What is the best brand of Greek yogurt?

According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), products with their Live & Active Cultures (LAC) seal contain a significant amount of beneficial probiotics. Finding the best brand of Greek yogurt is highly personal, depending on whether you prioritize taste, texture, nutritional value, or ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an unbiased comparison of popular Greek yogurt brands, detailing differences in protein content, sugar levels, and texture to help you find the best option for your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Key Points

• Fage is a classic choice: For a rich, thick, and tangy traditional Greek yogurt experience, Fage is a top contender.

• Oikos Pro offers highest protein: If your priority is maximum protein per serving, Oikos Pro is a leader, though sweetened varieties may contain stevia.

• Siggi's offers less tang: For those who prefer a less tart flavor and even thicker texture, Icelandic-style skyr like Siggi's is an excellent alternative.

• Check ingredients for simplicity: The healthiest Greek yogurts have minimal ingredients—just milk and live active cultures—avoiding unnecessary additives and sugars.

• Organic options are widely available: Wallaby and Aldi's Simply Nature are excellent choices for buyers seeking organic ingredients and great value.

• The best option depends on your goal: Your ideal choice is subjective based on personal preference for taste, texture, nutritional profile (protein, fat, sugar), and dietary needs.

Greek yogurt has become a staple for many health-conscious individuals due to its high protein content and creamy texture. However, with so many brands on the market, determining what is the best brand of Greek yogurt can be a challenge. The ideal choice is subjective and depends on your personal criteria, whether it's taste, nutritional profile, or ingredients. This article will break down the top contenders and help you decide which one is right for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Greek Yogurt

To make an informed decision, it's essential to look beyond the brand name. Here are the key factors to evaluate:

• Ingredients: For the healthiest choice, look for a short, clean ingredient list, typically just milk and live active cultures. Flavored varieties often contain added sugars and thickeners like pectin or modified food starch, which some prefer to avoid.
• Added Sugar: Many flavored yogurts, even those that appear healthy, can be loaded with added sugars. Choosing plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt and adding your own fruit or honey is a great way to control sugar intake.
• Protein Content: Greek yogurt is celebrated for its high protein, which promotes satiety. Protein amounts can vary, so check the nutrition label if your goal is to maximize protein intake. Icelandic-style yogurts (skyr), like Siggi's, are known for their extra-thick consistency and even higher protein levels.
• Fat Content: You can find Greek yogurt in full-fat (5%), low-fat (2%), and non-fat (0%) options. Full-fat varieties offer a richer flavor and can be more satiating, while non-fat options are lower in calories.
• Live and Active Cultures (Probiotics): A key benefit of yogurt is its probiotic content, which supports gut health. Check the packaging for the "Live & Active Cultures (LAC)" seal to ensure it contains these beneficial bacteria.
• Taste and Texture: This is where personal preference plays a big role. Some brands are tangier, while others are milder. Similarly, the thickness can range from moderately creamy to very dense and scoopable.

Leading Greek Yogurt Brands Compared

Fage

Fage is a classic Greek yogurt brand, often considered the gold standard for its traditional straining process. It is known for its rich, creamy texture and distinct, tangy flavor. Fage Total comes in various milkfat percentages (0%, 2%, and 5%) to suit different dietary needs. For those who prioritize a classic, authentic taste and a thick texture, Fage is an excellent choice. Some taste tests rank Fage highly for its clean ingredients and taste.

Chobani

Chobani is one of the most widely available Greek yogurt brands, offering a diverse product line. This includes the standard Greek yogurt, Chobani Less Sugar, and the high-protein Chobani Zero Sugar. While it is a convenient and affordable option, taste test results are mixed, with some finding it to have a chalky or bitter aftertaste. However, the Zero Sugar and Less Sugar lines are praised for their nutritional profiles.

Oikos

Owned by Danone, Oikos provides a popular range of high-protein and zero-sugar options. Oikos Pro offers a hefty 20-25 grams of protein per serving, while Oikos Triple Zero features no added sugar and is sweetened with stevia. It's a solid choice for those focusing on macros, especially protein content, though some may detect a slight aftertaste from the artificial sweetener.

Siggi's

Siggi's is technically a skyr, an Icelandic-style strained yogurt, which means it is typically even thicker and higher in protein than traditional Greek yogurt. It uses different cultures, resulting in a less tangy flavor profile that some find sweeter and milder. Siggi's boasts a simple ingredient list and is a favorite for those who prefer a less tart taste and a very dense texture.

