Grocery shopping is no easy task—at least if you want to keep things (fairly) healthy and not blow your budget. We hear ya. And that's why we're starting a new series called Greatist-Approved Groceries. We're checking out all the products out there (and there are tens of thousands of 'em) and narrowing them down to the ones we think are worth buying so you can get in and out of the store faster. With the help of Elizabeth Jarrard, R.D., we came up with a set of standards to figure out what's best. Every item must:
- Contain only recognizable ingredients
- Have no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners (stevia and monk fruit are OK)
- Never list sugar as the first ingredient
- Have a reasonable serving size
- Taste absolutely amazing
- Cost a reasonable price
We're starting with what is likely many people's favorite supermarket aisle: ice cream and other frozen desserts. Yep, these treats can definitely fit into a healthy lifestyle (so long as you don't have a pint every night, naturally). In addition to the standards above, the ones on this list have no more than 15 ingredients and no more than two types of sugars.
Frozen Yogurt
Editor's note: For more on our standards, see the end of the list. Ice creams are listed in alphabetical order.
Ice Cream
That’s right: Ben and Jerry’s actually offers healthier ice cream options, though they are pretty sparse. Go nuts over this pint packed with whole, roasted pistachios rather than tiny pieces. It's a bit mellower in nutty taste than others on the market (more like vanilla with pistachios), but we appreciate that it's not artificially colored green. $4.89
Also try: vanilla
For those who want their produce and ice cream organic, there's Julie's. This ice cream is free of hormones, pesticides, chemical additives, and GMOs—because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know you don't need that for a creamy scoop. The flavor is sweet but more 'natural' than others. $3.99
Also try: blackberry and vanilla
This dessert delivers on its name—bliss, for those who love cherry amaretto. The coconut milk ice cream is super soft and creamy, with just the right touch of almond. Though it costs a pretty penny (it's organic and vegan, after all) and we wish there was a tad more cherry, we love that this ice cream contains only six ingredients. $6.29
Also try: cappuccino, chocolate hazelnut fudge, chocolate peanut butter, dark chocolate, mint galactica, mocha maca crunch, naked coconut, pineapple coconut, and vanilla island
Why settle for an iced latte when you can have ice cream made with fair-trade coffee? Cashews lend the rich consistency you expect from frozen desserts, so both dairy-free eaters and those who regularly consume cow's milk will be pleased. A touch of cinnamon will keep you coming back for more. $5.49
Also try: coconut milk cherry armaretto, choccolate, coconut, mint chip, strawberrry and vanilla bean; cashew milk creamy cashew
When vanilla chip seems so last year, try this twist. It's chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips and a hint of orange “flair,” as they call it. We call it citrusy but not overwhelming, and we really liked how it has bits of chocolate rather than chips, which can be a bit too hard and big. $4.99
Also try: bittersweet chocolate, cardamom, Madagascar vanilla, mint confetti, mocha difference, strawberry, and vanilla chocolate chip
Almost all of Turkey Hill's 'all natural' flavors pass our test (butter almond and chocolate is the exception). They don't even add any gums to their butter pecan, making it like grandma did. We're sure she'd approve of this sweet, crunchy stuff too. $4.99
Also try: Belgian style chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, homemade vanilla, mint chip, salted caramel, vanilla bean, vanilla bean and chocolate, and vanilla fudge
The use of fair-trade coffee and cane sugar means that the farmers and workers who harvested and processed those ingredients work in fair environments and receive proper wages. If that's not reason enough to put it in your cart, know that the coffee flavor is as smooth as your morning sip. $5.99
Also try: chocolate and mint chocolate chip
Gelato, Sorbet, and Frozen Yogurt
There's nothing more disappointing than digging your spoon into chocolate chip ice cream and surfacing sans chocolate. Which is we love that there are thin bits (not chips) of the good stuff throughout this creamy gelato. Other benefits: You can scoop it right away (no waiting for it to defrost some first), and the ingredient list is simple. (Note that Talenti adds dextrose, a sweetener slightly less sweet than sugar, to its gelatos.) $4.99
