- Plain yogurt is commonly used in dessert recipes and as a base in homemade smoothies. Plain yogurt contains no sugar, making it the best choice for those who need to watch their sugar intake. It is common for those who wish to control their sugar, such as diabetics, to add fruit or to use plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream or ranch dressing.
- Fruit-flavored yogurt comes in a variety of mixtures such as strawberry, strawberry banana, blueberry and cherry vanilla. This type is most often made with real fruit and has bits of fruit mixed in. It is one of the most popular types of yogurt, although it is also high in sugar. Typical fruit-flavored yogurt contains anywhere from 27 to 47 g of sugar with the nonfat variety containing 230 calories on average.
- Frozen yogurt is an alternative to ice cream. Depending on the yogurt, it may or may not have less fat than ice cream. Those looking for a healthy alternative should check the label. However, frozen yogurt contains minerals that ice cream doesn't, as well as enzymes that help break down dairy. But because the yogurt is frozen it does not contain the live cultures found in regular yogurt.
- Greek yogurt, called "yiaourti" in Greece, has an exceptionally smooth and creamy texture when compared to regular yogurt. This is due to the removal of whey by a straining process. Greek yogurt is higher in protein, lower in sugar, and lower in lactose than regular yogurt.
- Yogurt is known for its health value and is recommended because it contains probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are akin to helpful microorganisms found in the human gut. (See Reference 3) Often these are termed "friendly bacteria." Our bodies need friendly bacteria to help with the digestion of food and to aid in the absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
