The best and most popular yoghurts in Australia 2018

Main types of yoghurt

With yoghurt being as popular as it is, there's a huge market for multiple flavours and types of yoghurt that all have different pros and cons and cater for various diets. There are numerous types of yoghurt on the market and there are too many to sit and list. However, here are the main kinds of yoghurt that are definitely important to note and also the most popular:

Traditional Yoghurt

Traditional yoghurt has been an incredibly popular and expanding product over the years. It can now be purchased from varying brands and in different flavours. Because of this, you’ll always want to check labels for each type of yoghurt you’re looking at buying, as the sugar, fat and important nutrient information will be different for all yoghurts. Traditional yoghurts containing fruit will always have a higher kilojoule level, but you'll want to look out for those containing processed sugar as this is obviously not part of a healthy diet.

The liquid commonly found on the top of yoghurt is known as whey and is a significantly good form of calcium that you’ll want to mix back into it.

Greek Yoghurt

The difference between traditional yoghurt and Greek yoghurt lies in the way the product is processed. Traditional yoghurt is strained twice whereas Greek yoghurt is strained three times, which produces a thicker texture. However, during this straining process the whey is removed and the dairy amount in Greek yoghurt is lessened. Yet it still contains a larger amount of protein and probiotics, continuing to make it a good option. You'll always need to check labels to find out what cultures they have though, as these vary from brand to brand.

Low-fat yoghurt

Low-fat yoghurt is created using a process similar to traditional yoghurt. The main difference is that the yoghurt is fermented from low-fat, fat-free or skim milk rather than full-cream milk. Therefore, the kilojoule intake from the resulting yoghurts is significantly lower than traditional yoghurts due to their low-fat nature. If you’re trying to lose weight or embrace a healthier diet, look towards low-fat or fat-free yoghurts.

Lactose-free yoghurt

Lactose-free yoghurts are those that have had an enzyme added in order to break down the lactose into simple sugars. This is the type of yoghurt that those with a lactose intolerance tend to steer towards as it allows them to digest the product more easily. However, if you are lactose-intolerant you needn't restrict yourself to lactose-free labelled yoghurts as there are other options such as soy yoghurt made from soy milk and coconut yoghurt made from coconuts.

Health benefits of yoghurt

Is yoghurt healthy?

Predominantly, yes. Yoghurt is packed with a number of nutrients including calcium and protein as well as B vitamins and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus and magnesium that all promote healthier living. Yoghurt is packed with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help preserve yoghurt and make it tastier. In addition to this, the probiotics assist the digestive system and are also linked to improving and strengthening our immune systems. As a whole yoghurt is healthy for you, but it does vary. How healthy it is depends on the specific product. This all comes down to the type of yoghurt, whether it’s full or low fat, if it contains fruit or processed sugar, as well as other factors.

Which yoghurt is healthiest?

Your best bet when it comes to a healthier yoghurt option is a non-fat or low-fat yoghurt. As well, you want to avoid those with added sugar. Whilst yoghurt naturally contains some sugar, multiple brands and companies add large amounts of simple sugars in order to create a sweeter taste. If you’re wanting to lock down one type of yoghurt that's typically the healthiest, your best bet is plain yoghurt. However, it’s fair to say that this can be a little, well, plain for some. You can try adding a small amount of honey or fruit in order to make it a bit more tasty and interesting.

Frequently asked questions

Is yoghurt a probiotic?

Yoghurt itself contains probiotics. It's a product of fermented milk created through souring and thickening milk with probiotics. The two main probiotics added to yoghurt are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus as well as some other probiotics that depend on the yoghurt. The reason these are so beneficial to your diet is the fact that they assist in maintaining a balance of bacteria that work to boost your immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.

Is yoghurt lactose-free?

Traditional yoghurt itself is not lactose free and neither is Greek yoghurt. Those who struggle to break down lactose experience variations in the amount of dairy they can eat. Yoghurt and cheese are easier for those with a low tolerance to lactose but there are lactose-free options for those wishing to avoid the lactose completely. Whilst you can purchase lactose-free yoghurts you also have the options of soy, almond and coconut yoghurt.

Is yoghurt vegan?

Just like lactose-free yoghurt, traditional yoghurt, including cow, goat and sheep yoghurt is not vegan but there are still options for those who choose a vegan diet. Vegan yoghurt is still filled with probiotics and therefore contains the same benefits as traditional yoghurt for your health, immune system and digestive system. Soy, almond and coconut yoghurts do tend to be vegan.