Low-fat fermented dairy products—yogurt, cheese, kefir and the like—may lower your risk of heart disease, according to a recent Finnish study in the British Journal of Nutrition. Plus, many yogurts contain health-boosting probiotics. Fortunately, yogurt options have expanded so broadly that it’s easy to find a product that suits you—whether it’s a drinkable variety, an extra-creamy Icelandic yogurt, one with tasty mix-ins or a dairy-free selection. Here are some of our favorites.
Probiotic
Our pick: Activia Strawberry Yogurt
Why we like it: A specific probiotic strain that may diminish tummy troubles joins two other live active cultures in this palate-pleasing yogurt. Real strawberry chunks enhance both texture and flavor.
Tasters say: “Ideal if you like sweeter yogurts.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Kosher, Live active cultures
Our pick: White Mountain Whole-Milk Bulgarian Yogurt 
Why we like it: This unique yogurt contains only two ingredients: milk and live active cultures. The result is a pure,
tangy, plain yogurt with up to 90 billion CFUs of probiotics per serving.
Our tasters say: “Extremely rich texture.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, live active cultures, no added sugar
Mix-ins
Our pick: Noosa Coconut Almond Chocolate
Why we like it: Noosa yogurt hits the sweet spot of creamy but not too dense. Live active cultures make it gut-friendly, while high-quality add-ins (Guittard chocolate!) make it extra-delicious.
Our tasters say: “Spot-on flavor combo!”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, kosher, live active cultures
Also try: Chobani Flip Mixed Berry Morning
Low Sugar
Our pick: Two Good Light & Fit Mixed Berry
Why we like it: This breakout product contains just 2 grams of sugar (only 3 grams of carbs)—unheard of in the yogurt aisle—while
stevia provides a touch of sweet. Protein content? 12 grams.
Our tasters say: “Surprisingly tasty for so little sugar.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, kosher, live active cultures, no added sugar, non-GMO
Also try: YQ by Yoplait Plain
Icelandic
Our pick: Siggi’s 0% Milkfat Vanilla
Why we like it: Icelandic-style yogurt (aka skyr) is extra-thick and ultra-high in protein (24 grams). This variety contains just five simple ingredients (including agave nectar instead of sugar), plus five live active cultures.
Our tasters say: “Super creamy, with a just-right amount of tang.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, kosher, live active cultures
Our pick: Icelandic Provisions Coconut
Why we like it: Icelandic-style yogurt (aka skyr) is extra-thick and ultra-high in protein (15 grams). This variety contains just six simple ingredients, plus three live active cultures, including a proprietary strain.
Tasters say: “Subtly sweet, with little bits of coconut.”
Bonus points for: Kosher, Live active cultures
Kids
Our pick: Stonyfield Organic Kids Strawberry Banana
Why we like it: Stonyfield achieves kid-approved sweetness levels with up to 35 percent less sugar (9 grams in a 3.5-ounce pouch) than most kids’ yogurts. Bonus: It contains 5 live active cultures.
Our tasters say: “Not sickeningly sweet like a lot of kids’ products.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, kosher, live active cultures, non-GMO, organic
Also try: Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Blueberry Apple
Drinkable
Our pick: Lifeway Organic Cultured Whole-Milk Kefir Unsweetened
Why we like it: Twelve live cultures provide 15 billion to 20 billion CFUs of probiotics for immunity and digestion. There’s zero added sugar, and it’s up to 99 percent lactose-free.
Our tasters say: “Smooth and tart.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, live active cultures, non-GMO, no added sugar, organic
Also try: Califia Farms Probiotic Dairy Free Yogurt Unsweetened Plain
Comments