Taste Test: Strawberry Greek Yogurt
Back in 2010, we did our Nonfat Greek Yogurt Taste Test and there were only a few brands to choose from. Today, the number of companies making Greek yogurt has exploded, and so have the flavor options. So how do the flavored varieties stack up? Find out.
I used our typical 5-point scale (5 being the highest) to rate these yogurts. For nutrition, I paid close attention to calories, protein and sugar content. Even plain Greek yogurt contains some natural sugars from milk (aka lactose) but when looking at flavored varieties, there's often a large variation of ingredients. Sugars on the label can come from milk, fruit and/or added sugars.
Nutrition Info (5.3 ounce container): 120 calories; 13 grams protein; 16 grams sugar
Our Take: This one was far and away the winner! This yogurt is creamy, thick, tangy and fresh – everything Greek yogurt should be. The ingredients hold up too, strawberries outweigh sugar and a small amount of xanthan gum. It's nice that the fruit is on the side with this brand– that way you can decide just how much strawberry you want to add.
Nutrition Info (5.3 ounce container): 110 calories; 13 grams protein; 16 grams sugar
Our Take: A low calorie delight! From the makers of Stonyfield, this one was very creamy and not too sweet, with just enough tartness. It's made with mostly organic ingredients, has lots of strawberries and is thickened with pectin.
Nutrition Info ( 6 ounce container): 140 calories; 14 grams protein; 19 grams sugar
Our Take: More calories and more sugar (from evaporated cane juice) are found in this slightly larger container. I wasn't impressed with the color, texture or chalky aftertaste. Locust bean gum is the thickener used here; it sounds scary but it's harmless.
Nutrition Info ( 5.3 ounce container): 120 calories; 12 grams protein; 18 grams sugar
Our Take: This brand had no tang whatsoever. It was sickly sweet and tasted more like a lollipop than yogurt. The nutrition info and ingredients were decent but the flavor tanked. This brand does add vitamin D, which is a bonus.
Nutrition Info ( 5.3 ounce container): 140 calories; 12 grams protein; 15 grams sugar
Our Take: This yogurt was lacking flavor, not thick enough, and overall pretty dull. It's made with natural ingredients like pectin and vegetable-based colorings; fruit is more plentiful than added sugar.
Nutrition Info (5.3 ounce container): 150 calories; 9 grams protein; 21 grams sugar
Our Take: Pretty packaging and brightly colored strawberries were all this had going for it. It's higher in calories and sugar, plus has a thin and milky consistency -- very few enjoyable qualities.
Nutrition Info ( 5.3 ounce container): 100 calories; 10 grams protein; 9 grams sugar
Our Take: Yoplait also adds vitamin D but there's nothing else good going on here. The texture is thin and runny, despite the addition of a cornstarch thickener. The flavor is lacking and water was the third ingredient. It also has a medicine-like aftertaste thanks to two different artificial sweeteners – that’s how they get the calories so low!
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »
