Not only can yogurt be a satisfying part of a meal, it can also be a nutritious and convenient snack to enjoy at your desk, after work or school, or on the go.
Yogurt comes in dozens of varieties and flavors to suit your taste, and this healthy choice can be made even more nutritious with a few tips.
Fox News Digital asked food experts for tips and tricks on making yogurt snacks healthier.
Greek Yogurt vs. Regular Yogurt: Which is Healthier?
Read on for some clever tips.
Why is yogurt a good snack?
Food experts explain how to make yogurt snacks delicious. (iStock)
Whether you love the simple taste of vanilla yogurt or the sweet and tart flavor of strawberry or peach yogurt, this trusty snack is a hit.
Here’s why.
1. Easy to carry
Whether you buy individual portioned cups or a large container and choose your own portions, eating yogurt is an easy way to satisfy hunger.
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2. It’s the best way to get protein
While most yogurts are a source of protein, Sarah Parrish, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, recommends consuming Greek yogurt for more protein and nutritional support.
“This is important for keeping blood sugar and energy levels balanced,” she said.
Experts said that supplementing with protein is a very good way to balance blood sugar and energy levels. (iStock)
3. Provides probiotics to promote gut health
This helps with digestive health.
4. It’s a good source of calcium
Eating yogurt strengthens your bones.
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What’s the healthiest yogurt, according to experts?
Parrish told Fox News Digital that while he recommends Greek yogurt, which has much more protein, sometimes it doesn’t suit some customers’ tastes.
Some experts recommend Greek yogurt as the healthiest option because it’s packed with protein. (iStock)
“Some customers don’t like the texture as much as traditional yogurt, which is a little thinner and less sour,” she said.
The downside to traditional yogurt is that it may contain added sugar.
So when you shop, it’s important to read the labels.
“Choose yogurt that’s low in added sugar, whether it’s Greek or not, and a good goal is to have no more than 5 to 8 grams of added sugar,” says Parrish.
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Some of the brands Parrish likes and recommends include Oikos Triple Zero, Chobani, Siggis and Too Good.
If you choose a plant-based yogurt, pay particular attention to added sugars, she noted.
Experts warn against added sugar in yogurt. (iStock)
“Sometimes the best thing to do is choose a plain, unsweetened option and add your own flavor with toppings,” Parrish said.
How can you increase the nutritional value?
If you’re looking for a yogurt snack to fill you up until your next meal, here are some options:
1. Add trail mix
These healthy additions, which include dried fruits and nuts, can add crunch and delicious flavor while boosting the protein and carbohydrate content of yogurt, says Lindsay Ziegelbaum, R.D., owner of LNZ Nutrition in Port Washington, New York.
2. Spreading certain seeds
Ziegelbaum told Fox News Digital that chia seeds, hemp seeds and ground flaxseeds all offer different nutritional benefits.
Adding toppings like fruit, seeds, or cereals can make your yogurt snack even more delicious. (iStock)
“When combined and sprinkled on yogurt, these seeds add protein, fiber, iron, omega-3s and other vitamins and minerals,” she explained.
3. Mix it into your cereal
To boost the nutritional value of your yogurt, add your favorite low-carb cereal.
“Many cereals are good sources of fiber, iron, and many vitamins and minerals,” says Ziegelbaum. “Look for cereals that have less than 8 grams of sugar per serving and at least 3 grams of protein and fiber.”
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“Many cereals are good sources of fiber, iron, and many vitamins and minerals,” says Ziegelbaum. “Look for cereals that have less than 8 grams of sugar per serving and at least 3 grams of protein and fiber.”
4. Mix the fruit
Adding most fruits can boost antioxidants and fiber, explained Parrish of Novant Health in North Carolina.
“Pumpkin puree is a fun addition this time of year,” she says. “You can also buy canned pumpkin and mix it into vanilla or plain yogurt. I usually add a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin spice and some pumpkin seeds for a delicious fall-themed treat.”
Experts say one way to make a yogurt snack more tasty is to add fruit or cereal. (iStock)
5. Spoon in the nut butter
Adding nut butter can add a tasty boost of healthy fats and protein, making yogurt a more satisfying snack, Parrish noted.
How about an easy after-school yogurt snack for the kids to make?
When it comes to options for kids, Parrish says the best thing to do is buy individually packaged yogurt or pre-portion it.
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“School-age kids can have this as a healthy snack when they get home and add some fruit on top,” she says. “If your kids like granola, choose one with no more than 5 to 8 grams of added sugar per serving.”
It’s a good idea to pre-portion yogurt for children and top it with fruit. (iStock)
Another option kids might like is Stonyfield Organic Zero Gram Added Sugar Yogurt, a dairy yogurt pouch with zero grams of sugar.
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These nifty yogurt pouches come in delicious flavors like blueberry, apple, carrot and vanilla (banana and vanilla), so even the pickiest eaters can enjoy a calcium-packed treat.