![Non Dairy Frozen Yogurt Brands Non Dairy Frozen Yogurt Brands](https://fruitofadventure.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/almonddreamyogurts.jpg?w=630)
Also try: Belgian milk chocolate, black cherry, black raspberry chocolate chip, caramel apple pie, Caribbean coconut, chocolate peanut butter cup, coffee chocolate chip, double dark chocolate, hazelnut chocolate chip, Mediterranean mint, old world eggnog, peppermint bark, raspberries and cream, Sicilian pistachio, simply strawberry, Tahitian vanilla bean, and tiramisu
Because it has no gums added, it's best to let this sit and thaw for a few minutes before digging in. Your patience will be rewarded with an uber creamy, subtly chocolate gelato with a ribbon of salty peanut butter throughout (meaning you'll get just the right amount of PB in every bite). $4.99
Also try: chocolate chocolate chip, coffee chip, mint chocolate chip, peach mango, and purely vanilla
Whole Fruit Mango Sorbet
First ingredient: mango puree. And it's incredibly creamy, with a consistency like ice cream. Giving us 25 percent of our daily vitamin A ain't bad either, though the taste may be too sweet for some. Annatto—a natural coloring from the seeds of the achiote tree—keeps spoonfuls bright. $4.29
Also try: strawberry
Ice Cream Bars and Popsicles
Chloe's Soft Serve Fruit Co. Soft Serve Fruit Pop Raspberry
All you need is three ingredients to make a popsicle—at least that's all Chloe needs. Fruit, water, and organic cane sugar come together for an icy treat that's full of flavor. $3.99
Also try: all of their flavors
Coconut Bliss likes to keep things simple when it comes to ingredients. These bars are coconutty without being overwhelming thanks to little bits of coconut throughout. Sweetened with agave, they are super creamy rather than icy courtesy of coconut milk and cream. But they might bust your budget if you like them too much. $6.29
Also try: café latte, dark chocolate, and strawberry love
Vegans can have their ice cream on a stick too. But everyone will love this coconut milk ice cream coated in chocolate and dotted with almonds. A little crunch, a little sweet, and a whole lotta yum! $4.99
We love Greek yogurt—which is why we're disappointed by products that have the words on the label yet don't contain any trace of the good stuff. These bars are the real deal, with six grams of protein per 80-calorie stick, and a natural chocolate flavor that makes them ideal for dessert. But what is maltodextrin? Derived from corn, potato, or rice, it's another thickening agent. $4.99
There's not one drop of added sugars in these Paleo-friendly snacks. Instead it's a blend of pineapple, grape, and pear with a kick of ginger (but not too much thanks to the sweet fruit), plus chia seeds for some texture. Cavemen will envy you. $5.99
Also try: apple crisp, blueberry pomegranate, chocolate passion, green passion, orange mango, and strawberry passion
Don't worry, these don't taste like eating frozen broccoli out of the bag. Sink your teeth into a tangy tropical blend of butternut squash, pineapple juice, passion fruit juice, sweet potato, and mango, with more probiotics per ounce than Greek yogurt. You're also naturally consuming 20 percent of your daily recommended vitamin A, which plays a role in immunity, eye health, and cell growth. Try finding that in a rocket pop. Rather than using a gum to help the popsicles stick together, Ruby Rocket's uses vegetable glycerin. $4.99
Also try: celestial cherry, galaxy green, gravity grape, orbit orange, planetary pink lemonade, and rock-it red
Methodology
We originally started looking for treats with no more than 10 ingredients, but we had trouble finding more than plain ol' vanilla or chocolate. And we all know you need more flavor options than two! We also discovered that the vast majority of ice creams and popsicles add some type of stabilizer or thickener so your treat tastes its best. Don't be scared off by these ingredients:
![Dairy Dairy](https://bemyshopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/821342-600x600-A-2.jpg)
acacia gum (or gum arabic): The sap of the acacia tree is a bit of a jack of all trades: It thickens, stabilizes, emulsifies, and lends texture to food products, plus it's a source of fiber.
