A Greek Yogurt Taste Test (5 brands) and Nutrition Review

The popularity of Greek yogurt has been skyrocketing in recent years. The product is now popping up everywhere: TV commercials promote the product, news and talk shows reference it, and even my limited-options-discount-superstore carries an ever expanding selection. But what is the difference between regular and Greek yogurt, and why all the hype?

For starters, Greek yogurt differs from regular yogurt in the way it is made. By straining off the liquid whey, Greek yogurt has a thicker, fluffier texture. Celebrities praise it's hunger satisfying properties, calling it the perfect snack. Nutritionists tout Greek yogurt's decreased sugar and more than doubled protein content as the clear winner of the greek vs. regular yogurt battle.

But does it taste good? I decided to find out for myself.

My initial evaluation included four popular brands; Danonon Oikos, FAGE, Chobani, and AE. I  have since tried a fifth brand, Yoplait's Greek version. I assessed flavor, and compared nutrition labels. When possible, I chose the peach variety for this taste test. Areas of particular interest to me on the nutrition labels were protein, sugar, and the ingredient list.

Brand Size Protein Sugar Fat Calories Artificial Ingredients? FAGE 5.3 oz 13g 16g 0g 120 cal no AE 6 oz 14g 19g 3g 170 cal yes Dannon Oikos 5.3 oz 12g 19g 0g 130 cal yes Chobani 6 oz 14g 19g 0g 140 cal no Yoplait 6 oz 12g 20g 0g 160 cal Regular yogurt 6 oz 5g 26g 1.5g 170 cal

Nutritionally, Greek yogurt is the clear victor in terms of protein and sugar content when compared to regular yogurt. And the taste isn't bad either, although the mousse-like consistency does take a little getting used to. The only brand I disliked on taste was AE (Anderson Erickson).  Their Greek yogurt had a sickenly sweet "fake" taste about it.

Overall, I chose FAGE and Chobani as the two winners. They scored the best nutritionally, come in a variety of flavors, and they both taste great. Chobani is a tad bit cheaper, so that's the brand I've been buying. But FAGE is fun because you control how much flavor goes into your yogurt with the separated fruit cup. 

Has anyone else made the switch? Have you found a favorite brand, that maybe I missed?


~Mischele