Top 9 Probiotic Yogurts Recommended by Nutritionists
In today’s world, where gut health has become a popular topic on social media platforms like TikTok, incorporating probiotics into your diet has never been more important. Probiotics are live microorganisms, typically bacteria, that offer numerous health benefits such as aiding digestion and fighting harmful germs. While these beneficial bacteria can be found in various fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kombucha, and yogurt, not all yogurts are rich in gut-healthy probiotics.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to incorporate probiotic-rich yogurt into your daily routine. Whether you blend it with fruit for a nutritious smoothie, use it as a base for a delicious breakfast, or simply enjoy it straight from the container, yogurt is a versatile and tasty way to boost your gut health. Kelli McGrane, RD, the creator of The Healthy Toast blog, expresses her love for yogurt by saying, “I’m all about the kombucha-on-tap life, but yogurt still holds a special place in my heart.”
To help you make informed choices, a team of experts from Women’s Health Test Kitchen, including Kelli McGrane, RD, Juliana Dewsnap, RD, and Leigh Tracy, RD, have tasted and evaluated numerous probiotic yogurts. These experts have a collective 30 years of experience in the food and nutrition space, making them well-equipped to recommend the best probiotic yogurts available in the market.
While the FDA does not provide a specific recommended daily intake of probiotics, it is crucial to include them in your diet to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Factors such as diet, stress, and antibiotics can diminish your gut health, but consuming probiotics can help restore the balance. One convenient way to increase your probiotic intake is by consuming probiotic-rich yogurt.
How to Identify Probiotic Yogurts
When shopping for yogurt with probiotic benefits, it’s essential to look for the words “live active cultures” on the label. Yogurts that undergo heat treatment after culturing do not contain live and active cultures. Additionally, if a yogurt contains “lactobacillus acidophilus,” a type of probiotic known for its digestive benefits, it’s an excellent choice for promoting gut health.
The FDA regulates the use of the “live and active cultures” label on yogurt products, ensuring a minimum level of cultures at the time of manufacture. This regulation guarantees that consumers are getting the probiotic benefits they seek when choosing yogurt as a part of their diet.
Top 9 Probiotic Yogurts Recommended by Nutritionists
1. **Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr**
– **Product:** Siggi’s Icelandic Strained Nonfat Yogurt, Vanilla
– **Description:** Skyr, an Icelandic-style yogurt, is known for its creamy texture and high protein content. Siggi’s offers a variety of flavors with minimal added sugar and live active bacteria to support gut health.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 3/4-cup serving: 120 calories, 0g fat, 13g carbs, 60mg sodium, 11g sugar, 18g protein
2. **Painterland Sisters Icelandic-Style Skyr**
– **Product:** Painterland Sisters Organic Vanilla Bean Icelandic Style Yogurt
– **Description:** Painterland Sisters produces organic Icelandic-style skyr made from USDA organic milk. Their yogurt is rich, creamy, and high in protein, making it a nutritious choice for gut health.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 5.3-ounce serving: 160 calories, 8g fat, 12g carbs, 50mg sodium, 9g sugar, 16g protein
3. **Yoplait Light**
– **Product:** Yoplait Light Blueberry Patch Fat Free Yogurt
– **Description:** Yoplait Light offers flavorful yogurt options with a lower fat content. These yogurts are sweetened, making them a delicious snack when paired with toppings like granola or nuts.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 6-ounce serving: 90 calories, 0g fat, 16g carbs, 105mg sodium, 10g sugar, 5g protein
4. **Chobani**
– **Product:** Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
– **Description:** Chobani’s Greek yogurt is low in sugar and high in protein, making it a versatile option for adding your favorite toppings. The thick texture of Greek yogurt makes it a satisfying choice for a probiotic-rich snack.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 3/4-cup serving: 90 calories, 0g fat, 6g carbs, 65mg sodium, 6g sugar, 16g protein
5. **Stonyfield Farm Organic**
– **Product:** Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Probiotic Yogurt
– **Description:** Stonyfield offers both regular and Greek yogurts that are non-GMO and free of growth hormones. Their soy yogurt provides a dairy-free option rich in probiotics. The Greek yogurt variant is a top choice for a high-protein snack.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 3/4-cup serving: 120 calories, 7g fat, 8g carbs, 85mg sodium, 6g sugar, 6g protein
6. **Fage Total**
– **Product:** FAGE Total 2% Milkfat All Natural Lowfat Greek Strained Yogurt
– **Description:** Fage Total Greek Yogurt is a versatile option that can be used as a replacement for sour cream or added to smoothies for extra protein. This yogurt is thicker in texture and contains more protein than regular yogurt.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 3/4-cup serving: 120 calories, 4g fat, 5g carbs, 55mg sodium, 5g sugar, 17g protein
7. **Maple Hill Creamery**
– **Product:** Maple Hill Organic Cream on Top Yogurt
– **Description:** Made with whole milk, Maple Hill Creamery’s yogurt is creamy and satiating. While higher in sugar, this yogurt pairs well with additional protein sources like hemp hearts for a balanced snack.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 1-cup serving: 150 calories, 9g fat, 110mg sodium, 10g carbs, 9g sugar, 8g protein
8. **Wallaby Organic**
– **Product:** Wallaby Organic Aussie Greek Low Fat Yogurt, Plain
– **Description:** Wallaby’s Australian-style yogurt offers a texture between traditional and Greek yogurt. Known for its taste and probiotic content, Wallaby yogurt is a delicious and nutritious option.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 3/4-cup serving: 120 calories, 3g fat, 65mg sodium, 8g carbs, 5g sugar, 16g protein
9. **Noosa**
– **Product:** Noosa Lemon Yogurt
– **Description:** Noosa’s Australian-style yogurt provides a creamy texture and a good source of fats and probiotics. While flavored varieties are higher in sugar, plain options are recommended for regular consumption.
– **Nutritional Information:** Per 8-ounce serving: 320 calories, 13g fat, 110mg sodium, 39g carbs, 35g sugar, 12g protein
In conclusion, incorporating probiotic-rich yogurt into your diet can have a positive impact on your gut health. By choosing high-quality yogurt products with live active cultures, you can support your immune system, aid digestion, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. With a wide range of delicious options available, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the benefits of probiotic yogurts recommended by nutritionists and experts in the field.
