The Different Types of Yogurt

America is in love with yogurt—it’s become a breakfast staple, an on-the-go lunch or snack, and a common ingredient in sauces and baked goods. The good news for you: As it’s grown in popularity, store shelves have exploded with yogurt types and flavors, as well as packaging options—making it a near-guarantee that you can find a style to fit every member of your family. Use this list to pinpoint the yogurt that suits you best.

Greek

The scoop: This thick, tangy yogurt is made by straining out most of the liquid whey. It’s higher in protein (nearly double!) and lower in sugar than conventional varieties, but it also generally has less calcium.

Top pick: Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Greek – Strawberry

Our testers say: “It’s so rich it kept me satisfied for hours.”

Use for: dips and sauces, cooking, a sour-cream substitute

Also try: Fage Total 2% with Key Lime

Probiotic

The scoop: All yogurts start with probiotics, but they can be lost during processing. Some brands add probiotic strains back in—check the label for the words “live and active cultures” or for specific bacteria names. Watch out for excessive sugars, which can offset the benefits.

Top pick: Noosa Finest Yoghurt —Pumpkin

Our testers say: “Wow—only 5g of sugar! To eat plain, add a touch of honey.”

Use for: smoothies, baking

Also try: Activia Probiotic – Peach

Nondairy

The scoop: Though technically not yogurts, these alternatives aim to simulate the dairy variety. Most use plant proteins—such as soy, nuts or peas—and many add in probiotics for gut-health benefits, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.

Top pick: Daiya Strawberry Greek Yogurt Alternative

Our testers say: “Unique but yummy taste.”

Use for: snacking, smoothies

Also try: Silk Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative – Peach Mango 

Mix-in

The scoop: Sure, you could add your own granola or fruit or honey. But for grab-and-go convenience, nothing beats single-serve packages with a separate compartment for mix-in ingredients. This opens up a wealth of new topping possibilities—crispy graham crackers, anyone?

Top pick: Dannon Oikos Crunch – Key Lime Crumble

Our testers say: “The perfect blend of flavors.”

Use for: anywhere-anytime snacking

Also try: Chobani Greek Yogurt Flip – Almond Coco Loco 

Kids

The scoop: Yogurt’s probiotics, protein and B vitamins make it ideal for kids. Child-friendly packaging and flavors get little ones on board, and twist tops allow them to save leftovers when they’re out and about.

Top pick: Danimals Squeezables Strawberry Explosion

Our testers say: “Thumbs up from all my kids.”

Use for: kids’ snacks and lunchboxes, on-the-go breakfasts

Also try: Stonyfield Organic YoKids Squeeze – Straw-Nana-Rama

What is Icelandic Yogurt?

Also called skyr (pronounced “skeer”), Icelandic yogurt is similar to Greek yogurt, except that it takes four cups of milk to make a cup of skyr, versus three cups for Greek. The result? Skyr is even thicker and higher in protein. Some brands are slightly less tangy than Greek yogurt. Our favorite: Siggi’s Icelandic Style Skyr – Vanilla

Go with the Goat

Trouble digesting cow’s milk? Give goat’s milk yogurt a shot; research suggests that 40 percent of people with dairy allergies tolerate goat’s milk well. Plus, it’s higher in short- and medium-chain fatty acids, as well as some minerals, and has a milder flavor than you might expect. Our favorite: Redwood Hill Farm – Vanilla