The Truth About Low-fat Yogurt

Yogurt can be a healthy food rich in protein, probiotics, calcium, and vitamins.

Unfortunately, most yogurts and especially low-fat yogurts that are purchased in the grocery store more closely resemble desserts than health foods. These yogurts, which are sugar-sweetened and fruit-flavored, are full of carbohydrates and are not healthy. 

In my experience a good portion of the patients I speak with feel that low-fat yogurt is healthy for them. According to the Mintel report the largest percentage of yogurt consumers (44 %) eat yogurt for health reasons and because they think it is a healthy food choice. 

But are the commonly bought store brands actually healthy?

Yoplait yogurt, a popular yogurt brand, contained 100 % more sugar when it was created per serving than the same company's Lucky Charms cereal. Even today if you review their products you will typically find about 20 grams of carbs per serving. 

According to The Cornucopia Institute's Yogurt Report many yogurt products may not even meet the standards for real yogurt. They list brands such as Yoplait, Dannon, and many store brands as possible products that "do not meet yogurt's current legal standard of identity."

The good news is that you can review recommendations on the Cornucopia website for high-quality yogurt suggestions and you can even make your own yogurt if you have a high-quality culture starter and a quart of raw whole milk. 

At Murdock Health we are happy to help you in reaching your health and weight goals. Feel free to call 214-929-2411 if you would like to schedule a  consultation today,