Skip to content

What is the healthiest Greek yogurt at Aldi? A Dietitian's Guide

4 min read

According to dietitian Shana Minei Spence, Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is the #1 snack to buy at Aldi for better gut health. The sheer volume of Greek yogurt options at Aldi, however, can make it confusing to pick the best one for your specific nutritional needs. This comprehensive guide breaks down the healthiest choices available.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a dietitian's perspective on the healthiest Greek yogurt options at Aldi, comparing popular brands like Friendly Farms and Simply Nature based on key nutritional criteria. It focuses on finding the best yogurts for protein, low sugar, and gut health. Practical advice is offered on how to choose the right yogurt for your dietary goals.

Key Points

  • Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is a dietitian-recommended top pick at Aldi for gut health, offering high protein and zero added sugar.

  • Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is the healthiest base, allowing you to control sugar content by adding your own toppings like fruit or nuts.

  • Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt provides the highest protein for the lowest calories, making it ideal for weight management.

  • Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt is the best choice for a richer flavor and increased satiety, particularly for low-carb or keto diets.

  • To choose a healthy yogurt, prioritize options with 0g added sugar, compare protein content, and confirm the presence of 'live and active cultures'.

  • Flavored Greek yogurts at Aldi often contain significant added sugars; always check the label, as these can negate the product's health benefits.

In This Article

Navigating the dairy aisle at Aldi can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the many choices of Greek yogurt. While Greek yogurt is widely celebrated for its health benefits, including high protein content and gut-healthy probiotics, not all options are created equal. Many flavored varieties are loaded with added sugars that can counteract the yogurt's nutritional value. Understanding how to read labels and compare products is the key to making an informed decision that aligns with your health goals.

Why plain yogurt is almost always the healthiest choice

When evaluating Aldi's lineup, dietitians consistently recommend starting with the plain, unsweetened varieties. By choosing plain, you maintain full control over the ingredients. You can customize the yogurt to your taste preferences by adding natural sweeteners like fruit or honey, or adding crunch with nuts and seeds, while keeping the added sugar content to a minimum. In contrast, a single-serving container of flavored Greek yogurt can contain upwards of 11 grams of added sugar, which is significant when compared to the 0 grams in most plain varieties.

Friendly Farms vs. Simply Nature: The top contenders

Aldi primarily offers two store brands for Greek yogurt: Friendly Farms and Simply Nature. Friendly Farms features a wider range of options, from nonfat to whole milk, while Simply Nature focuses on organic, and often whole milk, products. The best choice between these two brands ultimately depends on your specific dietary needs, but both offer excellent, healthy options.

Comparing Friendly Farms and Simply Nature

Feature Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk Plain
Fat Content Low Fat Nonfat (0%) Whole Milk (full fat)
Added Sugar 0g 0g 0g
Protein 15g per ¾ cup 17g per ¾ cup 17g per cup
Calories 100 per ¾ cup 100 per ¾ cup 120-130 per cup
Pros Dietitian-recommended, low fat, high protein. Highest protein per calorie, 0% fat. Organic ingredients, richer flavor.
Cons Slightly less protein than nonfat. Less creamy texture. Higher in saturated fat and calories.
Best For Gut health, balanced diet, versatile use. High-protein goals, calorie restriction. Taste and satiety, keto-friendly diets.

The best choice for specific health goals

For maximum protein and lowest calories

If your main goal is to maximize protein intake while minimizing calories, Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt is the clear winner. With 17g of protein per a 100-calorie serving, it’s an excellent option for muscle building and satiety. Its nonfat profile also makes it ideal for those watching their saturated fat intake.

For gut health and balanced macros

For overall gut health, many dietitians favor the Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt. It provides a great balance of protein and fat, with zero grams of added sugar, and contains live active cultures that support a healthy gut microbiome. The slight amount of milk fat also improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

For flavor and satiety

If you prefer a richer, more decadent taste and are not concerned about saturated fat, the Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt is an excellent choice. It provides excellent satiety due to its fat content and organic ingredients, and still boasts a high protein count. It's a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet who want a filling snack without added sugars.

