Is Friendly Farms Yogurt Healthy? A Deep Dive into Aldi's Dairy Aisle

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 review in Healthline, the healthiest yogurts are typically plain, unsweetened varieties, while many commercial brands contain high amounts of added sugars. When assessing Aldi's Friendly Farms brand, the healthfulness depends heavily on the specific product chosen, with plain Greek options offering significant benefits and flavored varieties often containing unnecessary added sweeteners.

Quick Summary

An examination of Aldi's Friendly Farms yogurt varieties reveals a spectrum of nutritional quality. Plain, unsweetened Greek options are rich in protein and probiotics, offering notable health benefits. However, many flavored versions include significant amounts of added sugar, which detracts from their nutritional value. Making an informed choice requires careful label reading to find the healthiest option.

Key Points

Plain Greek is a Healthy Choice: Plain, unsweetened Friendly Farms Greek yogurts are low in sugar, high in protein, and contain beneficial live and active cultures, making them a top healthy option.
Flavored Varieties are High in Sugar: Many flavored Friendly Farms yogurts, including 'fruit on the bottom' and 'Moo Tubes,' contain high amounts of added sugars that counteract their health benefits.
Ingredient Reading is Crucial: Consumers must read the nutrition label carefully to check for added sugars and confirm the presence of live and active cultures to make the healthiest choice.
Customize Your Yogurt: To control sugar intake, purchase plain Friendly Farms yogurt and add your own fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for flavor.
Product Type Determines Health: The overall healthiness of Friendly Farms yogurt is not uniform across the brand; plain Greek yogurt is significantly healthier than most flavored or lowfat varieties.

What Makes a Yogurt Healthy?

Before determining if Friendly Farms yogurt is healthy, it's essential to understand the general criteria for a nutritious yogurt. A truly healthy yogurt is one that offers a balance of beneficial components without excessive drawbacks. Here’s what to look for:

High Protein Content: Protein supports muscle repair, helps with satiety, and contributes to weight management. Greek and Icelandic-style yogurts are typically the highest in protein.
Live and Active Cultures: These probiotics are good bacteria that support digestive health, boost the immune system, and aid nutrient absorption. Look for the 'Live & Active Cultures' (LAC) seal.
Minimal to No Added Sugars: Added sugars can negate many health benefits, contributing to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Opt for plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with fruit or a touch of honey.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Yogurt is a great source of calcium, crucial for bone health. Many yogurts are fortified with Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.
Balanced Fat Content: The best choice depends on your dietary needs. Full-fat options can be more satiating, while low-fat or non-fat are suitable for those monitoring saturated fat intake.

Friendly Farms Product Breakdown: From Best to Worst

Friendly Farms offers a wide range of yogurts, and their healthiness varies significantly by type. Consumers should always check the nutritional label, as the difference between a healthy choice and a sugary dessert can be stark.

The Healthiest Options: Plain and Low-Sugar Greek Yogurt

Aldi's Friendly Farms Plain Greek Yogurt, available in nonfat or whole milk versions, is consistently praised by dietitians.

Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt: This option is singled out by dietitians for its low sugar and high protein content. It contains live cultures and no added sugars, making it a top pick for gut health.
Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: A solid choice for those watching their fat intake, this product is also high in protein and calcium. It’s a versatile base for breakfast bowls and smoothies.
Friendly Farms Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt: This creamy option is high in satisfying fats without any added sugars, making it a rich and nutritious choice for those who prefer full-fat dairy.

The Less Healthy Options: Flavored and Kids' Yogurts

At the other end of the spectrum are the yogurts with added flavors, sweeteners, and higher sugar counts. These are best consumed in moderation.

Flavored Greek and Regular Yogurt Cups: While convenient, these often contain significant added sugar. The calories and sugar can add up quickly, especially with fruit-on-the-bottom varieties. Some also contain artificial sweeteners like steviol glycosides.
Friendly Farms Moo Tubes: Targeted at children, these are lowfat yogurts but are flavored and contain a high amount of sugar, making them less ideal for daily consumption.
Frozen Yogurt: Friendly Farms, like most frozen yogurt brands, is not necessarily a healthier alternative to ice cream, as it can be high in sugar.