carrageenan: This thickener and stabilizer is derived from Irish moss, which is a seaweed. While carrageenan has been said to be carcinogenic, more research has shown that this isn't true.Food additive carrageenan: Part II: A critical review of carrageenan in vivo safety studies. Weiner ML. Critical reviews in toxicology, 2014, Jan.;44(3):1547-6898.The tricky thing about carrageenan is that the number of human studies has been limited, and it's hard to extrapolate animal research to humans. Some human in vitro research suggests it can cause inflammation, but the World Health Organization considers it a safe food additive, so we're eating it (in moderation).
guar gum:Guar is an Indian legume; the gum is used as a thickener.
locust (or carob) bean gum: Made from the seeds of the carob tree (which is actually a legume), this one is both a thickener and a stabilizer.Locust bean gum: Exploring its potential for biopharmaceutical applications. Dionísio M, Grenha A. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 2012, Oct.;4(3):0975-7406.
pectin: A staple for people who make their own jams and jellies, this thickener comes from fruit.
soy lecithin: Another emulsifier, this one is basically fat from, you guessed it, soybeans. The amount in a frozen treat is safe, as long as you aren't allergic.
xanthan gum: Made by fermenting sugar with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, this thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer is used in ice cream to prevent ice crystals and keep the texture creamy.
In 2007 Tom started Socially Responsible Food Group Inc. after more than two decades on the front lines of food industry management. Socially Responsible Food Group was founded on the philosophy of healthy products for consumers made from local ingredients. Tom has developed and brought to market the SmoothEZe and Summit Premium brands with current distribution throughout the world. Today, besides developing high quality products and market introductions, he offers his years of food service experience and consults clients on all aspects of restaurant development, from idea to conception. In 2017 Tom partnered with Blue Diamond Almonds and began co-branding Summit Premium Almond Milk Yogurt made with Blue Diamond Almonds.
After hundreds of grand openings and multiple product launches, Tom has perfected the art of working calmly and effectively in the most demanding conditions.
Specialties: Our assignments have included every aspect of the food business from developing new formulas and recipes, to advising on production, packaging and distribution, providing co-packing and private label solutions, to setting up the right internal systems to support growth and long-term success. We offer proven results in restaurant & cafe development, restaurant remodels and remakes, menu creation, architecture & interior design, tax, financial & accounting issues, training of employees and staff.
Lactose, Sugar, Gluten, Fat are common ingredients in Greek yogurt. However, there are those that cannot or do not prefer this due to choices or allergies. Find out Greek yogurt brands that are low/ free in lactose sugar, gluten, fat and GMO.
Dairy, Lactose & Sugar Free Greek Yogurt
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Does Greek yogurt have lactose or is it lactose free? Is Greek yogurt dairy free? These are the kind of questions vegans, those with allergies to lactose and diabetics are likely to ask before shopping. However, dairy, lactose and sugar are the most important components of Greek yogurt that make it stand out as rich, thick, creamy and delicious than other dairy products. The good news is, you can still enjoy Greek yogurt whether dairy, lactose or sugar free.
Dairy and Lactose Free Greek Yogurt
Does Greek yogurt have lactose or is it lactose free?
It is hard to find Greek yogurt that is entirely free of lactose. Therefore, Greek yogurt does contain lactose. During straining some of it is lost along with the whey. The liquid part contains most of the lactose.
Nonfat plain Greek yogurt contains less than 4 grams of lactose per 6-ounce serving. This is more than half of what regular nonfat yogurt contains, which is about 14 grams per 6 ounces. In comparison, milk contains about 11 grams of lactose per cup.
This qualifies Greek yogurt as a low lactose dairy product. Besides that, the live active cultures (probiotics) inside Greek yogurt will help digest the lactose for you. Studies have shown that probiotics can lessen the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Is Greek yogurt dairy free?
Greek yogurt is not dairy free. Lest it is the vegan type made from other food products free of dairy products such as soy, coconut and almond. This is ideal for vegans, those with allergies to dairy products and those on restricted diets.
Why a lactose and dairy free Greek yogurt?
All natural dairy products contain the milk sugar lactose, which your body has to break down before you can absorb it. Those with lactose intolerance can benefit better with Greek yogurt because most of the lactose is lost during the straining process.
