The Greek Yogurt Showdown!

It's pretty hard to avoid the Greek yogurt craze these days!  I love Greek yogurt, as many do, for the thick texture and extra protein.  Of course, NOTHING tops the amazing yogurt I had in Greece (which was full fat I'm sure!).  Here in the U.S., we like our yogurt low or non-fat.  But how many of us are checking BELOW the nutrition facts at ingredients?  That thick texture may not be yogurt, but added thickeners like gums and starches.  See which yogurts top the Healthy Food Detective's list!

I compared all 0% fat strawberry yogurts.  Here are my ingredients ratings from worst to best!

6.  Dannon Light and Fit Greek

This yogurt may only have 80 calories, but this is the absolute worst on the list because it has CORN STARCH, SUCRALOSE (artificial sweetener), ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS (who knows what those are?), and CARMINE for added color.  What is Carmine you ask?  Well it just so happens to be ground up RED BEETLES.  Yes, you are eating insects for breakfast.  Totally disgusting!  

5.  Yoplait Greek

This yogurt was very close to being last.  The only thing saving it was that there are "natural flavors' in this yogurt instead of artificial ones in Light and Fit.  However, this yogurt still contains:  CORN STARCH, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (another sweetener), and our old friend CARMINE again.  Eek!

4.  Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt

Dannon claims "It's everything you want in a Greek yogurt." Does that include ground up red beetles and seaweed? 

MODIFIED CORN STARCH, CARMINE, CARRAGEENAN (red seaweed), POTASSIUM SORBATE

3.  FAGE Total Greek 0%

I really thought a real Greek brand would top the list!  The plain yogurt itself is totally fine.  However, the cute strawberry fruit cup on the side is what stores some thickeners. 

CORN STARCH,  XANTHAN GUM (natural thickener from corn/wheat, but processed product)

2.  Chobani 0%

This yogurt came to a close tie with Fage.  The only additive in here:  LOCUST BEAN GUM (Carob bean gum) 

1.  Stonyfield Organic Greek 0%

Of course, my favorite brand STONYFIELD takes the number one spot!  The ingredients speak for themselves:

CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC NONFAT MILK, ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES, ORGANIC SUGAR, PECTIN, ORGANIC NATURAL FLAVOR, ORGANIC ELDERBERRY JUICE CONCENTRATE (FOR COLOR).

And remember, the best strawberry yogurt around is to get plain, natural Greek yogurt and add your own fresh strawberries and honey!  

-The Healthy Food Detective