If you find plain yogurt to be bland, tangy, or simply unappealing, don't worry. There are so many ways to make it taste delicious without adding a ton of sugar or unhealthy toppings. As a yogurt bowl lover and recipe tester, I've tried them all. Here's how to make plain yogurt taste good.
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What is the healthiest yogurt?
When it comes to healthy foods, yogurt can be a great choice. I say "can" because it depends what kind of yogurt you buy. When looking for a tasty, yet healthy yogurt, you should always read the label carefully. Here's what to look out for:
- First, take a look at the ingredients list. It should be short and simple, with just milk, active cultures, and maybe some added vitamins. Steer clear if you see long lists and additives.
- Next, keep an eye on the sugar content. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 24 grams of sugar per day for women and 36 grams for men, and some yogurts can have way more than that in just one serving. I recommend choosing yogurts with 10 grams of sugar or less per serving.
- When it comes to fat, it really depends on your personal preference and nutirtional needs. You can use non-fat yogurt and add your own toppings like nut butters or seeds to add more healthy fat. Or, you can choose a higher fat yogurt (between 2 and 5%) if you like a creamier consistency. I mix and match between the two.
- Finally, aim for a yogurt with a minimum of 5 grams of protein per serving. Greek and Skyr tend to have more protein, which will help keep you fuller for longer. More about both those types below!
As long as you follow those guidelines, you're safe to choose any kind of yogurt you like. But, what is the healthiest type yogurt? That depends on your personal preference. Here are a few good options to consider:
- Plain, unsweetened yogurt: Plain yogurt is made by fermenting milk with beneficial bacteria. It's a good source of calcium, protein, and probiotics. It has a thinner consistency than greek yogurt or Skyr.
- Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is made by straining plain yogurt to remove the liquid whey, giving it a thicker and creamier texture. It is typically higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than plain yogurt. It's also a good source of calcium and probiotics.
- Skyr: Skyr is a type of Icelandic yogurt that is made by straining skim milk to remove the whey and then fermenting it with beneficial bacteria to make yogurt. This process results in even thicker and creamier yogurt than Greek. Like plain and Greek, it is also rich in protein, calcium and probiotics. But, it can be slightly lower in calories and fat than Greek.
- Plant-based yogurts: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based diet, there are many options for non-dairy yogurts made from soy, almond, coconut, or other plant-based milks. Plant-based yogurts are typically lower in protein than other yogurts, but can still be a good source of probiotics, fiber and other nutrients. Look for brands that are low in sugar.
Why you should avoid flavoured yogurt
When shopping for yogurt, you may find yourself torn between buying the flavoured variety (I know, it looks delicious!) or going for the unflavoured option (trust me, it can be delicious!). I'm here to convince you that plain is the right choice for your health.
Flavored yogurts are often packed with added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which not only adds sweetness, but also brings along a range of negative health consequences. On the other hand, unflavoured yogurt is made with natural ingredients and is free of added sugars.
Here's exactly why you should avoid the flavoured variety:
- High in added sugars: Flavored yogurts often contain added sugars, which can increase the calorie content and potentially contribute to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- More additives: Many flavoured yogurts contain additives, such as artificial flavors or preservatives, which have been linked to negative health impacts when consumed in large quantities.
- Lower in nutrients: Some flavored yogurts may be lower in nutrients. For example, fruit-flavored yogurts may contain less protein and more carbohydrates than plain yogurt.
- Less beneficial bacteria: Many brands of flavored yogurt contain less beneficial bacteria than plain yogurt. These bacteria cultures improve digestive health and boost immunity. So, the more the better.
So, why wouldn't everyone buy plain yogurt? I'm glad you asked. The taste of plain yogurt can be slightly tart since it's made without added sugar. If you like that taste, great. But, many of us like a little something sweet in our yogurt. Fortunately, it's easy to flavour yogurt at home using natural ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Keep reading for my favourite additions and to learn how to make yogurt taste better.
