Which popular yoghurts are highest in fat and sugar? A nutritionist reveals the ones to avoid

WA researchers have uncovered the shocking truth about our favourite yoghurts — and why the popular snack is not always as healthy as people think.

After analysing more than 90 yoghurts sold at major WA supermarkets, they found many varieties were hiding such high amounts of fats and sugars that they were a problem rather than a healthy choice.

In fact, some popular brands’ products were effectively desserts in disguise.

“The team looked at all the nutritional information including protein, saturated fats, sugars content and calcium, while also looking at added creams and sugars,” explained nutritionist Mikala Atkinson, Cancer Council WA’s schools nutrition senior co-ordinator.

“Almost 60 per cent of the products we looked at contained more than the recommended amount of fat, jumping to 75 per cent with plant-based options that used coconut milk, and more than 60 per cent contained high amounts of sugar, making them more of a dessert and less of a daily offering.”

Among the worst offenders were Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt, with 10g of fat and 7.1g of saturated fat, and Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean Yoghurt with 13.8g of sugar.

The healthiest picks overall were Chobani and Yoguri natural yoghurts, made with whole ingredients, high protein and low sugar and fat.

While Mundella was not part of the initial study due to being out of stock at the time of the review, it was examined later and found to be a good option for both adults and children.

“Mundella sits in the middle; it is neither in the best or worst in the categories we explored,” Ms Atkinson noted.

Among the plant-based yoghurts, trendy coconut varieties were found to be among the worst culprits for overall health.

“This is because the naturally occurring levels of saturated fat in coconut milk is so high,” Ms Atkinson explained.

She said anyone on a plant-based diet could feel confident Vitasoy Greek Style yoghurt varieties were a healthy choice after ranking well in the study.

Coyo Organic Coconut Greek Style Yoghurt is best avoided, however, because it contains more fat than is recommended per serve, she added.

Meanwhile, parents striving to provide their children with balanced and wholesome meals are encouraged to opt for reduced-fat natural yoghurts.

The overall healthiest yoghurts for children were Chobani and Yoguri.

Ms Atkinson said the research team decided to put popular yoghurts under the microscope to help people choose healthier options so they could enjoy them regularly.

They only looked at natural, vanilla and strawberry varieties because these are most commonly purchased by WA families.

She said yoghurt offered many health benefits because it was rich in essential nutrients such as bone-strengthening calcium, brain-boosting protein and gut-loving probiotics.

The key is to opt for healthy varieties such as reduced-fat Greek, natural or plain yoghurts because they tend to have less sugar and saturated fat than flavoured varieties, Ms Atkinson added.

The healthiest dairy yoghurts

Highest in protein:

Yopro Danone High Protein Yoghurt No Added Sugar Strawberry 150g

Lowest in fat:

Jalna Pot Set Fat Free Natural Yoghurt

Brooklea Natural Pot Set Yogurt 99% Fat Free

Lowest in saturated fat:

Jalna Pot Set Fat Free Natural Yoghurt

Brooklea Natural Pot Set Yogurt 99% Fat Free

Yoguri Greek Style Plain High in Natural Protein

Yoguri Greek Style Strawberry Yogurt High in Protein

Lowest in sugar:

Brownes Dairy Greek Style Natural Yoghurt

Best for calcium:

Yoplait Petit Miam Plain pouch

Verdict: Overall winners (when looking at all the nutrients) were Chobani and Yoguri natural yoghurts

The unhealthiest dairy yoghurts

For protein:

Yoplait Petit Miam Squeezie Strawberry Yoghurt pouch

For total fat:

Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt

For saturated fat:

Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt

For sugar:

Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean Yoghurt

For calcium:

Chobani Strawberry Yoghurt Pouch

Verdict: Overall, the dairy yoghurts to avoid are Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean and Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt because the fat and/or sugar content per serve is higher than recommended.

Healthy tips for jazzing up plain yoghurt

• Mix with chopped banana and freeze in small tubs
• Freeze and make yoghurt bark, yoghurt clusters or yoghurt popsicles
• Add cocoa/cacao and a drizzle of honey
• Make layered yoghurt cups using muesli, seeds and coconut
• Add vanilla and cinnamon
• Pair with tinned fruit
• Add a handful of frozen berries
• Stir in a touch of natural jam or honey

For more healthy alternatives visit Cancer Council WA’s Packed with Goodness website.