Wallaby Organic

For those who prefer organic products, Wallaby offers a great option. Made with organic milk, it provides a balance of tanginess and creaminess. It's often recommended for its clean ingredients and overall taste, appealing to consumers who prioritize organic and non-GMO sourcing.

Simply Nature (Aldi Brand)

Aldi's store brand, Simply Nature, has gained recognition for its quality and value. In taste tests, its Organic Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt has been lauded for a balanced, mild flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. This is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on taste or organic ingredients.

Greek Yogurt Brand Comparison Table

Brand	Key Characteristic	Taste Profile (Plain)	Texture	Best For...
Fage Total	Classic Greek recipe	Rich and tangy	Very thick, creamy	Traditionalists, cooking, dips
Chobani	Widely available, many varieties	Varies by line; can be tangy/bitter	Standard Greek thickness	Convenience, high protein (Zero Sugar)
Oikos	High-protein/low-sugar focus	Varies, sometimes stevia aftertaste	Thick and creamy	Macro-counters, fitness enthusiasts
Siggi's (Skyr)	Icelandic style, extra strained	Milder, less tart flavor	Extra-thick, dense	Extra protein, smoother flavor
Wallaby Organic	Organic, simple ingredients	Balanced, tangy flavor	Creamy, smooth	Organic buyers, balanced taste
Simply Nature (Aldi)	Organic, great value	Balanced, mild tang	Smooth and creamy	Budget-conscious organic buyers

How to Choose Your Personal Best

Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific needs. Here’s a strategy to help you decide:

1. Define your goal: Are you looking for the highest protein content for a post-workout snack? Do you need a low-sugar option? Are you cooking and need a thick, rich base? Or is a milder taste for a parfait your priority?
2. Read the ingredients: Pay close attention to the ingredient list. If you want to avoid additives and added sugar, look for plain varieties with only milk and cultures.
3. Perform a taste test: Buy a small single-serving container of a few top contenders, such as Fage, Siggi's, and your preferred low-sugar option. See which flavor and texture you enjoy most.
4. Consider the price: If you eat Greek yogurt daily, the cost will matter. Compare the price per ounce of your top picks. Store brands like Aldi's Simply Nature often offer a great balance of quality and cost.

Conclusion

There is no single "best" brand of Greek yogurt, but rather a top-tier group of contenders that excel in different areas. Fage is a classic winner for its traditional, thick, and tangy profile. For a massive protein boost, Oikos Pro or Siggi's are excellent choices. Those prioritizing a cleaner, organic product at a great price can find a winner in Simply Nature or Wallaby. By considering your personal taste and nutritional goals and using the comparison table above, you can confidently find the Greek yogurt brand that is best for you. For more insights on making smart yogurt choices, check out this guide from a nutritional perspective: How to Pick a Healthy Greek Yogurt - Ochsner Blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Greek yogurt is best for high protein?

Brands like Oikos Pro, Ratio Protein Yogurt, and Siggi's skyr are known for offering very high protein content, often providing 20 grams or more per serving.

Is Fage or Chobani better?

The choice between Fage and Chobani depends on preference. Fage is praised for its traditional, thick, and tangy flavor, while Chobani is widely available with many product lines, including low-sugar and high-protein options.

What is the healthiest brand of Greek yogurt?

For the healthiest option, choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with a short ingredient list (milk and live cultures). Brands like Fage Total 0% or Stonyfield Organic Greek offer clean, simple options.

Which brand has the creamiest Greek yogurt?

Fage Total 5% is well-regarded for its exceptionally thick and creamy texture due to its high-fat content. Icelandic-style Siggi's is also notable for its very dense consistency.

Which Greek yogurt has the least amount of sugar?

Unsweetened, plain Greek yogurt will always have the lowest sugar content. Chobani Zero Sugar and Oikos Triple Zero are explicitly marketed as having no added sugars.

Is skyr the same as Greek yogurt?

No, skyr is an Icelandic-style cultured dairy product. While similar to Greek yogurt, it is strained even more, resulting in a denser texture and often a higher protein content with a milder flavor.

Is flavored Greek yogurt a good option?

Flavored Greek yogurt often contains significant amounts of added sugar. While convenient, it's healthier to choose a plain, unsweetened variety and add fresh fruit, honey, or other natural flavorings yourself.