What are the cons of eating yogurt?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While celebrated for its probiotic benefits, yogurt is not without its drawbacks. Excessive consumption, especially of sweetened varieties, can contribute to significant sugar and calorie intake, potentially negating its health advantages. It is important to understand what are the cons of eating yogurt to make an informed dietary choice.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the potential negative effects of yogurt, including issues related to high sugar content, digestive problems from lactose and probiotics, and concerns for specific health conditions. It details when yogurt may be harmful rather than helpful, offering guidance on mitigating these drawbacks and exploring alternatives.

Key Points

Hidden Sugars: Many commercial yogurts contain excessive added sugars that can lead to weight gain, diabetes risk, and dental issues.
Lactose Intolerance: Dairy yogurt contains lactose, which can cause bloating, gas, and cramps in individuals who are intolerant.
Digestive Discomfort: While generally beneficial, the probiotics in yogurt can sometimes cause temporary bloating and gas as the gut adjusts.
Excessive Calcium: Overconsuming dairy-rich products like yogurt could potentially interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as iron and zinc.
Milk Allergy Risks: People with a milk allergy to casein or whey proteins must avoid all dairy-based yogurts to prevent a severe immune reaction.
Calorie Overload: High-fat and sweetened yogurts can contribute to an unintentional calorie surplus, which may lead to weight gain.
Additives in Flavored Options: Flavored yogurts may contain artificial sweeteners and other additives that can cause digestive issues or are simply less healthy.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying yogurt in moderation and opting for plain, unsweetened varieties is the best way to reap the benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Hidden Sugars and Calorie Concerns

One of the most significant drawbacks of many commercial yogurts is their high added sugar content. While plain, unsweetened yogurt is a healthy choice, flavored options often contain more sugar than a dessert. This excessive sugar can lead to a number of health issues.

The Impact of Added Sugars

Consuming too much added sugar contributes to weight gain, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can negatively impact dental health by promoting enamel erosion. For example, studies have shown that eating multiple containers of sweetened yogurt daily can significantly increase your total daily sugar intake, potentially exceeding recommended guidelines.

Calorie Density

In addition to sugar, full-fat or heavily sweetened yogurts can be surprisingly high in calories. While fat is not inherently bad, overconsuming high-calorie yogurt can lead to an unintentional calorie surplus, which contributes to weight gain over time. For individuals trying to manage their weight, choosing low-fat or fat-free varieties is not always the best solution, as many of these products compensate for the reduced fat with even more added sugar.

Digestive Distress and Intolerances

Despite its reputation for aiding digestion, yogurt can cause problems for some individuals, particularly those with specific sensitivities or health conditions. The culprits are often lactose and the probiotics themselves.

Lactose Intolerance

For those with lactose intolerance, consuming dairy yogurt can cause significant digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. While the fermentation process reduces some of the lactose, it doesn't eliminate it entirely. Some people with mild intolerance may be able to handle small amounts, but others will react to even a spoonful. Plant-based and lactose-free dairy alternatives offer a way to enjoy a similar product without the digestive issues.

Probiotic Sensitivity

Ironically, the very probiotics that make yogurt so beneficial for many people can cause side effects for others, especially during the initial stages of adding them to a diet. These side effects can include temporary bloating and gas as the gut microbiome adjusts. In rare cases, for individuals with compromised immune systems, the live bacteria can pose a risk of infection. Some people may also experience histamine sensitivity from certain probiotic strains, leading to headaches or skin reactions.

Potential Long-Term Health Risks

Overconsumption of yogurt, particularly certain types, may be linked to longer-term health concerns.

Excessive Calcium Intake

Though known for its high calcium content, consuming excessive amounts of yogurt and other dairy products can lead to an overabundance of calcium. Some studies suggest this may interfere with the absorption of other important minerals like iron and zinc. In very rare cases, extremely high calcium intake has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

Hormonal and Allergic Reactions

For a small number of people, yogurt can trigger hormonal imbalances due to compounds like Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 found in some dairy. Additionally, a true milk allergy is a distinct and more serious issue than lactose intolerance, involving an immune response to milk proteins (casein or whey). This can cause symptoms ranging from hives to anaphylaxis, and people with this allergy must avoid all dairy yogurt.

