Greek yogurt vs. regular low-fat yogurt

[Julie in CA]

What's the difference? I don't mean in terms of nutritional value, but in terms of finicky eating. We are used to regular low-fat (but full-sugar) yogurt, will we like the greek yogurt if I buy it? :bigear:

[Forget-Me-Not]

It depends on the brand, but it's quite a bit thicker than regular yogurt (has a lot of the whey drained off) and it has a much stronger flavor. The first time I purchased it, I wasn't sure that it wasn't spoiled, but I've since had it several times and come to realize that is pretty standard for Greek yogurt.

[dirty ethel rackham]

Greek yogurt is much thicker than ordinary yogurt. I find it much more satisfying - I feel fuller and less likely to want something else. The sugar content will vary, based upon the brand. I don't like overly sweet yogurt as in I cannot justify eating 25 grams of sugar in a 6 oz serving. I don't like plain either, though, and need to dress that up to eat it. I get Trader Joe's flavored Greek Yogurt. My favorite is the Pomegranate flavor which is sweet enough, but only has 11 grams of sugar.

[Matryoshka]

What's the difference? I don't mean in terms of nutritional value, but in terms of finicky eating. We are used to regular low-fat (but full-sugar) yogurt, will we like the greek yogurt if I buy it? :bigear:

 

The Greek yogurt is creamier (even the no-fat) and not as runny - I believe because it has more whey strained out. Yummy yummy!

 

I do buy the plain - I think it's a little less sour than plain "regular" yogurt, but no matter what kind of yogurt I need some sweetener in the plain. I add a bit of stevia and some blueberries; I have a friend who added a touch of honey.

[DarcyB]

We do the touch of honey. I make a mock-greek yogurt at home by just straining a container full of full fat yogurt (I'd rather have the good fat than all the bad sugar added to low fat varieties) in cheese cloth in a strainer over a 4C measuring cup. Within a day or so we have more creamy yogurt. It's not true greek yogurt, but it's close enough for us and less expensive by about $1+ a container, and we go through 3-4 a month.

 

We also add stevia, applesauce, whole fruit preserves, etc. to our yogurts to vary the flavor.

[annabanana1992]

I sprinkle with granola and add fresh berries - yum!

[Saille]

I use the fat-free plain greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and it is the best thing going. It's so good!

 

But yes, as a meal by itself, I eat it with cereal, with fruit and stevia, honey, maple syrup and apples...it's incredibly creamy and filling.

[alpidarkomama]

We love it too! We make our own yogurt, and I even go to the trouble of straining it through a pillowcase for a few hours. Even made with nonfat milk it tastes unbelievably creamy.

[JennyD]

We love it too! We make our own yogurt, and I even go to the trouble of straining it through a pillowcase for a few hours. Even made with nonfat milk it tastes unbelievably creamy.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but I've been thinking of getting a yogurt maker -- any recommendations? (Or do you just use a pot and the pilot light?)

 

The boys and I love the plain Greek yogurt. Not only is it delicious, but I also appreciate that the 2yo is less likely to drip everywhere with it.

[i.love.lucy]

Isn't it also a LOT more protein? Or is that a particular brand I am seeing. My ds isn't a big meat eater, so I appreciate that I can use something like yogurt full of protein that he will gobble up!

[HeathenMom]

the plain stuff is similar to sour cream in taste. i eat it every day and add a scoop of flavored whey protein and walnuts, deee-lish! the whey protien cuts down on the natural sour-ish-ness.

 

Greek Gods makes a honey flavored one that is higher in sugar than the plain, but outstandingly good. my kids won't eat regular yogurt at all anymore, the Greek Gods have spoiled them.

[sbgrace]

Isn't it also a LOT more protein? Or is that a particular brand I am seeing. My ds isn't a big meat eater, so I appreciate that I can use something like yogurt full of protein that he will gobble up!

Ours is. We switched a couple of years ago for protein but we prefer Greek now. It's thicker and more satisfying. The kids didn't seem to blink on the switch but at first I wasn't sure. We do flavored.

[Hedgehog]

Greek yoghurt can have up to 1.5 times as much protein as ordinary yoghurt, and between 2 and 5 times as much fat.

 

That doesn't worry me too much. Less of it fills me up, and it has less sugar. Two spoonfuls of Greek yoghurt with a few blueberries or chopped strawberries.. yum. :drool:

[alpidarkomama]

Not to hijack the thread, but I've been thinking of getting a yogurt maker -- any recommendations? (Or do you just use a pot and the pilot light?)

 

I just heat a gallon of milk to near boiling and let it cool to room temperature. Then you stir in your culture (I buy bulk culture from Dairy Connection OR you can use 1/4 cup plain yogurt from the store). I wrap my pot in a blanket and place it in an oven that has been heated up then turned off. 8-10 hours later it's done. I pour it into a cut-off pillowcase and let about 2 quarts of whey drain off. YUM YUM YUM!