The 11 best and worst yoghurts if you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight for summer
SWEET and savoury yoghurts dominate the dairy aisle - but which ones would trusted nutritionists put in their basket?
Here are the pots you should be diving into to help you lose weight.
First off, it pays to be a savvy shopper.
Many yoghurts boast being low in fat, but that often means they're amped up with sugar to keep them tasty.
In fact, certified online nutritionist and founder of , Beanie Robinson, advocates for choosing full fat yoghurts that contain a variety of vitamins and probiotics.
"So often people are scared of fats, but really, if we’re having the right kind of fats, they’re going to make us feel satisfied and full," she said.
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"Equally, if the fat is removed from a product, the company has probably added other products or ingredients to make it a desirable texture to eat."
"In an ideal world, you’re looking for an organic, unflavoured Greek or kefir yoghurt, which are great for your gut bugs.
"But don’t worry, if that’s not accessible to you, there are plenty of options for all budgets and tastes that will help you reach those weight loss goals."
The best diet-friendly yoghurts
1. (£2.30)
Thick and creamy, Greek yoghurt is a super star ingredient for weight loss.
It’s packed with protein, which will keep you full and satisfied, and it’s an amazing substitute for higher calorie foods.
Beanie said: "Using Greek yoghurt is great for making creamy dressings, particularly for people who love mayonnaise.
"Mix with tahini, olive oil, harissa paste or herbs and spices."
Although a little pricier, Beanie would recommend an organic yoghurt where possible, especially for women.
"Ensuring all dairy products are organic is really important for hormone balancing," Beanie said.
"This Yeo Valley organic yoghurt is made from 100 per cent organic British milk – and that’s what we’re looking for."
Kefir is a gut-friendly drink made from milk, bacteria and yeast.
When added to milk, it’s super nutritious, and this drinkable form could be a great on-the-go breakfast or snack.
"The reason people are really into kefir yoghurt is because of its probiotics, which are helpful for promoting a healthy gut microbiome," said Beanie.
If you have a hard time digesting dairy, this organic coconut kefir is a probiotic powerhouse.
"This is a great brand for those who want to maybe get the benefits of the kefir – the live bacteria – but can't tolerate dairy very well," said Beanie.
"Soybeans, commonly used in dairy-free products, are a natural and nutritious source of plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals," she said.
This dairy-free option tastes just like a thick and creamy Greek yoghurt, and it also contains some great added extras including vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B12, she adds.
As a protein yoghurt, Beanie says this is a prime example of an ultra-processed food, as it contains a load of artificial sweeteners and flavourings.
"The grape juice concentrate and maize starch are both added sugars, and the stevia – a sweetener – is a red flag," she said.
We might see these yoghurts as healthy as they are fruit flavoured, but in fact, sugar is the second ingredient on the label.
"Rice starch, thickeners and natural flavourings have also been added to this yoghurt, but I’d question just how ‘natural’ they really are," said Beanie.
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"Overall, I’d try to get away from purees or fruit juice concentrates."
Essentially, when you’re next buying yoghurt, the fewer ingredients, the better.