A Comparison of Yogurt Types and Their Potential Drawbacks


Feature	Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt	Sweetened/Flavored Yogurt	Greek Yogurt	Plant-Based Yogurt	Lactose-Free Dairy Yogurt
Added Sugar	Generally none.	High. May contain more sugar than a candy bar.	Lower than many flavored yogurts, but still variable if sweetened.	Often high if flavored; requires label check.	Varies greatly; can be low in sugar or high if flavored.
Lactose	Contains lactose; may cause issues for lactose-intolerant individuals.	Contains lactose.	Lower in lactose than regular yogurt due to straining.	Naturally lactose-free.	Lactose-free; ideal for intolerant individuals.
Saturated Fat	Varies based on milk fat content (full-fat, low-fat, non-fat).	Varies; flavored full-fat varieties can be high.	Higher fat content if made with whole milk.	Fat content varies based on base (e.g., coconut, almond).	Varies based on milk fat content.
Probiotic Issues	Can cause initial digestive discomfort in some individuals.	Same as plain, plus potential issues from additives.	Same as plain.	Contains probiotics if fortified; typically non-dairy.	Contains probiotics.
Additives	Typically minimal ingredients.	May contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and thickeners.	Minimal additives, but can vary by brand.	Can contain thickeners, gums, and other additives.	Minimal additives, but depends on the brand.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

While yogurt is widely regarded as a healthy food, it is not a universally perfect option. The potential drawbacks, including high added sugar in many commercial varieties, digestive distress for those with lactose intolerance or probiotic sensitivity, and possible issues with overconsumption of certain nutrients, are important considerations. By being mindful of ingredients, understanding personal tolerances, and practicing moderation, one can navigate these cons effectively. Choosing plain, unsweetened varieties and adding your own healthy toppings like fresh fruit or nuts is a simple way to minimize many of these risks. For those with dairy sensitivities, a wide array of plant-based or lactose-free alternatives are readily available. For additional guidance, see this resource from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on healthy eating.

Optional Outbound Link

For more information on balancing dairy and other foods in a healthy diet, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers extensive nutritional guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, yogurt can cause bloating and gas, especially in individuals with lactose intolerance or those sensitive to high amounts of probiotics as their gut adjusts. Many flavored yogurts also contain sugar alcohols that can contribute to gas.

If you are lactose intolerant, dairy yogurt can cause digestive discomfort like cramping and diarrhea because of its lactose content. However, some people tolerate it better than milk due to the live cultures, and there are many excellent lactose-free or plant-based alternatives available.

While moderation is key, consuming excessive amounts of yogurt can lead to an overconsumption of calories and sugar, particularly with sweetened varieties. Experts often recommend one to two cups per day as part of a balanced diet.

Sweetened yogurts can be unhealthy because they often contain large amounts of added sugar, which increases calorie intake and can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar issues. Choosing plain varieties is a much healthier option.

While yogurt is a great source of calcium, excessive intake of dairy products can potentially interfere with the absorption of other minerals, such as iron and zinc. A balanced diet is important to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

For individuals with severely weakened immune systems, such as those with certain medical conditions or undergoing cancer treatment, the live bacteria in yogurt can pose a rare risk of infection. It is best for these individuals to consult a doctor before consuming high amounts of live-culture yogurt.

Yes, excessive probiotic intake, particularly when first starting, can cause temporary side effects like bloating, gas, and digestive upset as the gut microbiome adjusts. Most people will not experience this in moderation.

While traditional guidelines advised limiting saturated fat, research on full-fat dairy's effect on heart health is complex. However, some very high-fat, sweetened yogurts can contribute to higher cholesterol levels, and moderation is recommended, especially for women.