We always have yogurt in the fridge. Usually several different kinds, because each of them serves a different purpose in our meals, snacks and recipes.
Since we don’t eat a lot of meat, fish or tofu, yogurt is one of the foods we rely on for protein (along with some milk, eggs, cheese, beans and nuts). Yogurt is also a great source of probiotics, and I personally feel my best when I eat a serving of yogurt everyday.
Below are five of the yogurts we usually have on-hand, along with how I use each one.
Best Yogurt for Smoothies
The consistency & tang in Trader Joe’s Organic European Style yogurt (which is Straus Family Creamery European Style, just with the Trader Joe’s label) makes it perfect for smoothies of all kinds. It’s a little thinner than regular yogurt so it’s also great for sauces and dressings.
Best Replacement for Sour Cream
This rich, creamy Greek yogurt might be my all-time fave right now. It’s perfect as sour cream, but also amazing to eat plain as a decadent treat. If you don’t want to be tempted by whole milk yogurt, don’t even try this stuff. It’s that good š
Best High Protein Snack
Siggi’s is the only flavored yogurt that has very little sweetener. I love that I can enjoy an amazing flavor (like Pomegranate & Passion Fruit!) without eating something that tastes too sweet. Siggi’s is also ultra thick and thus very high in protein, so it makes for a very satisfying snack.
Best Greek for a Treat
When I want a sweet treat in the late afternoon or after dinner, I always opt for a Stonyfield Greek yogurt, since it’s one of the only organic Greek choices that offers yummy flavors. I’m a huge sucker for Black Cherry – one of their newest – which I like to top with a few chocolate chips & sliced almonds. YUM.
Best for Young Kids
Most yogurt marketed for kids has a ton of sugar, so I still buy Stonyfield’s YoBaby for Lucy even though she’s almost three. It’s the only plain yogurt available in little containers for babies, toddlers and kids, and Lucy absolutely loves it. You can of course buy plain organic whole milk yogurt in larger tubs, which is often cheaper, but these are the most convenient for packed lunches and Lucy loves eating from her own little container, so for us these are worth it.
Have another favorite? See how it stacks up nutritionally.
Curious about Greek yogurt vs. regular? See which is healthier here.
2 Comments
Erika
February 25, 2014 at 8:35 amI’ve just started making my own yogurt – if you’re a yogurt fan (which from the above sounds like you are, you should try it! It is easier than I thought. Heat up a gallon of milk (I prefer 2%), let cool. Add a little yogurt to culture it, I also add in some honey, then pour into mason jars. Place in oven w some jars of very hot water, cover all with a towel to keep the heat in, turn on oven light & then let sit in the warm oven overnight. If you google recipes you can get exact specifics. Try it!
Amelia Winslow
February 25, 2014 at 10:22 amI used to make all my own yogurt too – it’s surprisingly easy, right? Ever since my daughter was born I haven’t devoted the time to yogurt-making, so I’m on a few year hiatus. But it will be fun to make yogurt again in the future š I love playing around with different levels of sour & different consistencies.