Parents and caregivers looking to provide children with balanced and wholesome meals and snacks are encouraged to include reduced fat natural yoghurts in the weekly shop, following new data that shows Chobani and Yoguri natural yoghurts are the best for children.
Cancer Council WA Schools Nutrition Senior Coordinator, Mikala Atkinson, said researchers recently reviewed a multitude of yoghurts available at major supermarkets and were surprised by the results.
"The team analysed more than 90 yoghurt options, looking at all the nutritional information including protein, saturated fats, sugars content, and calcium, while also looking at added creams and sugars," Ms Atkinson said.
"Almost 60 per cent of the products we looked at contained more than the recommended amount of fat, jumping to 75 per cent with plant-based options that used coconut milk, and more than 60 per cent contained high amounts of sugar, making them more of a dessert and less of a daily offering."
Among the worst offenders were Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt with 10g of fat and 7.1g of saturated fat, and Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean Yoghurt with 13.8g of sugar. Chobani and Yoguri natural yoghurts were the overall winners as they are made with whole ingredients, are often low in sugar and fat, and are high in protein.
Ms Atkinson said Cancer Council WA want people to be clued up on the healthiest yoghurt choices so they can enjoy them regularly.
"Yoghurt has earned its place as a valuable addition to a child's day and offers a wide range of benefits that can support wellbeing. This healthy staple is rich in essential nutrients such as bone-strengthening calcium, brain-boosting protein, and gut-loving probiotics," she said.
"Reduced-fat Greek, natural or plain yoghurts are best as they tend to have less sugar and saturated fat than flavoured varieties. You can then make your own flavoured creations by adding fresh or frozen fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts and seeds.
"We encourage parents who are keen to learn more about healthy alternatives, ideas and inspiration for kids to visit our Packed with Goodness website and book a free session."
| Nutrient | Best | Worst | ||
| All dairy yoghurts | ||||
| Product | Amount/ 100g | Product | Amount/ 100g | |
| Protein | Yopro Danone High Protein Yoghurt No Added Sugar Strawberry 150g | 10g | Yoplait Petit Miam Squeezie Strawberry Yoghurt Pouch | 3.5g |
| Total Fat | · Yoplait Zero French Vanilla Yoghurt · Yoplait Zero Strawberry Yoghurt · Jalna Pot Set Fat Free Natural Yoghurt · Brooklea Natural Pot Set Yogurt 99% Fat Free |
0.1g | Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt | 10g |
| Saturated fat | · Yoplait Zero French Vanilla Yoghurt · Yoplait Zero Strawberry Yoghurt · Jalna Pot Set Fat Free Natural Yoghurt · Brooklea Natural Pot Set Yogurt 99% Fat Free · Yoguri Greek Style Plain High in Natural Protein · Yoguri Greek Style Strawberry Yogurt high in Protein |
0.1g | Jalna Greek Style Natural Yoghurt | 7.1g |
| Sugar | Brownes Dairy Greek Style Natural Yoghurt | 2.5g | Tamar Valley Greek Style Vanilla Bean Yoghurt | 13.8g |
| Calcium | Petit Miam Plain pouch | 342mg | Chobani Strawberry Yoghurt Pouch | 103mg |
| Plant-based yoghurts | ||||
| Protein | Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Plain Thick & Creamy 450g | 6.7g | Nakula Organic Yoghurt Natural Unsweetened 1kg | 0.7g |
| Total fat | Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Hint Of Vanilla 450g | 4.1g | Coyo Organic Coconut Yoghurt Greek | 16g |
| Saturated fat | Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Hint Of Vanilla 450g | 1.3g | Coyo Organic Coconut Yoghurt Greek | 15.2 |
| Sugar | Nakula Organic Yoghurt Natural Unsweetened 1kg | 1g | Cocobella Dairy Free Coconut Yoghurt Vanilla | 6.9g |
| Calcium | · Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Plain Thick & Creamy 450g · Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Hint Of Vanilla 450g · Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurt Hint Of Strawberry 140g |
120mg | All other plant-based yoghurts (except Cocobella Yoghurt Pouch Strawberry) | 0g |
Top suggestions for jazzing up yoghurt
- Mix with chopped banana and freeze in small tubs
- Freeze and make yoghurt bark, yoghurt clusters or yoghurt popsicles
- Add cocoa/cacao and a drizzle of honey
- Make layered yoghurt cups using muesli, seeds and coconut
- Add vanilla and cinnamon
- Pair with tinned fruit
- Add a handful of frozen berries
- Stir in a touch of natural jam or honey