Most people who have lactose intolerance can eat yogurt without suffering the unpleasant effects. The good bacteria found in Greek yogurt helps break down the lactose for you.
Dairy lactose free Greek yogurt brands
Dairy free yogurt is also lactose free as lactose is a component of milk. However, those that are lactose free do not necessarily have to be dairy free. Here is a list of lactose free Greek yogurt brands recommended for you.
- Plain:
– So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk
– Liberté Plain 0% Lactose Free - Flavored:
– Yoplait Lactose Free Vanilla
– Yoplait Lactose Free Cherry
Yoplait lactose free Greek yogurt and other brands
Yoplait have found a way of letting everyone in into their delicious treats. They have come up with lactose free Greek yogurt varieties in four different flavors that will make you feel good about dairy in no time- cherry, vanilla, peach and strawberry.
Low & No or Sugar Free Greek Yogurt
Sugar free Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt without sugar)
Sugar Free Greek yogurt is a great alternative to Regular sugar free yogurt. It is thick, creamy and comes with loads of other health benefits. Sugar free Greek yogurt offers just about the same amount of calories as regular yogurt.
Low sugar Greek yogurt
Low sugar Greek yogurt has less sugar and more protein than regular yogurt. The lowest amount of sugar that one can find in Greek yogurt is 9 grams- dannon Oikos Greek yogurt, while the highest is 20 grams especially the low fat varieties.
Best sugar free Greek yogurt
All yogurts contain some sugar in the form of lactose (milk sugar), so you’ll never find a brand that’s entirely sugar-free. As a general rule, look for yogurts with less than 15g of sugar per container, and a sugar-to-protein level of about 1:1.( eati2beatit.com)
Best low sugar Greek yogurt
Chobani Plain
251kJ / 10.2g protein / 4.2g carbs / 3.8g sugars / 0g fat / 114mg calcium
With just a couple of ingredients, almost 0 sugars and 10+g of protein per 100g, you cannot go wrong with the US’s No 1 yoghurt. The only issue is that its strong flavour often sees individuals adding sugar (which kind of defeats the purpose) so to keep the positive nutritional attributes, use vanilla or cinnamon to sweeten instead.
Black Swan Vanilla Bean Greek Style Natural
Per 100g
410kJ / 7.7g protein / 13g carbs/ 6.5g sugars / 1.5g fat / 233mg calcium
With No Added Sugar, probiotics, lactose free and a massive 230mg calcium per serve Black Swan is a great choice in yoghurt. The protein content of Black Swan is a little lower than some other Greek style yoghurts but apart from that, it is still a very strong product nutritionally.
Is Greek Yogurt Gluten Free?
Does Greek yogurt have gluten? Most Greek yogurt brands are gluten free. This however does not make going through the list of ingredients less important.
“However, the flavorings and sweeteners used in commercially available yogurt aren’t always gluten-free. In addition, even plain yogurt you buy in stores can be subject to gluten cross-contamination that makes it unsafe for those of us with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.” (Celiacdisease.about.com)
Gluten Free Greek Yogurt and Brands
In its pure form, yogurt is gluten free.
Is chobani Greek yogurt gluten free?
Chobani Greek yogurt products are made 100% gluten free certified by the Gluten Free certification organization. You should try their range of products for a guilt free treat.
Here are some other commonly available gluten free brands in the US market.
- Cabot Greek style yogurt
- Dannon Oikos Greek yogurt
- Fage yogurt (all brands)
What is the Best Free Gluten Greek Yogurt
To find out, go through the label of ingredients or call the manufacturer if you have to, to ascertain whether the product you want to buy is gluten free or not. If you are uncertain about manufactured Greek yogurt products, make your own Gluten free Greek yogurt at home.
Best Plain, Low Fat, Nonfat or Fat Free Greek Yogurt Nutrition & Brands
How do Plain, Low fat and fat free (nonfat) Greek yogurts differ?
Plain yogurt
This is the most natural yogurt made by fermenting pasteurized milk. Plain yogurt has about 130 calories per cup. It can be fat free but most of the times have at least 7 grams of total fat. It is usually packed with very essential amino acids. Depending on the formulation, a serving of plain yogurt has 250-450 mg of calcium. It actually has the richest calcium of the yogurt varieties. Some are also fortified with vitamin D which is very important in absorption of the calcium. The fat content can vary depending on thr type of milk used.
