No matter which style of yogurt you like, they all have many health benefits!
You are in the dairy department at your favorite Family Fresh Market and find yourself just staring at the yogurt selection…there are so many choices! Sound familiar? Look around, there are other customers next to you doing the same thing, you are not alone! Not only are there what seems like hundreds of different flavors, now there are mix-ins, fancy glass jars, whole milk vs fat free. What is one to choose?!
Let’s start with the health benefits. Yogurt is a quality source of protein, good for the health of our muscles and bones. Yogurt is also a source of “good bacteria,” or live cultures. These cultures help to repopulate bacteria that is already in our gut promoting normal digestion and reducing inflammation.
Now that we know the health benefits, let’s explore two common types of yogurt: regular vs Greek. Regular yogurt has a thinner consistency and more calcium than its Greek counterpart. Greek yogurt has a thick consistency, almost cheesecake like, and has more protein than regular yogurt. Both are good choices; just depends on what texture you prefer.
The USDA recommends fat-free and low-fat dairy as a part of a healthy diet. There are many of these on our shelves, but one in particular is a new better-for-you choice that we would like to highlight called, YQ by Yoplait.
YQ is a play in IQ, in that YQ is the smart choice. Why so smart? YQ is low in fat, high in protein and, best of all, low in sugar. So low, that the plain variety only has 1 gram of sugar with flavor varieties not even reaching 10 grams. An added benefit, due to the way that the milk is filtered, YQ is 99% lactose free. Learn more about YQ and look for delicious flavors like mango and peach in the dairy department.
One of the best parts about yogurt is that it can be eaten many ways. Here’s how to get the most out of yogurt:
- Add to a smoothie! Opt for the plain flavor since the fruits (and hopefully veggies too!) will provide enough sugary sweetness.
- Replace the milk in your cereal.
- Dip Our Family brand strawberries in and freeze for a tasty treat!
- Make fruit parfaits and popsicles with the kids!
- Swap cheese for plain yogurt in scrambled eggs making them light and fluffy!
- Instead of sour cream on top of your chili or tacos use a dollop of plain YQ!
- Yogurt makes a healthy substitute in many recipes:
Ingredient Yogurt Substitution
1 Cup Sour Cream, Heavy Cream or Mayonnaise = 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Oil = 3/4 C Yogurt
1 C Butter = 1/2 C Butter & 1/2 C Greek Yogurt
"This medical and/or nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for individual advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."
Louise is one of the Health & Wellness Specialist’s at SpartanNash who is also a Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer. Louise is passionate about living well and teaching others, especially children, how to make healthy food choices and be physically active.
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