Understanding the Sweeteners in Too Good Yogurt
For health-conscious consumers, knowing what's in your food is more important than ever. When it comes to Too Good yogurt, the brand is clear about its ingredient philosophy. They pride themselves on a product with a low sugar count, but they achieve this not with synthetic compounds but with a specific combination of natural ingredients. The primary sweeteners include stevia extract, fruit puree, and the naturally occurring sugars found in milk.
Stevia Extract: A Closer Look
Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener derived from the stevia plant, which is native to South America. The extract, known as steviol glycosides, is often used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. In Too Good yogurt, stevia provides sweetness without contributing to the sugar content, which helps keep the overall sugar count very low. This aligns with the brand's goal of offering a low-sugar product without the addition of any artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. However, some consumers may find that stevia leaves a mild aftertaste, which is a common characteristic of this sweetener. Others might notice that the taste profile differs slightly from yogurts sweetened with traditional sugar or other artificial compounds.
The Role of Ultra-Filtered Milk
A key component of Too Good yogurt is the use of ultra-filtered milk. This specialized process allows manufacturers to separate and concentrate milk components. The ultra-filtration process achieves two main goals for Too Good: it increases the protein content and reduces the lactose (the natural sugar in milk). This reduction in lactose is a major factor in the yogurt's ability to achieve such a low sugar count without resorting to artificial ingredients. For individuals who are lactose-sensitive, this process is an added benefit, as it significantly reduces the lactose content, making it easier to digest for some.
Natural Flavorings and Fruit Puree
To enhance the taste beyond what the stevia and natural milk sugars can provide, Too Good uses natural flavors and real fruit purees. For fruit-flavored varieties, the fruit puree contributes a natural, fruity sweetness. In flavors like vanilla, ingredients such as vanilla bean specks are added for flavor. These choices ensure that the yogurt's flavor profile is built on recognizable, natural sources rather than chemical or synthetic additives. The use of real fruit puree, in particular, is an attractive feature for those who prioritize whole food ingredients.
Comparison of Too Good and Other Yogurt Brands
| Feature | Too Good & Co. Yogurt | Other Low-Sugar Yogurts (e.g., Oikos Triple Zero) | Standard Flavored Greek Yogurt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Sweeteners? | No | Some brands use sucralose or aspartame | No, typically sweetened with sugar |
| Sweetener Sources | Stevia Extract and fruit puree | Stevia, fruit purees, and sometimes other non-nutritive sweeteners | High fructose corn syrup, sugar, fruit preparations |
| Sugar Content (approx.) | 2g per 5.3oz cup | Often 0-2g per serving | 10g or more per 5.3oz cup |
| Protein Content | 12-13g per 5.3oz cup | Varies by brand, typically high | Varies, but often less than specialty high-protein options |
| Base Ingredient | Ultra-filtered milk | Standard milk or ultra-filtered milk | Standard milk |
Potential Consumer Concerns
While Too Good's use of non-artificial sweeteners is a positive for many, some consumers have expressed concerns. For example, some individuals are sensitive to the taste of stevia, which they may perceive as bitter or licorice-like. Additionally, some nutrition experts caution against low-calorie sweeteners in general, including natural ones, citing research that suggests they might perpetuate a craving for sweet foods. However, compared to other low-sugar or zero-sugar yogurts that utilize synthetic sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame, Too Good's formulation is often viewed more favorably by those seeking fewer processed ingredients.
Another important aspect is to distinguish between the various types of Too Good yogurt. Some varieties, particularly the 'Zero Sugar' cups, contain 0g of total sugar and rely entirely on stevia and natural flavors for sweetness. Other 'Blended' or 'Fruit on the Bottom' cups contain small amounts of naturally occurring sugar from the milk and fruit puree, along with stevia. Shoppers should always check the specific product label to understand the exact ingredients and nutritional profile.
Conclusion
In summary, there are no artificial sweeteners in Too Good yogurt. The brand achieves its signature low-sugar content through a combination of ultra-filtered milk, which reduces naturally occurring lactose, and the use of stevia extract and real fruit puree for added sweetness and flavor. This makes it a popular choice for consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake without turning to synthetic additives. While some may find the taste of stevia noticeable, the product remains a compelling option in the low-sugar yogurt market, offering high protein and a clean ingredient list for many of its varieties.
To confirm ingredients for a specific product, it is always recommended to check the official product website for the most up-to-date information.