Unlike low fat or non fat varieties, plain yogurt can help control weight as it is packed with protein which slows digestion and makes you satisfied for longer hours.
Low fat yogurt
Low fat yogurt is made by fermenting low fat milk or skimmed milk. It is low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients and probiotics. It has about 12 grams of protein per serving providing the necessary amino acids important in body building.
Some low-fat yogurt varieties contain added sugar or flavor that can make it a less healthy option than plain yogurt. Adding fresh fruit to plain yogurt is generally a better option than eating yogurt with added fruit plus sweeteners.
If you want your yogurt to be a bit sweeter, you can add a small amount of honey, molasses or maple syrup to it. However, keep in mind that these sweeteners also contain calories and natural sugars, so you should only use them in moderation.
Plain Greek Yogurt Nutrition
Plain Greek style yogurt has less sugar and more protein than regular yogurt. Regular yogurt however provides twice the calcium needed for bone strengthening. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Plain Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier due to the straining process that removes the liquid part- whey.
What is the best plain Greek Yogurt?
Yogurt is best eaten plain. Here are some of the best plain Greek yogurt brands
- Fage total 2%
- Fage 0%
- The Greek gods Traditional Greek yogurt
- Yoplait plain 0% Greek yogurt
- Fage total
- Chobani Plain non fat Greek yogurt
- Olympus Plain low fat yogurt
- Cabot Plain Greek yogurt
Nonfat Greek Yogurt Nutrition– Calories in fat free Greek yogurt and Best brand
Plain non fat Greek yogurt is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are a good source of protein and calcium.
Calories | 100 |
Total fat | 0g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 70mg |
Total carbohydrate | 7g |
Sugars | 7g |
Protein | 18g |
Calcium | 20% |
Vitamin C | 0% |
Best Low Carb Greek Yogurt Brands
Is Greek yogurt low carb?
Greek yogurt is low in carbohydrates which is ideal for those on low carb diets. A 6 ounce serving of fat-free, plain Greek yogurt contains only 7 grams of carbohydrates. That’s half as much as regular yogurt and a quarter of the carbohydrates you’d get from sweetened yogurts.
The straining process which is the most important step in making Greek yogurt removes some of the carbohydrates which is a plus for diabetics on a carb watch. When looking to buy Greek yogurt, always make it a priority to check for the carbohydrate content since it accounts for sugar.
With many nonfat Greek yogurts weighing in at about 7 to 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it’s easy to integrate them into a meal or as a between-meals snack.
Low carb Greek yogurt brands
Finding low carb Greek yogurt brands can sometimes be difficult. Most of them are made low calorie, low fat and high carb content. Some of those that are said to be low carb do not meet up with these qualities hence you should read the nutritional fact sheet very carefully.
- Vosko Greek style yogurt
- Chobani Greek yogurt
- Oikos Organic Greek
- Fage total 2%
- Lowest carb Greek yogurt
Non GMO Greek Yogurt
Is there GMO free Greek Yogurt?
Organic yogurt is Free of artificial growth hormones and is made from cows that are not fed on non inflammatory GMO corn and soy. Plain organic Greek yogurt can be tricky to find making the best option- home made Greek yogurt from grass fed cows. Here are two Greek yogurt that are said to be non GMO or GMO free.
- So Delicious CulturedCoconut Milk Yogurt
- Brown Cow Non-GMO 0% Fat Greek Yogurt
Suggested Further Reading -more Greek Yogurt Information
Non Dairy Yogurt Brand List
“I wish I could go out for a frozen yogurt,” were words that left my lips just a few days ago. Not a sorbet, a real creamy, soft serve frozen yogurt. It was a foreshadowing moment; within 24 hours, on August 8th 2013, I received word that TCBY had partnered with Silk to launch the nation’s first dairy-free frozen yogurt. I was online in seconds to find out if there was a TCBY in my local area, and as luck would have it, there was!
