Along with countless throngs of health-conscious individuals, I’ve donned my gladiator sandals and toga and set out on the Greek Yogurt Odyssey that’s going on in grocery stores around the country.I first became acquainted with Fage Greek Yogurt. Impressed with it’s high protein content and relatively low sugar, I came to love it as a sub for sour cream in dips, salads, and as a topping on fajitas to name a few.
Then Trader Joe’s got into the act with it’s own private label version, in flavors even.
Since then I picked up some Chobani, enjoyed Oikos, even Dannon’s Greek was good ( in a mainstream sort of way). Greek yogurt has become so prevalent sometimes I feel like I’m the only one not producing it.
There is no shortage of variety. One can stick with the classic plain, go for a fruit flavor, fruit on the side, fruit on the bottom, add one’s own fruit or be really daring and go with honey flavor, which I’m assuming is popular in Greece?? I actually failed to try any yogurt when in Greece although I did have the privilege to sample some in Turkey (the country not the bird), which actually was quite similar to Greek yogurt.
Despite its many formulations, I’ve come to the following conclusions: Greek Yogurt, on the whole has:
1. Relatively high protein
2. Relatively low or no fat
3. Lower sugar–although you really need to watch the flavored varieties
Until I came across the spoiler.
The plain version is innocent enough.
But look what happens when you choose fig? I’m not a huge fig fan but they had me at the pretty purple container and the Grecian typestyle. Plus I didn’t have my glasses so no label reading.
See how the fat and sugar skyrocket and the protein dips? Not to mention the calories more than double the plain version.
Take a look at the honey strawberry. Thankfully I did not buy this one. 34 grams of sugar? 15 grams of fat, 10 of which are saturated? 310 calories in the cup? Certainly not the numbers I bargain for when I eat yogurt.
My point in all this: As active, health-conscious individuals I’d like to think we’re more attuned to making wise food choices. But sometimes despite our best intentions, this isn’t always the case.
Do you regularly read food labels?
Do you have limits (grams of fat/sugar/sodium, etc.) that if exceeded you will pass on a food?
i'm a little behind the rest of the country – i've just now started buying plain yogurt and adding my own fruit. haven't made the jump to greek yet.
I have searched and searched…apparently this little town hasn't caught up. Our two little grocery stores do not carry any variety of Greek yogurt. Now, thanks to you, I will beware if I see that brand for sure! Thanks, good catch!
So what you are saying is that boring is better. Good to know.
I always read labels but unfortunately sometimes not until I'm already eating something. Its a lot easier to pass on something before you're in the middle of enjoying it!
Wow! I haven't seen Greek yogurt in our stores yet, but have been watching for it. Definitely a good reminder to always check the label.
I'm a fan of Fage – haven't branched out to try other brands yet. I'm usually pretty good about reading labels and now thanks to you I won't make the assumption that all Greek yogurts are alike!
I LOVE Chobani!! The VP of my company eats it regularly and suggested I try it. I did and love it. I have it at least 3x per week -either the strawberry, blueberry or peach flavor. YUM. I love that it's thicker/ creamier and not so sugary tasting. Totally fills me up. YUM!
I have become a big fan of Greek yogurt. Fortunately, I have not found the flavored versions around here. Thanks for the heads up. YIKES!
Checkout Skyr — Icelandic yogurt (it is actually cheese, but has consistency of yogurt). All protein, low sugar and it is like super-Greek yogurt
I am a big label reader for just that reason. The manufacturers are sneaky! I am a big fan of TJ's pomegranate flavor Greek–it hits the right requirements. But I stay away from their mango/apricot–it's something like 300 calories/serving. Yikes!
I only eat the plain Fage. yum!
I have tried quite a few brands of Greek yogurt but I just can't wrap my taste buds around it – oh, well.
And yes, I am a total food label reader! Sugar and fats are the ones I concentrate on, but protein is also a close second. I love that everything has it 🙂
Happy Tuesday!
I read food labels constantly and I also read price labels, and that Greek stuff is VERY expensive :P. One yogurt I found at our local grocery store is called "Carbmaster" and it's loaded with protein and low in sugar and half the price of the Greek stuff. I gotta check out the stuff that NY Wolve said. Nevertheless, I need to start eating better or I'm never gonna make a comeback in Chicago :/. Happy Tuesday, sweetie!!
Yogurth is not in my diet but after your post I will try.
I do read food labels, so thanks for the information!!
I am not a yogurt fan. I force myself to eat it b/c its good for you. So, I generally try to stick with the plain and add a little honey for flavor. I think fruit flavored yogurt tastes chemically.
I do read them, and sometimes they scare me.
I like plain greek yogurt, then you can mix whatever you want into it.
I have become a food label freak! and I am always shocked by yogurt, when many people think it is such a healthy thing I would say only 30% of yogurts would be deemed "healthy"
Funny…I have started to buy Greek yogurt lately as well. I buy the Chobani because Costco sells it and I love Costco! I usually eat one yogurt after a run for the protein…amazing amount of protein. But…if it didn't have the amount of protein that it does, not sure I would eat it because of the sugar. I do look at labels and it is a give and take depending on what it is. When I look at labels it is usually at the sugar content in relation to protein.
I've got some plain greek yoghurt in the fridge but I haven't tried it yet…
I don't count calories but I always read labels so I know what I'm eating, things often look healthy when they're not. It can be so misleading and you really have to be careful to make sure you know what you're getting!
I need to try this as I am a big yogurt eater.
I'm not a fan of Greek yogurt, something about the consistency bugs me. So, I stick with plain yogurt.
I always read labels which means that I end up getting the flavorless, plain version of stuff, ie plain yogurt. But, I'll add some fresh fruit and I'm good to go.
I have to read labels to make sure there isn't any lactose; it's amazing how many things do have it (even beer and orange juice!)
I love Greek yogurt! Do you do your own home cooking? What do you cook?
Wow! I haven't jumped on the greek yogurt wagon yet and we only have plain here in our stores. I read labels so that I don't buy anything with HFCS for BW and the adults in our house don't eat much processed food, so I don't have to worry as much with our stuff. The amt of sugar in food marketed to kids is amazing!
I just made the switch to Greek yogurt. I don't know the brand (and I'm too lazy to get up) but it's vanilla bean flavored and really tastey! I compared it to the regular Greek yogurt and it only had a few more cals. Thanks for the warning, I'll have to keep an eye on that.
OH NO!! No wonder I love Chobani so much!! Just checked the label (which I thought I had) and it has 20g of sugar!! EEK.
I'll almost always read food labels – even when I shouldn't (e.g. when I eat skittles).
But, I haven't made the jump to greek yogert yet. Soon….soon.
My husband is so aciddted to Chobani. He refuses to eat any other Greek yogurt. Personally, I like them all. And I like buying which ever one is cheaper that given week, and that bounces back and forth between Fage and Chobani. In the end, all that matters is that Greek yogurt rules. Yummy!