For years, Greek yogurt has been the go-to variety for optimum health. But what's the difference? Greek yogurt is yogurt that has been strained to remove its whey, resulting in a thicker consistency than that of unstrained yogurt, while preserving yogurt's distinctive sour taste.
Greek yoghurt is generally considered the most nutritious option when it comes to yoghurts. Due to the way it is made, it is naturally higher in protein, which makes it a great addition to breakfast, leaving you feeling satisfied throughout the morning.
Greek-style yoghurt is just natural yoghurt that has been strained one extra time – natural yoghurt is usually strained twice while Greek yoghurt is traditionally strained three times.
The best Greek yogurt substitute? Plain yogurt. Plain yogurt has a looser texture than the Greek variety. If you're using the replacement in baking or pancakes, you can use plain yogurt as a 1:1 substitute for Greek yogurt.
Because nutritionists urge us to avoid too many sweets, going Greek is a smarter choice. “Greek has a lower amount of sugar (around 5-8 grams, compared to 12 or more grams) than the regular yogurt, while still having the high levels of vitamins and minerals,” Ewoldt says.
Flavor wise, Greek yogurt and regular yogurt do taste different. We've covered that Greek has a much thicker and creamier consistency, but it also typically tastes more sour. Regular yogurt has a thinner consistency and is naturally sweeter.
Consuming one to two cups of lowfat Greek yogurt daily can be a healthy addition to your diet without making it difficult to maintain your weight.
Because of its straining and fermentation processes, Greek yogurt has less lactose than regular yogurt, milk and even ice cream. And its live and active cultures help break down the lactose it does contain, making it easier for people to digest.
It's seriously nutritious with just 100 calories, 18 grams of protein, zero sugar and 6 grams of carbs in a 3/4 cup serving.” You can also use the yogurt as a base for dips, in smoothies, and to create healthy desserts, like yogurt bark.
Greek yogurt
Low-fat Greek yogurt contains twice as much satiating protein as traditional yogurt, which can keep you feeling fuller longer and control appetite. That can translate to less belly fat. Also, yogurt is rich in calcium and research has linked calcium to lower levels of abdominal fat.
Chobani® Greek Yogurt is crafted from farm-fresh local milk, making it an excellent source of protein. Non-fat, low-fat, and whole milk options are the perfect base for breakfast bowls, smoothies, and more.
Another study, published in Nutrients, found that yogurt consumption was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, and as the study authors note, “may be an important part of a healthy diet, designed to mitigate systemic inflammation.” Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other ...
Nutrient-dense
Low-fat, and fat-free dairy foods like Chobani® yogurt are part of a recommended healthy eating pattern that provides an excellent source of protein, a balance of good fats, and a host of naturally occurring essential vitamins and minerals.
Greek Yogurt proves to be a great food to promote weight loss, as it boasts a high protein content while being low in fat, carbs, calories, and sugar. Plus it's rich in probiotics to help with immune and digestive health, providing good bacteria for a healthy gut biome.
May support gut health
Greek yogurt that is labelled 'contains live cultures', provides beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, which when eaten regularly may support gut health. This is because regular inclusion of fermented foods, including yogurt, appears to increase the microbial diversity of the gut.
Greek yogurt can actually cause some less than ideal side effects. It contains a natural sugar called lactose and a protein known as whey which can cause inflammatory issues. Like other dairy products, Greek yogurt contains natural hormones, which can be harmful to people with hormonal imbalances.
Greek yogurt is simply normal yogurt that has been strained to remove excess whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier product. Thus, Greek yogurt is more expensive because you need an extra amount of raw material (cow's milk in this case) to create an equivalent mass of finished product.
If you are looking to boost your protein intake or prefer a thicker yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great option, however, regular yogurt is equally as nutrient-dense and rich in probiotics.
So eggs are good, but yoghurt or a whey protein shake is even better. This study supports previous research results which have found that a protein rich, egg based breakfast, which is particularly high in the amino acid leucine, is of particular benefit for weight loss as leucine helps to regulate insulin levels.
Inspect how it looks and smells.
Germs that cause food poisoning don't always cause off-flavors or smells, but if yogurt has a curdled texture or rancid smell, it's best to be safe and throw it out.
The best time to eat yogurt is in the morning and on an empty stomach. Yogurt is an important component of diet as it is rich in essential minerals and vitamins. The probiotics reach the large intestine the most when yogurt is eaten on an empty stomach, especially during the morning.
Nonfat Greek yogurt has about 9 mg of cholesterol per serving, while a single serving of Yoplait Original French Vanilla Yogurt has 10 mg, and Chobani Flip Cookie Dough Yogurt has 15 mg. Ironically, some yogurts have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, potentially because of their probiotic content.
What Americans know as Greek yogurt is a yogurt with most of the whey strained out, making it thicker. In Greece, it's called straggisto (which simply translates to strained yogurt). Fage, a company that started in Athens, Greece, was the first to put “Greek” on yogurt labels as a way to describe the product.