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What are the ingredients in ratio yogurt?

4 min read

According to the official Ratio brand website, their yogurt alternatives primarily consist of cultured pasteurized ultra-filtered milk and milk fat. This high-protein dairy snack's specific formulation is designed to cater to a low-carb lifestyle, making understanding what are the ingredients in Ratio yogurt crucial for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the components in Ratio yogurt, including ultra-filtered milk, live active cultures, and specific additives. The article details how these ingredients contribute to its unique macros and texture, distinguishing it from traditional yogurt products.

Key Points

  • Core Dairy Ingredients: Ratio yogurt's base is primarily cultured pasteurized ultra-filtered nonfat milk and sometimes includes whey protein concentrate to achieve a very high protein content.

  • Low Sugar Profile: Instead of sugar, Ratio products use low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and sometimes erythritol or stevia to maintain a low-sugar and low-carb profile.

  • Healthy Fats: For their keto-friendly varieties, Ratio incorporates healthy fats from sources like high oleic sunflower oil or avocado oil.

  • Live Active Cultures: All versions contain live and active yogurt cultures, which are the beneficial bacteria used for fermentation.

  • Additives for Texture: Stabilizers such as carrageenan, guar gum, and gellan gum are used to create the product's smooth, thick, and creamy texture.

  • Natural Flavors and Colors: Taste and appearance are enhanced with natural flavors and natural coloring agents like beet or fruit juice concentrates.

  • Low-Carb Focus: The overall ingredient selection is designed to deliver a high-protein, low-sugar, and low-carb snack, differentiating it from traditional yogurt.

In This Article

Core Dairy and Protein Base

At the heart of Ratio's cultured dairy snacks are the milk-based ingredients that form their creamy foundation. Unlike traditional yogurt, which uses standard milk, Ratio products leverage advanced filtration techniques to concentrate protein and reduce sugar.

  • Cultured Pasteurized Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk: This is a key ingredient in many Ratio products, including the high-protein varieties. The ultra-filtration process removes much of the lactose (milk sugar) and water, resulting in a dairy base with a significantly higher protein concentration.
  • Cultured Pasteurized Milk: In addition to the ultra-filtered variety, standard cultured pasteurized milk is also used to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
  • Whey Protein Concentrate: To further boost the protein content, whey protein concentrate is added, contributing to the impressive 25g of protein found in some versions.
  • Milk Fat: Depending on the specific Ratio product, milk fat may be included to enhance texture and richness.

Live and Active Cultures

All Ratio products contain live and active yogurt cultures, the beneficial bacteria responsible for fermenting the milk. These cultures are essential for producing a cultured dairy snack and are often associated with gut health benefits. The specific cultures used typically include L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus.

Fats and Stabilizers

Ratio adds specific fats and stabilizers to its products to achieve a creamy texture and maintain product consistency. These ingredients also help with the keto-friendly macro profile of some versions.

  • Sunflower Oil and/or Avocado Oil: For their low-carb, keto-friendly versions, Ratio incorporates oils like high oleic sunflower oil or avocado oil. These healthy fats contribute to a smooth texture and align with low-carb dietary needs.
  • Carrageenan: A common food additive derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is used as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps prevent ingredient separation and maintains the product's uniform, creamy consistency.
  • Guar Gum and Gellan Gum: Similar to carrageenan, these gums serve as stabilizers and thickening agents, contributing to the overall mouthfeel of the yogurt.

Sweeteners and Flavors

To deliver a great taste without high levels of sugar, Ratio utilizes a combination of natural flavors and low-calorie sweeteners.

  • Natural Flavor: The specific flavor profile of each Ratio product is achieved through natural flavors, such as vanilla, strawberry, or key lime. This broad term can include a range of compounds extracted from natural sources.
  • Sucralose: A popular artificial sweetener, sucralose is a primary ingredient in many Ratio products. It provides sweetness without adding carbohydrates or calories. The Environmental Working Group has noted that this product contains sucralose.
  • Erythritol and Stevia Sweetener: Some varieties may use alternative sweeteners like erythritol or stevia to reduce sugar content, offering a more naturally derived sweetness.
  • Beet Juice Concentrate and Other Colors: For colored varieties like strawberry, beet juice concentrate and other vegetable concentrates may be used to provide natural coloring.

