cheese but lacking the genuine texture of real food. While I attempted to give it a fair chance with a second bite, my initial impression remained unchanged. Objectively, this yogurt simply did not meet the mark in terms of taste and overall quality.
5) Chobani Zero Sugar Vanilla
NUTRITION: (Per 3/4 Cup):
CALORIES: 70
FAT: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
SODIUM: 70 mg
CARBS: 6 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0 g)
PROTEIN: 13 g
As the top-selling brand in the U.S., Chobani, originating from New York, has become synonymous with Greek yogurt, dominating dairy cases nationwide. Its extensive product lines include the indulgent dessert-inspired Flip, the innovative Creations, and the health-conscious Less Sugar and Zero Sugar collections. With such a diverse range to choose from, navigating within this brand can be challenging. Fortunately, our dietitians selected this version, which utilizes ultra-filtered nonfat and regular skim milk to create a lactose-free formula. It incorporates three types of natural but non-sugar sweeteners and plant-based thickeners, effectively reducing the calorie count of the classic strained yogurt. A 32-ounce container is priced at $5.99 at Publix.
Appearance: Protected by a clear plastic top that loosely hovers above the thick printed foil lid, the yogurt is bright white and somewhat watery, with visible whey separation. It alternates between being slightly gloopy and runny, with discernible chunks of curd, suggesting a potential grainy texture rather than smoothness. Interestingly, despite utilizing the most variety of thickeners among all six options, it appeared to be the runniest and grittiest-looking.
Taste: This vanilla yogurt boasts a sweet, light, and slightly floral flavor, reminiscent of marshmallow fluff rather than frosting, with a subtle hint of artificial sweetener that is not overpowering. The use of allulose contributes a heightened sweetness that initially bursts across the tongue but gradually fades into neutrality. The aerated texture may contribute to a less concentrated flavor sensation, preventing it from fully coating the palate. Alternatively, the texture enhancers may render the flavors less dense, resulting in a relatively innocuous taste experience. However, over time, the flavor profile evolves, transitioning from vanilla to marshmallow, which may be perceived as slightly peculiar.
4) Two Good Vanilla
NUTRITION: (Per 3/4 Cup):
CALORIES: 90
FAT: 2 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
SODIUM: 40 mg
CARBS: 4 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 2 g)
PROTEIN: 13 g
While our dietitians typically recommend the plain variety of this brand, locating it in stores can be challenging. Therefore, I opted to test the vanilla flavor. Both variants are thickened with additives, rendering them Greek-style only. This yogurt offers two strains of live and active cultures. The positive aspect is that it contains minimal sugar, only one additional gram of carbs, 10 milligrams more sodium, and one gram less protein for the same serving size. Furthermore, the company supports organizations that assist Americans in need while combating food waste. I purchased a 32-ounce container for $7.09 at Publix.
Appearance: Encased in a tightly sealed lid and a slightly thinner printed foil top that unfortunately tore upon opening, the yogurt inside appeared creamy off-white, distinct from the brilliant white of other vanilla flavors. It featured visible dark specks of vanilla bean, evoking dessert-like ice cream characteristics. Although the body exhibited slight curds and graininess, these dissipated easily upon stirring, particularly since there was minimal whey runoff to incorporate back into the mixture.
Taste: Similarly light and sweet, this yogurt offered elegant notes reminiscent of white cake with vanilla undertones, presenting a more dessert-like profile compared to the Oikos Triple Zero variant tested below. The texture leaned towards fluffy, with tiny, grain-sized crunchy bits of sweetener or vanilla bean dispersed throughout, contributing to a mouthfeel that falls between the natural thickness of Greek yogurt and the looser structure of regular yogurt. Refreshing and delightful, it was easy to consume a generous amount of this yogurt, especially given its subtle tanginess in the aftertaste, complemented by the sweetness of stevia.
3) Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla
NUTRITION: (Per 3/4 Cup):
CALORIES: 100
FAT: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
SODIUM: 65 mg
CARBS: 8 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 6 g)
PROTEIN: 17 g
The Oikos Triple Zero line of Greek yogurt is a product of Dannon, a revered company that has been crafting creamy yogurt since 1942 and is particularly favored by the fitness community. With a robust image boasting high protein content and a commitment to zero added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or fat across its range, this collection stands out among competitors. Additionally, Dannon offers other lines such as Oikos Pro with ultra-filtered milk and added whey, Oikos Blended, and Oikos Remix with toppings. While the ingredient list includes less than 1% tapioca starch and stevia, akin to the Two Good brand (also a Dannon product), it contains only two types of live and active cultures. A 32-ounce container of this yogurt is priced at $5.99 at Lidl.
