Is There Aspartame in Yogurt? What to Look for on the Label

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, aspartame has been used in food products since the 1980s, including some yogurts. While plain, unsweetened yogurt does not contain artificial sweeteners, many 'light,' 'sugar-free,' or 'diet' versions add aspartame to reduce calorie count. Reading the ingredient list is the only way to be certain.

Quick Summary

Some yogurt products, especially low-calorie or sugar-free varieties, contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. To identify these products, consumers should carefully check the ingredient label for aspartame or its E-number, E-951.

Key Points

Aspartame Presence: Aspartame is commonly found in 'light,' 'diet,' and 'sugar-free' flavored yogurts, not typically in plain or full-fat varieties.
Label Reading: The only definitive way to know is to read the ingredient list on the product label and look for "aspartame" or the E-number "E-951".
Brand Variation: Even within the same brand, the presence of aspartame can differ. For example, specific flavors or lines like Lucerne Light have contained it.
Healthier Alternatives: Choosing plain, unsweetened yogurt and adding your own fresh fruit, honey, or natural sweeteners like stevia is a reliable alternative.
Natural Sweeteners: A growing number of products labeled 'Zero Sugar' use natural, non-caloric sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit instead of aspartame.
Regulatory Status: The safety of aspartame has been reviewed by regulatory bodies like the WHO, and while it's approved for use, consumer preference varies.
DIY Sweetening: To have complete control over ingredients, purchase plain yogurt and add your own desired flavors and natural sweeteners.

Understanding the Use of Aspartame in Yogurt

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used to replace sugar in many food and beverage products, including certain types of yogurt. Its function is to provide a sweet taste without the calories associated with sugar, which makes it a common ingredient in products marketed for weight loss or low-sugar diets. However, the presence of aspartame is not universal across all yogurt products. Consumers must learn to distinguish between naturally sweetened, sugar-added, and artificially sweetened varieties. The best way to know for sure is to become an expert label-reader, as manufacturers are required to list all ingredients.

How to Spot Aspartame on a Yogurt Label

Identifying aspartame requires careful inspection of the ingredient list, not just the front-of-package marketing claims. Here’s what to look for:

Read the Full Ingredient List: Aspartame will be listed by its full name. Products with long ingredient lists containing artificial-sounding names should be scrutinized.
Search for the E-Number: In many countries, aspartame is also identified by its E-number, E-951. Some labels may only list this code.
Look for Aspartame-Containing Brands: Some brands have historically been known to use aspartame in specific product lines. For instance, some varieties of Dannon Light + Fit yogurt have been noted to contain it. Lucerne Light yogurt is another example of a brand that has used it in some of its light yogurt products.
Check 'Sugar-Free' and 'Light' Products: Most plain or full-fat yogurts do not contain artificial sweeteners. However, flavored, 'light,' or 'sugar-free' versions are the most likely to include aspartame or other artificial options.

Aspartame-Free Yogurt Alternatives

For those who wish to avoid aspartame, numerous alternatives are available. Choosing a plain or unsweetened yogurt and customizing it yourself is the most foolproof method.

A Guide to Sweetening Plain Yogurt Naturally

Fresh Fruit: Mixing in berries, bananas, or other favorite fruits adds natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A small amount can provide a touch of sweetness without the high processing of artificial alternatives.
Monk Fruit or Stevia: For a no-calorie option, natural plant-based sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia are often used in modern sugar-free yogurts, such as some Chobani Zero Sugar varieties.
Cinnamon and Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can add flavor without any additional sweeteners.

A Comparison of Common Yogurt Types and Sweeteners

To help navigate the dairy aisle, here is a comparison of different yogurt types based on their typical sweetener profiles.


Yogurt Type	Typical Sweetener	Aspartame Likelihood	How to Verify
Plain (Full-Fat)	Naturally occurring milk sugars (lactose)	Very Low	Check ingredient list for added sweeteners.
Plain (Greek)	Naturally occurring milk sugars (lactose)	Very Low	Ensure no sweeteners are listed on the label.
Flavored (Conventional)	Added sugars (sucrose, fructose)	Low	Look for "added sugar" content on the nutrition label.
Light / Sugar-Free	Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K	High	Explicitly look for "aspartame" or E-951 in the ingredient list.
Zero Sugar	Stevia, Monk Fruit, Allulose	Very Low (likely free)	Confirm the label specifies alternative natural sweeteners.

Potential Concerns and Consumer Choice

Decades of research and a 2023 review by the World Health Organization (WHO) have fueled continued discussion about aspartame safety. While many regulatory bodies have approved its use, some consumers prefer to avoid it. Choosing yogurt that is sweetened naturally or has no added sweeteners at all gives you full control over your sugar and calorie intake. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian with specific dietary concerns.

The Takeaway for Smart Consumers

Ultimately, the choice to consume aspartame is a personal one. By understanding which types of yogurt are most likely to contain it and by learning to read labels carefully, consumers can easily find products that align with their dietary preferences. Whether you choose plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself or opt for a product using a different natural alternative, the power to choose is in your hands. For those interested in learning more about food additives and nutrition, authoritative sources like the International Food Information Council (IFIC) provide detailed information and research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, some yogurts—primarily low-calorie, diet, or sugar-free varieties—do contain aspartame, while most plain or full-fat options are free of it. The key to avoiding this artificial sweetener is to read product labels carefully and look for aspartame or its E-number, E-951. Choosing unsweetened yogurt and adding your own natural sweeteners like fruit, honey, or stevia is a reliable strategy for complete control over ingredients. By becoming a more informed consumer, you can confidently navigate the dairy aisle and make the best choices for your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, aspartame is not used in all yogurt. It is most commonly found in low-calorie, 'diet,' or 'sugar-free' flavored varieties where it replaces sugar to reduce overall calories.

You can tell if your yogurt contains aspartame by carefully reading the ingredient list on the product label. Look for the word 'aspartame' or its food additive number 'E-951'.

Some brands that have used aspartame in certain 'light' or 'diet' products include Dannon Light + Fit and Lucerne Light. However, formulas can change, so always check the label.

Plain, unsweetened yogurt (both regular and Greek), along with varieties that use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, are typically free of aspartame. Many organic yogurts also avoid artificial sweeteners.

Yes, plain, unflavored Greek yogurt is almost always aspartame-free. It contains only milk and live cultures. Be sure to check the label if you purchase a flavored version.

Besides aspartame, other sweeteners used in yogurt can include sucralose, acesulfame potassium, stevia, monk fruit, fruit concentrates, or high fructose corn syrup, depending on the product.

Manufacturers use aspartame in some yogurts to provide sweetness without adding calories. This is done to create low-calorie or 'diet' versions of flavored yogurts.