Comparison Table: Friendly Farms vs. Competitor

To put the nutrition into perspective, here is a comparison of a healthy Friendly Farms option against a common competitor's flavored product.


Feature	Friendly Farms Plain Greek Yogurt	Popular National Brand Flavored Yogurt	Best Option
Serving Size	3/4 cup (170g)	5.3 oz (150g)	Friendly Farms
Calories	~90-100 kcal	~140-160 kcal	Friendly Farms
Protein	~14-18g	~5-10g	Friendly Farms
Added Sugar	0g	Up to 15g or more	Friendly Farms
Probiotics	Yes (Live & Active Cultures)	Yes (Live & Active Cultures)	Friendly Farms
Versatility	High (use in cooking, dips, etc.)	Lower (suited for snacking)	Friendly Farms

The Verdict: How to Navigate the Dairy Aisle

Ultimately, whether Friendly Farms yogurt is a healthy choice is entirely up to the consumer and their specific product selection. The plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt varieties are undeniably a nutrient-dense and healthy option, packed with protein and beneficial probiotics. They provide an excellent, affordable alternative to more expensive brands.

However, the flavored versions, while convenient, are not as healthy due to the addition of sugar and other sweeteners. If you choose these, be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day. For maximum health benefits, the best practice is to choose the plain variety and add your own toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds, allowing you to control the sweetness and boost the nutritional profile.

In conclusion, Friendly Farms offers a range of yogurts, from the very healthy to the less-so. Reading labels is key to ensuring your purchase aligns with your health goals. By prioritizing the plain, Greek options, you can enjoy a nutritious and budget-friendly product from Aldi.

Is Friendly Farms Yogurt Healthy? Your Takeaways

Plain Greek is Best: The plain, unsweetened Friendly Farms Greek yogurts are a highly nutritious choice, low in sugar and high in protein and probiotics.
Avoid Excessive Sugar: Many flavored Friendly Farms varieties contain significant added sugar and are less healthy than their plain counterparts.
Check the Ingredients: Always read the nutritional label to verify sugar content and check for live and active cultures.
DIY Sweetening: To avoid added sugars, buy plain yogurt and mix in your own healthy ingredients like fruit or nuts.
Varies by Product: The healthfulness of Friendly Farms yogurt depends on the specific item. Not all are created equal, so a little research goes a long way.

Conclusion

Navigating the dairy aisle requires attention to detail, and Aldi's Friendly Farms brand is no exception. While the plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt varieties are a genuinely healthy and affordable option rich in protein and probiotics, consumers should approach the flavored and children's versions with caution. The high sugar content in these products can undermine their potential health benefits. For the most nutritious outcome, stick to the plain options and customize them with your own healthy toppings. Friendly Farms offers a great value for health-conscious shoppers, provided they make informed choices based on the product's nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Friendly Farms plain Greek yogurt is high in protein, often containing significantly more protein than regular yogurt due to its straining process.

Most Friendly Farms yogurts explicitly list live active cultures on the label, but it is always best to check the packaging to be sure, as processing can sometimes eliminate these probiotics.

The flavored varieties of Friendly Farms yogurt are generally not as healthy as the plain versions because they contain added sugars, which can negate many of the nutritional benefits.

Yes, the plain Greek varieties are a good choice for weight management due to their high protein content, which can help increase satiety and keep you full longer.

Friendly Farms yogurt, especially the plain Greek options, is often considered a high-quality, budget-friendly alternative to more expensive name brands, offering similar nutritional benefits at a lower cost.

Friendly Farms Greek yogurt is strained to remove more whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture and a higher protein concentration compared to their regular yogurt.

Yes, Friendly Farms yogurt is generally a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health. Calcium content can vary by product, so check the specific nutritional label.