How to evaluate any Greek yogurt label

When shopping, use this quick checklist to find the best option, whether it's at Aldi or elsewhere:

  • Prioritize Plain: Look for "plain" or "unsweetened" on the label to avoid added sugars.
  • Check Added Sugars: Always review the nutrition facts panel and aim for 0g of added sugars. Total sugars will be slightly higher due to naturally occurring lactose.
  • Compare Protein: Look for 15+ grams of protein per serving, as this is a key benefit of Greek yogurt.
  • Live Active Cultures: Ensure the label lists "live and active cultures" to get the probiotic benefits for gut health.
  • Manage Your Fat: Decide if you need nonfat, low-fat, or whole milk based on your dietary goals. Whole milk provides more satiety and flavor, while nonfat is lowest in calories.

Conclusion: Which yogurt reigns supreme?

While all plain Greek yogurts from Aldi offer solid nutritional profiles, the ultimate "healthiest" option depends on your personal health goals. For most people seeking a balance of gut health benefits, high protein, and minimal sugar, the Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is the top-tier, dietitian-approved choice. For those focused on the lowest calories and highest protein, the Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain is the winner. Finally, for a richer, organic option, Simply Nature's Whole Milk Plain is a superb choice. By understanding the nutritional nuances of each, you can confidently choose the best Aldi Greek yogurt for your dietary needs.

Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is praised by dietitians for its excellent balance of protein, probiotics, and zero added sugar.

A note on flavored options

While the plain varieties are the healthiest foundation, Aldi does offer some flavored options. When considering these, compare the sugar content per serving. A small, fruit-on-the-bottom cup from Friendly Farms may contain significantly more sugar than a plain version to which you add your own fruit. The added sugar can quickly turn a healthy snack into a sugary indulgence.

How to enjoy your healthy Aldi Greek yogurt

  • Quick Breakfast: Top plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a handful of nuts or seeds.
  • Workout Recovery: Blend nonfat Greek yogurt with a banana and a scoop of protein powder for a high-protein shake.
  • Savory Dip: Mix plain Greek yogurt with herbs, garlic powder, and lemon juice to create a healthy dip for vegetables.
  • Sour Cream Substitute: Use plain Greek yogurt as a low-fat, high-protein alternative to sour cream on tacos or baked potatoes.

For more detailed nutritional information on many of Aldi's products, including various Friendly Farms yogurts, you can consult online resources and apps like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best plain Greek yogurt at Aldi depends on your goals, but Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is an excellent, dietitian-recommended option for balanced nutrition and gut health. Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain is great for maximum protein and low calories, while Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk Plain offers a richer taste and is organic.

Yes, many of Aldi's Greek yogurts contain probiotics. Look for the phrase "live and active cultures" on the label, which indicates the presence of beneficial gut bacteria.

For weight loss, the Friendly Farms Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt is a great choice as it is high in protein and low in calories, which promotes feelings of fullness. Choosing a plain variety with no added sugar is key.

While convenient, many flavored Greek yogurts at Aldi are high in added sugars. It is often healthier to buy a plain Greek yogurt and add your own fruit, honey, or other natural sweeteners to control the sugar content.

Not necessarily. Simply Nature is an organic brand, but the "healthiest" option depends on your dietary needs. Simply Nature offers an organic whole milk variety, while Friendly Farms has great low-fat and nonfat options with zero added sugar.

You can improve the flavor of plain Greek yogurt by adding toppings like fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, nuts, seeds, or granola. You can also use it in smoothies or as a savory base for dips.

Yes, the fat content affects the calorie count, flavor, and satiety. Nonfat is lowest in calories, low-fat offers a good balance, and whole milk provides a richer taste and increased satiety. Your choice should align with your specific health goals and diet preferences.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

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