Tony, Kylie and I made the short trek yesterday – yes, the gummy bear topping is definitely our resident teen’s fro yo – and were all presently surprised by this delicious chocolate almond milk treat. Kylie, who can have dairy and has very recent memories of dairy ice cream, couldn’t believe her taste buds. “I expected it to taste weird, but it is really, really good.” Tony and I concurred, this fudgsicle-like dairy-free frozen yogurt is worth a return trip. As expected, it was lighter than ice cream, almost like a spoonable frosty, but still rich and luxurious. The spot-on chocolate soft serve flavor had notable hints of almond for a perfect compliment.
The shop owners at our local Reno TCBY, Vince & Marlene, were actually onsite that day, and were extremely accommodating with all of our questions. Here are some of the details:
Is it soy-free? Yes! The new flavor is an almond milk-based chocolate, created by Silk. It is not only a dairy-free frozen yogurt, but also soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Dairy free also means lactose-free, so this is a great option for lactose intolerant frozen yogurt lovers.
What about the probiotics? Like all TCBY flavors, the dairy-free frozen yogurt has 7 live and active cultures. Perhaps this is why my tummy still felt tame even after devouring the monster serving (and we got smalls!).
Is it really dairy-free? The equipment is thoroughly sanitized between batches, so you shouldn’t get any dairy-filled frozen yogurt in your sundae, unless there is one in the partner dispenser that you opt to have swirled in. Vince opted to keep the entire section dairy-free, with the option to swirl in a sorbet frozen yogurt! Ingenious really.
Dairy Free Yogurt Brands
Is it safe for severe milk allergies? What about cross-contamination? Alas, TCBY does serve dairy frozen yogurt, and they don’t currently have plans for a dedicated dairy-free machine (request it!), so cross-contamination is a real possibility. As mentioned, they do fully clean the machines between batches, but the risk for trace amounts of dairy still exists, particularly if there is a dairy option in the neighboring flavor. Encourage your local TCBY to park their dairy-free sorbet next to the Silk Chocolate Almond, when serving, but still be aware that it still may not be safe for severe, life-threatening milk allergies. Though I do have a casein (milk protein) allergy myself, I can tolerate trace amounts without concern. Which is the best youtube downloader and converter. Neither Tony nor Kylie has a dairy issue, but their tummies still appreciate this dairy-free frozen yogurt.
Will it be available every day? Since many shop owners have a limited number of machines (the Reno store could only dish up 6 different options at once), the Silk Chocolate Almond may rotate out of the line-up at times. Call ahead or check online (many of the stores post their current flavors) if you don’t want to chance a trip. That said, they will pack any leftovers into pints available in the cold case, and plan to feature the dairy-free frozen yogurt often.
Are there dairy-free toppings? Toppings are up to your local TCBY, so they may vary by location. All should have a good selection of fruits, nuts, and candies. They do not keep a list of ingredients for toppings online, so inquire locally about which toppings are dairy-free, there may be a few surprises!
Will there be more dairy-free frozen yogurt flavors? We hope! Vince said he is pushing for a vanilla, and it sounds like there may be some talk about additional flavors, if the demand is there. He also wants to see a hard-pack option. The Reno TCBY store, like many others, has a hard-pack section that costs just $1.49 per scoop.
The bottom line is: Go, buy it! The more the demand the more likely that they may come out with other dairy-free frozen yogurt flavors and keep a permanent place for a non-dairy and vegan option. I know our household will be supporting this new dairy-free frozen yogurt with our dessert allowance. See the TCBY Website for a store locator.
Special Sweepstakes
To promote their new dairy-free frozen yogurt endeavor, TCBY and Silk have announced “The Perfect Match” campaign on social media, complete with a sweepstakes! Fans are encouraged to join in the celebration by posting to social media, utilizing the #TCBYPerfectMatch hashtag, and by entering the “You + Beach = The Perfect Match” sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip for two to a Caribbean destination of their choice, including airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, and $500 spending cash. The sweepstakes will run through August 22nd, 2013. In addition to the Caribbean getaway, weekly winners will receive iPad Minis and daily winners will receive $25 TCBY gift cards. More information is available via The Perfect Match Facebook app.