Appearance: Upon removing the clear plastic top, which snugly fits over the container, and the thick printed foil cover, the yogurt is revealed in a dazzlingly white hue, appearing smooth, creamy, and thick. It is evenly poured, presenting a perfectly settled and level surface with minimal curds and negligible liquid separation.
Taste: This yogurt emerges as the smoothest flavored Greek or Greek-style yogurt among the selection, boasting a mild sweetness with a subtle tang that achieves an exceptional flavor balance. Each spoonful offers effortless consumption, delivering consistent flavor and texture throughout. Its naturally thick and creamy texture feels authentic, possibly due to the absence of additives, which may necessitate a higher dairy content to achieve the protein level. While sweetened with stevia, it leaves a faint sweet aftertaste that dissipates swiftly. This yogurt embodies a "True Neutral" characterization—unobjectionable, universally pleasing, and unlikely to provoke controversy. In essence, it epitomizes plain vanilla at its finest—satisfying yet not mundane, serving its primary purpose of delivering nutritious sustenance without monotony.
2) Stonyfield Organic 100% Grassfed Whole Milk Yogurt, Plain Greek
NUTRITION: (Per 3/4 Cup):
CALORIES: 150
FAT: 6 g (Saturated Fat: 3.5 g)
SODIUM: 65 mg
CARBS: 7 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 5 g)
PROTEIN: 16 g
Similar to Two Good's Plain flavor, the 100% Grassfed version of this brand's Greek yogurt may not be readily available across all stores. However, it is typically found in higher-end "natural" markets, and, as you'll soon discover, it's worth the extra cost and effort. Sourced from pasture-raised cows exclusively fed pesticide-free grass, the whole organic milk used in this yogurt contributes to its remarkable nutritional profile. With only two ingredients, this high-protein dairy product is teeming with billions of probiotics. I purchased a 24-ounce container for $8.49 at Sprouts.
Appearance: Encased beneath a tightly sealed plastic printed lid, the yogurt maintains its freshness, while a clear plastic inner seal replaces the conventional aluminum foil. Upon removal, its warmer cream color distinguishes it from its counterparts—attributable to the grass-fed nature of the milk. Although a slight wateriness is discernible, along with visible curds, these observations are minor and do not detract from the overall presentation.
Taste: The distinct flavor profile of grass-fed milk and butter extends to yogurt, as evident upon the first indulgent spoonful. A quick stir enlivens the yogurt, revealing a lusciously creamy texture. With each bite, a delightful interplay of flavors unfolds—an initial buttery richness transitions seamlessly into a pronounced tanginess that envelops the palate. This tanginess, akin to sunshine and cream dancing in harmony, gradually evolves into a deep sour note accompanied by savory undertones. The creamy richness of the yogurt coats the mouth, imparting a sumptuous sensation akin to a velvety cream sauce. Even the smaller, drier chunks effortlessly dissolve, akin to how marbling enhances the tenderness of a ribeye steak. Each bite beckons for another, showcasing the yogurt's irresistible allure and unparalleled flavor profile.
1) Fage Total 5%
NUTRITION: (Per 5.3 Ounce Cup):
CALORIES: 140 FAT: 8 g
(Saturated Fat: 5 g)
SODIUM: 55 mg
CARBS: 5 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 5 g)
PROTEIN: 14 g
As the top-selling brand in Greece, Fage has garnered widespread acclaim for its yogurt offerings, a reputation it has successfully extended to the U.S. market since its introduction in 1998. With roots tracing back to 1926 and a commitment to using only three simple ingredients—milk, cream, and cultures—Fage remains dedicated to crafting protein-rich yogurt without the use of thickeners or preservatives. I purchased a 32-ounce container of this yogurt for $6.89 at Publix.
Appearance: Encased in a printed thick foil wrap, protected by a distinctive rounded-edge lid, Fage's packaging sets it apart. Additionally, a round of parchment paper atop the yogurt absorbs any secreted whey during transit, ensuring a pristine product upon arrival. Once opened, the yogurt reveals its exceptionally thick consistency, akin to voluminous hand-whipped cream, with prominent peaks and dips.
Taste: A shallow stir reveals Fage's lusciously creamy texture, reminiscent of whipped cream. Upon tasting, the yogurt offers a mild initial flavor that gradually unfolds into a gentle tanginess, lingering longer on the palate compared to others. Despite the brief sharpness, Fage achieves a harmonious balance with subtle sweetness and a full-bodied richness, evoking a fresh, clean dairy taste that is both pure and indulgent. Ultimately, Fage's Total 5% stands out for its impeccable flavor profile, capturing the essence of Greek yogurt as intended.