A Comparison of Ratio and Traditional Yogurt Ingredients

Ingredient Category Ratio Yogurt/Dairy Snack Traditional Yogurt (e.g., Plain)
Dairy Base Ultra-filtered nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, milk fat Pasteurized milk, milkfat
Protein Content Significantly higher (e.g., 25g per serving) Typically lower (e.g., 6g per serving)
Sugar/Carbs Much lower (e.g., 3g sugar) Higher, with naturally occurring lactose
Sweeteners Primarily Sucralose, Erythritol, Stevia Sugar, fruit purees, sweeteners
Additives Carrageenan, gums, added oils, natural flavors Often minimal, sometimes fruit, flavorings
Texture Creamier and thicker due to added protein and thickeners Varies from thin to thick (like Greek yogurt)

A Complete List of Ingredients by Flavor

For specific information on each Ratio product, it is best to check the product label, as formulations can vary. The following list gives a general overview of the core components for popular flavors based on information from the brand and retailers:

  • Vanilla High Protein: Cultured Pasteurized Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk, Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk, Sunflower Oil, Sucralose, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan.
  • Strawberry High Protein: Cultured Pasteurized Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk, Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Beet Juice Concentrate (for color), Sucralose, Carrageenan.
  • Blueberry High Protein: Cultured Pasteurized Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk, Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk, Sunflower Oil, Black Carrot Juice and Blueberry Juice Concentrate (for color), Sucralose, Carrageenan, Natural Flavor.
  • Key Lime High Protein: Cultured Pasteurized Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk, Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Sucralose, Spirulina Extract and Turmeric (for color).

Conclusion: Mindfully Selected Components

Ratio yogurt's unique ingredient list reflects its specific nutritional goals: high protein, low sugar, and compatibility with low-carb and keto-friendly diets. By using ultra-filtered milk, whey protein, healthy fats, and low-calorie sweeteners, the brand distinguishes itself from traditional yogurt offerings. Understanding what are the ingredients in Ratio yogurt empowers consumers to make informed decisions that align with their dietary needs, whether they are tracking macros or simply looking for a high-protein snack. While some ingredients like sucralose may raise questions for some consumers, the brand's commitment to delivering specific nutritional ratios is evident in its carefully selected components.

For more detailed information, consumers can also visit the official Ratio Food website at https://ratiofood.com/.

The Function of Ratio's Ingredients

  • Ultra-Filtered Milk: Concentrates protein and removes lactose, reducing sugar content.
  • Whey Protein Concentrate: Increases the protein content for macro-conscious diets.
  • Live Cultures: Ferments the milk, providing beneficial bacteria.
  • Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Provides sweetness without added sugar or excess carbs.
  • Natural Flavors and Colors: Creates the specific taste and appearance of different varieties.
  • Stabilizers (Carrageenan, Gums): Ensures a smooth, creamy, and consistent texture.
  • Healthy Fats: Adds richness and fat content for keto-friendly options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ratio is a cultured dairy snack, not technically a traditional yogurt. It contains live and active yogurt cultures, but is formulated differently using ultra-filtered milk and added protein to create a unique macronutrient profile.

Yes, many Ratio products, particularly those in the 'Trio' and 'Keto' lines, are designed to be keto-friendly, with a focus on high protein, low net carbs, and low sugar. Specific ingredient lists may vary, so always check the label.

The primary low-calorie sweetener in many Ratio products is sucralose. Some newer or different formulations may also use other sweeteners like erythritol or stevia leaf extract.

Yes, Ratio products are made with gluten-free ingredients and are considered gluten-free snacks. The manufacturing process is designed to prevent cross-contamination with gluten.

Ultra-filtered milk is milk that has been passed through a fine filter to separate its components. This process concentrates the protein and removes a significant amount of the lactose (milk sugar), leading to a higher protein, lower sugar dairy product.

In their keto-friendly versions, Ratio adds oils like high oleic sunflower oil or avocado oil to increase the fat content. This helps align the product's macronutrients with the requirements of a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Ratio products get their flavor from 'natural flavors,' which come from natural sources. Color is often derived from natural concentrates, such as beet juice or other fruit and vegetable concentrates.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.