How to make plain yogurt taste good
If you find plain yogurt to be bland, too tangy, or simply unappetizing, don't worry. There are so many ways to make it taste good without adding a lot of sugar or unhealthy ingredients. Here's how to flavour Greek yogurt, Skyr yogurt, plain yogurt or plant based yogurt. Experiment with the list below to find your favorite way to enjoy plain yogurt.
1. Add natural sweeteners
There are three healthy ways to sweeten a yogurt bowl:
- Add fresh or frozen fruit: Adding fresh fruit, such as berries, bananas, or peaches, can add natural sweetness and flavor to plain yogurt.
- Stir in a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup: Adding a small amount of honey or maple syrup can add sweetness without adding a lot of sugar.
- Use a naturally sweetened jam: find fruit jam that has been naturally sweetened with fruit juice, not refined sugar.
For an even more extensive list, check out my ultimate guide to healthy yogurt topping ideas (+ a FREE printable grocery list).
2. Add textures
Adding texture to yogurt can be an easy and healthy task, and there are countless items to choose from. Here are some of my favourites.
- Naturally sweetened granola or muesli: A grab-and-go topping with a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition. Feel free to try my homemade granolas.
- Nuts and seeds: Some of my favourite toppings in yogurt bowl slivered almonds, pistachios, walnuts, chia, hemp, or flaxseeds. But, whichever variation you choose, you'll be adding nutritional value as well as texture.
- Superfoods: A couple great options are coconut flakes and cocoa nibs.
- Dried fruits: Raisins, figs, and chopped dates add a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness to your yogurt.
For an even more extensive list, check out my ultimate guide to healthy yogurt topping ideas (+ a FREE printable grocery list).
3. Add flavour enhancers
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa powder: Sprinkling plain yogurt with cinnamon or cocoa powder can add a warm, comforting flavor.
- Add a scoop of protein powder: Adding a scoop of protein powder to plain yogurt can increase the protein content and add flavor, without adding a lot of calories.
- Use extracts: Good options include pure vanilla extract, almond extract, or peppermint extract. These are potent, so a little goes a long way.
- Add a dollop of nut butters: Adding a spoonful of nut butter like peanut butter or almond butter to your yogurt bowl can add a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Add a unique twist with ginger or turmeric: Ginger adds a spicy kick, while turmeric adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavour. Both are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Try herbs like mint, basil or rosemary: From cooling to sweet to woody, these herbs can add interesting flavour to your bowl.
For an even more extensive list, check out my ultimate guide to healthy yogurt topping ideas (+ a FREE printable grocery list).
How do you add vanilla flavor to plain yogurt?
If you love vanilla yogurt, but don't want to buy the flavoured variety because it's high in added sugar, I've got you covered. Here are two ways to add that delicious vanilla flavor to your plain yogurt using natural ingredients you already have in your pantry.
- Vanilla extract: Adding half a teaspoon of vanilla extract for every cup of plain yogurt is a simple way to infuse it with sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor. Of course, you can always add more or less to suit your taste buds!
- Vanilla protein powder: Another option is to add vanilla protein powder to your yogurt. Not only will this give your yogurt a delicious vanilla flavor, but it'll also add some extra protein to your diet. Simply mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for every cup of plain yogurt. You can adjust the amount of protein powder up or down based on your personal taste and nutritional goals.
How to build a delicious yogurt bowl
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Start with a yogurt base, then add a natural sweetener, textured ingredients and optionally, flavour enhancers. If you want some inspiration, here are 5 yogurt bowl ideas you can try today.
- Mixed berries, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey for a burst of sweetness and crunch with healthy fats.
- Sliced bananas, granola, and nut butter for a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and protein.
- Mango chunks, coconut flakes, and chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical flavor and plenty of healthy fats.
- Sliced peaches, raspberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting flavor and plenty of nutrition.
- Blueberries, chia seeds, and shredded coconut for a burst of antioxidants, fiber, and tropical flavor.
My go-to yogurt bowl and topping recipes
Check out some of my favourite recipes below.
Similar articles
If you share my love for yogurt and want to learn more, check out some of my other articles below.
Now that you know how to make plain yogurt taste good, I'm excited to see what you create. Tag me on Instagram or share your favourite combinations with me in the comments below.
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