Is Yoplait High in Sugar? Unpacking the Nutritional Facts

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 CNN report, many flavored yogurts contain deceptively high amounts of sugar, with some comparable to certain sodas and candy. This raises the critical question: is Yoplait high in sugar, and which varieties should consumers be wary of?

Quick Summary

Many flavored Yoplait varieties contain high levels of added sugar, while other options like Yoplait Light, Protein, and Greek yogurts have much lower or zero added sugar.

Key Points

Sugar Varies by Product: Yoplait's sugar content is not uniform; many of its classic flavored products are high in added sugar.
Label Reading is Key: Always check the 'Added Sugars' line on the nutrition label to know the true amount of sweeteners.
Healthier Yoplait Options: Varieties like Yoplait Light, Yoplait Protein, and Yoplait Greek 100 offer significantly less or no added sugar.
DIY Your Yogurt: For complete sugar control, start with plain Greek yogurt and add your own natural fruit, nuts, or spices.
Natural vs. Added: All dairy yogurt contains natural lactose sugar, but added sugars are the ones to limit due to their health impacts.
Consider Artificial Sweeteners: Be aware that lower-sugar Yoplait products often contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose.
Flavor vs. Nutrition: The sweetest-tasting Yoplait yogurts, like the Original line, are typically the ones with the most added sugar.

Understanding Sugar in Yogurt: Natural vs. Added

Before assessing Yoplait's sugar content, it is crucial to understand the two main types of sugar found in yogurt: naturally occurring sugar and added sugar. Plain, unsweetened yogurt contains lactose, a natural sugar found in milk. This is different from added sugars, which manufacturers include for flavor. A healthy, low-sugar yogurt should have more protein than sugar, with plain varieties containing no added sweeteners at all. High consumption of added sugar is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain, making it essential to differentiate between these sugar types.

Yoplait Original: A Closer Look at Added Sugar

Yoplait's 'Original' line of yogurts is where the brand’s higher sugar content is most evident. These products are known for their sweet taste, which comes with a significant amount of added sugar. A single 6-ounce cup of Yoplait Original French Vanilla, for instance, contains 14g of added sugar, contributing to a total of 19g of sugar in the serving. For context, this amount exceeds half of the recommended daily limit for added sugars set by many health organizations. Other high-sugar products include the kid-centric Go-Gurt and dessert-focused Yoplait Whips!.

Lower Sugar Alternatives in the Yoplait Family

Fortunately, Yoplait also offers several yogurt lines for health-conscious consumers with a focus on reduced or no added sugar. The key to finding these is reading the nutritional label carefully.

Yoplait's Healthier Offerings

Yoplait Light: This line has been available for some time and focuses on a lower calorie count. A serving of Yoplait Light Strawberry contains only 1g of added sugar, sweetened instead with sucralose, an artificial sweetener.
Yoplait Greek 100: This variety offers higher protein and lower sugar. The plain version contains only naturally occurring milk sugars, around 6 grams per cup. Some flavored options within this line are also low in sugar.
Yoplait Protein: More recently, Yoplait introduced a protein-focused line with no added sugar. These yogurts also use artificial sweeteners to provide a sweet flavor profile while keeping the added sugar at zero.

Yoplait Sugar Content Comparison Table


Product	Serving Size	Total Sugars	Added Sugars	Key Sweeteners
Yoplait Original (French Vanilla)	6 oz	19g	14g	Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup
Yoplait Light (Strawberry)	6 oz	7g	1g	Sucralose
Yoplait Protein (Flavored)	5.6 oz	Varies	0g	Sucralose
Plain Greek Yogurt (Generic)	6 oz	~6g	0g	None

Customizing Your Own Healthy Yogurt

For consumers who want maximum control over their sugar intake, the best approach is to start with plain yogurt and add your own toppings. This is especially beneficial as some lower-sugar packaged yogurts use artificial sweeteners, which some people prefer to avoid.

Healthy Topping Ideas for Plain Yogurt

Fresh or frozen fruit for natural sweetness and fiber.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor without sugar.
Unsweetened nuts or seeds for healthy fats and protein.
A very small drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.

For additional guidance on reading nutrition labels and making healthy food choices, authoritative resources like the USDA's website are available.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, is Yoplait high in sugar? The final verdict is that it depends entirely on the specific product. While many of the brand's popular flavored yogurts contain significant amounts of added sugar, Yoplait has also responded to consumer demand with healthier, lower-sugar, and no-sugar-added options. By diligently checking the nutrition label and understanding the difference between total and added sugars, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your dietary and health goals.

Ultimately, the simplest and most controlled way to enjoy a healthy yogurt is to opt for a plain variety and sweeten it yourself with natural ingredients. However, for those who prefer the convenience of a pre-flavored cup, Yoplait's Light, Greek, and Protein varieties offer a much better nutritional profile than the standard Original line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yoplait Light, Yoplait Protein (0g added sugar), and Yoplait Greek 100 are the varieties with the least sugar.

A 6-ounce cup of Yoplait Original French Vanilla yogurt contains 14g of added sugar, with a total of 19g of sugar.

Yes, many Go-Gurt flavors marketed for children contain high levels of added sugar, with some having as much as 9g per serving.

Natural sugar in yogurt is lactose, which is inherent in milk. Added sugar is any sweetener manufacturers add for flavor, and this is the number to watch on the nutrition label.

Yes, lower-sugar options like Yoplait Light and Yoplait Protein often use artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, to maintain sweetness without the added sugar.

For those seeking minimal sugar, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative as it contains no added sugar and is naturally higher in protein.

Consuming excess added sugar from yogurt can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic issues.

Plain yogurt naturally contains about 5g of sugar per 100g. For flavored yogurts, aiming for less than 9g of total sugar per 100g is generally considered a healthier choice.