What Defines a 'Traditional' Yogurt?
Yogurt is a dairy product created through the fermentation of milk with live bacterial cultures, most commonly Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. This process converts the milk's lactose into lactic acid, which gives yogurt its characteristic tang and thicker texture compared to milk. The nutritional profile of traditional yogurt varies based on the type of milk used (whole, low-fat, or skim) and whether it is strained (like Greek yogurt) or not.
The Health Benefits of Traditional Yogurt
Traditional, plain yogurt is a nutrient-dense food offering numerous health benefits.
- High in Protein: A great source of protein, which helps with satiety and muscle repair. Greek yogurt, in particular, offers a higher protein content due to the straining process.
- Rich in Probiotics: Contains beneficial live and active cultures that support gut health, aid digestion, and may boost the immune system.
- Excellent Source of Calcium: A good source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Often contains B vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
What is Go-GURT?
Go-GURT is a proprietary brand of low-fat yogurt manufactured by Yoplait and marketed towards children. Its most defining feature is the colorful, squeezable tube packaging, which eliminates the need for a spoon and makes it a convenient, portable snack. While it is technically a yogurt, its formulation and nutritional content differ significantly from many traditional varieties.
The Formulation of Go-GURT
To achieve its unique texture and flavor profile, Go-GURT relies on additional ingredients that are not typically found in plain yogurt.
- Thickening Agents: To ensure the yogurt has a squeezable yet thick consistency, ingredients like modified corn starch, kosher gelatin, and tricalcium phosphate are added.
- Added Sugars: Sugar is often the second ingredient listed, contributing to a much higher sugar content compared to plain yogurt. This sweet flavor is designed to appeal to kids.
- Flavors and Colors: Go-GURT uses natural flavors and colors derived from sources like fruit and vegetable juice, avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors in its current formulations.
- Fortified Nutrients: Go-GURT is fortified with vitamins A and D and is a good source of calcium.
The Role of Packaging and Convenience
The most obvious difference is the packaging itself. While traditional yogurt requires a spoon and a cup, Go-GURT is designed for on-the-go consumption. It can also be frozen, making it a cool snack that thaws by lunchtime. This emphasis on portability and child-friendly design is a core part of its marketing.
The Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Yogurt | Go-GURT |
|---|---|---|
| Formulation | Milk + Live Active Cultures. Often natural and simple ingredients. | Milk + Live Active Cultures, plus thickening agents (modified corn starch, gelatin), and added sugars. |
| Texture | Varies widely based on type (e.g., runny, thick, strained like Greek yogurt). | Uniformly thick and smooth, designed to be squeezed. |
| Sweetness | Mild and naturally occurring from lactose. Added sweetness comes from fruit or added honey in plain varieties. | Significantly higher added sugar content for a sweeter flavor profile. |
| Nutritional Value | High in protein (especially Greek), rich in probiotics, calcium, and B vitamins. | Lower in protein (typically), high in added sugar, but fortified with calcium, vitamin A, and D. |
| Probiotics | Varies by brand and processing. Look for the 'Live & Active Cultures' seal. | Contains live and active yogurt cultures, but the overall nutritional profile is different. |
| Target Audience | General market, with many plain, unsweetened options for adults. | Specifically targeted at children with sweet, kid-friendly flavors and fun packaging. |
| Convenience | Requires a spoon and bowl, often consumed at home or a table. | Highly portable, mess-free, and designed for on-the-go consumption. |
Making the Best Choice for Your Needs
For those prioritizing low sugar and maximum protein, a plain, traditional yogurt (especially Greek) is the superior choice. This provides more control over what is added for flavor and sweetness, such as fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. However, if the goal is a convenient, portable snack that kids will enjoy, Go-GURT serves its purpose well, and it does provide valuable calcium and vitamins. The key is to view Go-GURT as a sweetened snack rather than a direct health substitute for a less-processed, traditional yogurt. For health-conscious parents seeking a portable option, looking for low-sugar varieties or considering brands like Stonyfield YoKids Pouches, which may use organic ingredients and have a cleaner label, is a good compromise. Ultimately, both products have their place in the dairy aisle, but their differences in formulation, nutrition, and intended use are important for consumers to recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the difference between Go-GURT and yogurt lies in the level of processing, formulation, and marketing focus. While Go-GURT is indeed a type of yogurt made with live cultures, it is primarily a kid-centric, low-fat snack with a much higher added sugar content and a thicker, more uniform texture created by additives. Traditional yogurt, on the other hand, offers a wider range of healthier options, from protein-packed Greek yogurt to simple, plain varieties that allow for customization. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can make more informed choices based on nutritional goals, taste preferences, and convenience.
Dairy and Culture is a resource detailing the basics of yogurt production.
What's the difference between Go-GURT and yogurt?
- Go-GURT is a processed snack-style yogurt: It is a brand-name, low-fat yogurt specifically formulated for children and sold in a squeezable tube for convenience.
- Go-GURT contains more added sugar: Unlike many unsweetened traditional yogurts, Go-GURT includes significant added sugar to appeal to kids' palates, making it more of a treat.
- The texture of Go-GURT is modified: Thickeners like modified food starch and gelatin are used to give Go-GURT a thicker, squeezable consistency that is not typical of standard yogurt.
- Go-GURT is fortified with vitamins: While most yogurt contains natural nutrients, Go-GURT is often fortified with additional vitamins A and D.
- Traditional yogurt offers more versatility: Traditional yogurt comes in a wide variety of fat contents, textures (like Greek), and can be used in cooking or customized with healthy add-ins.
FAQs
Is Go-GURT real yogurt?
Yes, Go-GURT is real yogurt made with milk and live and active yogurt cultures. However, it is a highly processed version with added sugar and thickening agents, differentiating it from traditional, less-processed yogurts.
Is Go-GURT healthier than regular yogurt?
Generally, no. While Go-GURT contains calcium and is fortified with vitamins, it has a much higher added sugar content than most plain or low-sugar traditional yogurts, which are often richer in protein and have cleaner labels.
Can I freeze Go-GURT?
Yes, Go-GURT can be frozen for a refreshing treat, and is often recommended to be packed frozen in lunchboxes, where it will thaw by lunchtime.
What are the main ingredients in Go-GURT besides milk?
In addition to cultured milk, Go-GURT contains added sugar, modified food starch, kosher gelatin, and natural flavors to achieve its desired taste and texture.
Why does traditional yogurt have a different texture from Go-GURT?
The texture of traditional yogurt depends on whether it has been strained. The thick consistency of Go-GURT, however, is a result of added thickening agents like modified corn starch and gelatin, not straining.
Are the probiotics in Go-GURT as beneficial as those in regular yogurt?
Go-GURT is made with live cultures, including probiotics. However, the high sugar content and processing involved in Go-GURT production mean that many dietitians consider plain, traditional yogurts a more potent source of probiotics without the added sugars.
Which yogurt should I choose for a low-sugar diet?
For a low-sugar diet, plain, unsweetened traditional yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) is the best choice. This allows you to control the sweetness and add natural ingredients like berries or honey in moderation.
