The quest for healthier snacks has led many consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists, particularly the sugar content. Too Good yogurt has gained popularity for its promise of low sugar, but this raises a crucial question for the health-conscious consumer: just what is too good yogurt sweetened with? The answer lies in a combination of high-quality ingredients and a specialized manufacturing process that effectively manages sugar levels without compromising on taste.
The Sweetening Secret: Stevia and Ultra-Filtered Milk
Too Good achieves its low sugar content through a multi-pronged approach that starts with its foundational ingredients and extends to the type of sweetener used. The brand explicitly states that it does not use artificial sweeteners, a major selling point for many buyers. Instead, the sweetness comes from two primary sources: the natural sugars remaining after a unique filtration process and a plant-based, non-nutritive sweetener.
Stevia: The Plant-Based Sweetener
Stevia extract is the primary zero-calorie sweetener used in Too Good yogurt. This highly purified extract is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, a shrub native to South America. The sweetening compounds, known as steviol glycosides, are hundreds of times sweeter than table sugar but are not metabolized by the body for energy. This means they add sweetness without contributing calories or raising blood sugar levels, making stevia a popular choice for those managing diabetes or weight. It's crucial to note that the FDA has approved only highly purified stevia leaf extract for use in food, and Too Good uses this approved form.
The Role of Ultra-Filtered Milk
Another significant factor in Too Good's low-sugar recipe is the use of ultra-filtered milk. During the manufacturing process, milk is passed through a series of filters that concentrate the protein and reduce the amount of naturally occurring lactose, which is a milk sugar. By removing a large portion of the lactose, the total sugar content of the final product is significantly lowered, giving the yogurt its creamy texture and higher protein content with less sugar. The small amount of remaining milk sugar, combined with the stevia, is enough to provide a pleasant taste without the high sugar counts of conventional yogurts.
The Flavor from Real Fruit Purees
For its fruit-flavored varieties, Too Good incorporates real fruit purees. While fruit contains natural sugar, using puree provides flavor without the need for additional, refined sugars. The fruit puree complements the stevia and milk's natural sweetness, creating a balanced and satisfying taste profile. Too Good's FAQ section explicitly mentions that they use real fruit puree to flavor their products without using artificial sweeteners or added sugars.
Too Good vs. The Competition
To understand the appeal of Too Good's sweetening method, it helps to compare it to other common yogurt options. The market is saturated with yogurts that use various sweetening agents, from plain sugar to other artificial or natural alternatives. The difference often comes down to the nutritional impact.
Comparison Table: Too Good vs. Regular Flavored Greek Yogurt
| Feature | Too Good Yogurt | Regular Flavored Greek Yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners Used | Stevia Extract, Ultra-Filtered Milk, Fruit Purees | Often High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucrose, Fruit Concentrates, and other artificial sweeteners |
| Added Sugars | 0g added sugars | Often contain 10-15g or more of added sugars |
| Total Sugar | 2g total sugar (per 5.3 oz serving) | Often 12g or more total sugar |
| Calories | 80-90 calories (per 5.3 oz serving) | Often 120+ calories (per 5.3 oz serving) |
| Protein | 12-13g protein (per 5.3 oz serving) | Varies, but can be similar or lower depending on straining |
| Lactose Content | Low (due to ultra-filtering) | Higher (unless specifically labeled lactose-free) |
The Science of Sweeteners in Yogurt
Understanding the sweetening process goes beyond simply reading the ingredient list. The use of non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia has a distinct impact on the final product and its effect on the consumer's body.
Understanding Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), like stevia, provide intense sweetness without the calories or glycemic impact of sugar. They are generally considered safe for consumption in moderation. For individuals trying to manage their weight or blood sugar, NNS offers a way to enjoy sweet foods without the associated metabolic effects of sugar. However, health experts still advise using them in moderation and focusing on whole foods for long-term health.
Potential Benefits of Low-Sugar Options
Choosing a low-sugar yogurt like Too Good offers several potential benefits. It can reduce overall daily sugar intake, which is linked to a lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, by concentrating the protein and removing much of the lactose, ultra-filtered yogurts provide a more nutrient-dense option that can help with satiety and muscle building. The use of real fruit puree also ensures some vitamins and antioxidants are retained, which might be lost in heavily processed or artificially flavored yogurts.
How Too Good Yogurt Achieves its Low Sugar Count
Too Good's strategy for creating a low-sugar, high-protein yogurt is both clever and transparent. It's a combination of process and ingredient selection that results in the final product. Here is a breakdown of the steps:
- Ultra-Filtration: The process begins with ultra-filtered milk, which physically separates components. This step concentrates the milk's protein while removing excess water and a significant amount of lactose, the naturally occurring milk sugar.
- Fermentation: The filtered milk is then fermented with active yogurt cultures (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) to create yogurt.
- Straining: Like traditional Greek yogurt, the mixture is further strained to remove even more whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier consistency and an even higher concentration of protein.
- Sweetening: Finally, stevia extract is added for sweetness, and real fruit purees are mixed in for flavor, without incorporating any additional refined sugars.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
So, what is too good yogurt sweetened with? The definitive answer is stevia extract, supplemented by the naturally occurring sugar left in ultra-filtered milk, with real fruit purees for additional flavor. This combination allows Too Good to deliver a sweet, creamy yogurt with significantly less sugar and a higher protein content than many other options on the market. For consumers prioritizing lower sugar intake and more natural ingredients, understanding this process can provide confidence in their choice. While stevia is a safe and effective sweetener in moderation, it's always recommended to consider your overall diet and health goals. For more in-depth information about stevia, you can visit a reputable source like the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials webpage on the topic.
