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What is the lowest calorie yogurt on the market?

3 min read

According to nutrition experts, many plain, nonfat Greek and Icelandic yogurts contain very few calories and can be a beneficial part of a balanced diet. When searching for the lowest calorie yogurt, consumers will find several excellent options from popular brands like Chobani and Dannon that offer satisfying flavor with minimal caloric impact.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer yogurts with very low calorie counts, most notably Chobani Zero Sugar and Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar. These options are typically high in protein, fat-free, and contain no added sugars, making them ideal for weight management and healthy snacking. Key varieties include plain nonfat Greek yogurt, Icelandic Skyr, and zero-sugar flavored options.

Key Points

  • Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar: This is one of the lowest calorie yogurts available, with just 50 calories per 5.3oz serving.

  • Chobani Zero Sugar: A popular and widely available choice, Chobani Zero Sugar contains only 60 calories per cup.

  • Focus on Protein and Low Sugar: For effective weight management, choose yogurts that are high in protein and have little to no added sugar.

  • Plain vs. Flavored: Plain, nonfat Greek or Icelandic yogurts are naturally low in calories and sugar, allowing you to add your own healthy toppings.

  • Consider Icelandic Skyr: Brands like Siggi's offer a thick, high-protein Icelandic skyr that is relatively low in calories.

  • Check Labels for Added Sweeteners: Some low-calorie yogurts are sweetened with natural or artificial sweeteners, so check the ingredient list for your preference.

  • Weight Loss Support: The high protein content in Greek and Icelandic yogurts promotes satiety, helping to reduce overall calorie consumption.

In This Article

For those monitoring their caloric intake, finding a truly low-calorie yogurt can be a game-changer for meal planning and weight management. The lowest calorie yogurts are typically nonfat and contain no added sugars, relying on natural sweetness or zero-calorie sweeteners for flavor. These yogurts deliver high protein content, which promotes satiety and supports a healthy metabolism.

Leading contenders for the lowest calorie yogurt

Multiple brands stand out for their exceptionally low-calorie offerings. The key to finding the best option is checking the label for low fat content, zero or minimal added sugar, and a high protein count. Here are some of the market leaders in the low-calorie yogurt space:

  • Chobani Zero Sugar: This brand is a top choice, featuring options with as low as 60 calories per 5.3-ounce cup. It is sweetened with natural alternatives like allulose, monk fruit, and stevia leaf extract, and contains 12 grams of protein.
  • Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar: Another strong contender, Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar contains only 50 calories per 5.3-ounce serving and delivers 11 grams of protein. It's a smooth, non-Greek option, sweetened with stevia.
  • Activia Zero 0g Added Sugar: Activia also offers a zero-added-sugar option, providing 50 calories per 4-ounce cup with 4 grams of protein. This version is known for its probiotic content, which supports digestive health.
  • FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt: A classic choice for plain, nonfat Greek yogurt, FAGE Total 0% contains 80 calories and an impressive 16 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce cup, with only two ingredients: skim milk and live cultures.
  • Too Good & Co. Blended: This option provides 80 calories and 12 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce serving, with just 2 grams of sugar. It's sweetened with stevia for a naturally sweet taste.
  • Siggi's Plain Icelandic Yogurt: Icelandic-style skyr is known for its thick texture and high protein. Siggi's offers a plain, nonfat skyr with around 90 calories and 16 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce cup.

How to compare and choose the right low-calorie yogurt

When evaluating different low-calorie yogurts, you should look beyond just the calorie count. Considerations like protein, sugar, and fat content, as well as the type of yogurt, can influence your choice. Below is a comparison of some of the lowest calorie brands based on a 5.3 oz serving, as sourced from recent nutritional information.

Yogurt Brand Type Calories (Approx.) Protein (g) Added Sugar (g) Notes
Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar Greek 50 11 0 Very low calorie, uses stevia
Chobani Zero Sugar Greek 60 12 0 Naturally sweetened, multiple flavors
Activia Zero 0g Added Sugar Non-Greek 50 (4oz) 4 0 Probiotic focus, smaller size
FAGE Total 0% Greek 80 16 0 Plain, high protein, no additives
Too Good & Co. Blended Greek 80 12 0 Naturally sweetened, low sugar
Oikos Triple Zero Greek 90 15 0 Uses stevia, fat-free, multiple flavors

The importance of high protein and low sugar

For weight management, high protein and low sugar are often more important than the absolute lowest calorie count. Higher protein content, characteristic of Greek and Icelandic yogurts, helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, reducing the urge to snack unnecessarily. Conversely, many flavored yogurts are surprisingly high in added sugar, which can significantly increase their calorie load. Opting for a plain, low-calorie yogurt and adding your own fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon is a healthier way to control sugar intake while enhancing flavor.

Finding your perfect low-calorie option

Your personal preferences for flavor, texture, and ingredients will ultimately determine the best yogurt for you. If you prefer the thick, creamy texture and higher protein content, a nonfat Greek or Icelandic option like FAGE Total 0% or Siggi's is ideal. If you want a zero-sugar flavored option, Chobani Zero Sugar and Oikos Triple Zero provide variety and sweetness without the calories. For a more liquid, probiotic-focused option, Activia Zero is a viable choice, though with less protein per serving.

Conclusion

The lowest calorie yogurt options available today are primarily plain, nonfat Greek and Icelandic varieties, as well as zero-sugar flavored products. Brands like Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar offer an exceptionally low 50 calories per serving, while Chobani Zero Sugar is a popular and widely available choice at 60 calories. FAGE Total 0% remains a staple for those seeking a high-protein, plain yogurt. By focusing on products with minimal fat and no added sugar, consumers can confidently select a low-calorie yogurt that supports their health and weight management goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie yogurts on the market include Dannon Light + Fit Zero Sugar (50 calories per 5.3oz) and Chobani Zero Sugar (60 calories per 5.3oz).

Regular yogurt tends to have fewer calories than full-fat Greek yogurt, but nonfat Greek yogurt is often comparable or lower in calories than many regular varieties while offering significantly more protein.

Yes, many zero-sugar yogurts are sweetened with natural, zero-calorie alternatives like stevia or monk fruit, which provide a pleasant sweetness without added calories. Brands like Chobani Zero Sugar and Oikos Triple Zero are well-regarded for their taste.

You can add flavor to plain low-calorie yogurt by mixing in fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or a handful of nuts and seeds. This allows you to control the sugar and calorie content.

The high protein content in yogurts like Greek or Icelandic skyr helps increase feelings of fullness and satisfaction, which can reduce appetite and prevent overeating, supporting weight loss goals.

Some dairy-free yogurt alternatives, such as those made from almond milk or pea protein, are low in calories and sugar. However, they may be lower in protein compared to traditional dairy yogurts, so it is important to check the nutritional label.

Look for yogurts that are low in fat, have no or minimal added sugar, and contain a high amount of protein and live probiotic cultures. Always check the nutritional information and ingredients list.

Both Greek yogurt and Icelandic skyr are thick, strained yogurts with a high protein content. Skyr is strained more, resulting in an even thicker consistency and a higher protein-to-calorie ratio than many Greek yogurts.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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