What's the best thing to eat with yogurt? A Guide to Healthy Toppings

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition experts, choosing plain, unsweetened yogurt with live active cultures is the healthiest option for maximizing its probiotic benefits. But what's the best thing to eat with yogurt to transform a simple bowl into a satisfying, flavorful, and complete meal? The answer lies in combining quality yogurt with a variety of nutrient-dense pairings.

Quick Summary

This guide explores a variety of sweet and savory toppings to elevate your yogurt. It covers high-protein mix-ins, crunchy elements, fruits, and how to create balanced, gut-healthy combinations without excessive added sugar.

Key Points

Choose Plain Yogurt: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek, Icelandic, or regular) to avoid excessive added sugars and control your flavor profile.
Add Fiber with Fruits and Seeds: Fresh berries, bananas, chia seeds, and granola are excellent additions for natural sweetness, fiber, and gut health benefits.
Boost Protein and Healthy Fats: Use nut butters, chopped nuts, or hemp hearts to increase protein and healthy fats, which promote satiety and energy.
Explore Savory Pairings: Don't be limited to sweet. Yogurt works well in savory dishes with ingredients like cucumber, dill, garlic, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enhance Gut Health with Probiotics: Look for a yogurt with the 'Live & Active Cultures' seal to ensure it contains beneficial probiotics for digestion.
Create Balanced Meals: Pair yogurt with a combination of macronutrients—carbs from fruit, protein from yogurt and nuts, and healthy fats from seeds or nut butter—for a complete and satisfying meal.

The Foundation: How to Choose the Right Yogurt

Before you choose your toppings, selecting the right yogurt is key to a healthy base. The best option is plain, unsweetened yogurt—whether Greek, regular, or Icelandic Skyr. Flavored yogurts often contain excessive added sugar, which can counteract the health benefits of the live cultures. Plain yogurt offers versatility, allowing you to control the sweetness and flavor profile using natural ingredients. Look for the 'Live & Active Cultures' seal on the label to ensure you're getting the most probiotic benefits for your gut health.

Greek vs. Regular Yogurt: A Nutritional Comparison

Greek and regular yogurt are both excellent choices, but they differ in their nutrient profile due to the straining process. Greek yogurt is strained more, removing more of the whey, resulting in a thicker consistency and higher protein concentration.


Feature	Regular Yogurt	Greek Yogurt
Consistency	Smoother, less thick	Thicker, creamier
Protein	Lower (approx. 10.5g per 245g)	Higher (approx. 19.9g per 245g)
Sugar/Carbs	Higher (approx. 14g per 245g)	Lower (approx. 7.9g per 245g)
Calcium	Higher (approx. 36% DV per 245g)	Lower (approx. 23% DV per 245g)

For those seeking more protein to boost satiety, Greek yogurt is a great choice. Regular yogurt, with its higher calcium content, can also be part of a healthy diet.

Sweet and Healthy Yogurt Combinations

Creating a sweet yogurt bowl doesn't have to mean adding spoonfuls of sugar. By using natural sweeteners and ingredients, you can make a delicious and nutritious treat.

Classic Berry Blend: A combination of fresh or frozen mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds natural sweetness, antioxidants, and fiber. The vibrant colors make it a visually appealing meal.
Tropical Paradise: Mix in mango chunks, pineapple, and shredded coconut for a taste of the tropics. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors even more.
Apple Pie Inspired: For a comforting, fall-themed bowl, stir in sautéed cinnamon apples and top with a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans.
Peanut Butter & Banana: This classic combination is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats. Stir in a spoonful of natural peanut butter and top with sliced banana and a few dark chocolate chips.

Unexpected Savory Yogurt Pairings

Yogurt’s tangy flavor profile makes it a fantastic canvas for savory dishes, offering a high-protein alternative to ingredients like sour cream or mayonnaise.

Deconstructed Tzatziki: Mix plain Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, fresh dill, a minced garlic clove, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Middle Eastern Inspired: For a simple yet sophisticated flavor, top yogurt with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of za'atar, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Roasted Veggie Bowl: Pair roasted vegetables like butternut squash, beets, or carrots with plain yogurt. Add some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and texture.
Creamy Guacamole: Blend Greek yogurt with mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, lime juice, red onion, garlic, and cilantro for a healthier, creamier take on guacamole.

Boost the Nutritional Profile

To truly maximize the health benefits of your yogurt, focus on adding ingredients that provide a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This not only makes the meal more satiating but also provides sustained energy.

For Fiber: Chia seeds, flax seeds, berries, and granola are excellent sources of fiber that aid digestion and promote gut health. Note: When choosing granola, opt for a low-sugar version or make your own.
For Protein: In addition to Greek yogurt, you can boost protein with nut butters, protein powder, or a sprinkle of hemp hearts. High-protein yogurt is particularly beneficial for appetite control and weight management.
For Healthy Fats: Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios) and seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin) add healthy fats, omega-3s, and a satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

Ultimately, what's the best thing to eat with yogurt depends on your taste, health goals, and what you have on hand. For maximum nutritional benefits, start with plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures. Then, customize it with a combination of high-fiber fruits, protein-rich nuts or seeds, and healthy fats. Whether you prefer a classic sweet berry bowl or a bold savory creation, the possibilities are endless for creating a balanced, flavorful, and gut-healthy meal or snack. For more tips on selecting the healthiest yogurt, consult resources from trusted health organizations, such as Healthline's guide to choosing the best yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greek yogurt is not necessarily better, but it is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates and sugar than regular yogurt due to its straining process. If your goal is to increase protein intake or feel fuller for longer, Greek yogurt is an excellent choice.

For optimal gut health, choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with the 'Live & Active Cultures' seal. These products contain beneficial probiotics that aid digestion. Avoid flavored yogurts with high sugar content, which can counteract the health benefits.

Yes, yogurt is a versatile ingredient for savory dishes. Popular pairings include mixing it with grated cucumber and dill for a tzatziki-like dip, topping it with roasted vegetables and nuts, or using it as a creamy base for sauces and dips.

Yes, studies suggest that yogurt can help with weight management, especially high-protein varieties like Greek yogurt. The high protein content and satiating effect help reduce feelings of hunger and control overall energy intake.

A healthy alternative to sugary granola is making your own homemade version with oats, nuts, and a small amount of maple syrup, or simply adding a mix of seeds and chopped nuts to your yogurt for crunch. You can also look for store-bought granola with low or no added sugar.

You can naturally sweeten plain yogurt by adding fresh or frozen fruit (berries, bananas), a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or by mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This allows you to control the amount and type of sugar you consume.

Flavored yogurts often contain high amounts of added sugars, which can negate the health benefits and lead to unwanted weight gain. It is generally a better and healthier option to buy plain yogurt and add your own fruits, spices, and natural sweeteners.