Is Greek Yoghurt Actually Good for You?

Whether you mix it with smoothies, add it to a dip, use it for overnight oats, or even just enjoy it by itself, Greek yoghurt is a super versatile ingredient that you can incorporate into your daily diet in many different yummy ways. 

Greek yoghurt differs from other yoghurts because it goes through a straining process to remove the whey, a liquid that contains lactose. Because lactose is a natural sugar, strained Greek yoghurt is lower in sugar than regular yoghurt, and removing the whey produces a thicker, creamier yoghurt with a tart taste.

So, many have asked the question: is Greek yoghurt actually “good” for you? We asked the experts for their take on this popular snack and breakfast food.

Is Greek yoghurt good for you?

Yoghurt, in general, contains probiotics and calcium which are great for gut health, bone health, and heart health, says nutritionist Melissa Prest. “Lower sugar options are better options for most people,” she adds, “and Greek yoghurt is thicker than regular yoghurt and tends to be higher in protein and usually lower in sugar.”

All the good stuff in Greek yoghurt

While the following nutrients and vitamins may be present in most Greek yoghurts you’ll find in the grocery store, keep in mind that low or no-fat options may not share the same health benefits as traditional Greek yoghurt.

Here’s what nutritional experts know about Greek yoghurt and all the good stuff inside:

High in protein

Compared to regular yoghurt, Greek yoghurt has fewer carbohydrates and almost double the protein, says Prest. By removing the excess liquid whey and lactose (or natural sugars), a higher protein product is created. For example, the home brand Greek style yoghurt at Woolworths contains 6g of protein in a 100g serving. “Protein helps carry oxygen throughout our body; it builds, repairs and maintains muscle mass — and may aid in satiety at mealtime,” says dietitian nutritionist Keri Gans.

Good source of calcium

Greek Yoghurt is also a good source of calcium with 100g of our Woolworths home brand Greek style yoghurt containing 153 mg, which is about 15% of the recommended dietary intake for calcium. “Calcium is important in the diet as it helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth, as well as aid in blood clotting, muscle contractions, and nerve functions,” Gans said.

Probiotics

Thanks to its probiotics content, Greek yoghurt is great for gut health. If your Greek yoghurt contains “live and active cultures,” then it contains probiotics, explains Gans. “Probiotics may help balance a person’s gut microbiome and promote digestive health.” One study found that yogurt consumption was associated with reduced visceral fat mass and positive changes in gut microbiome. In addition to probiotics, Greek yoghurt also contains magnesium, vitamin B12, and iodine, adds Prest.

How to use Greek yoghurt in meals

Greek yoghurt can be enjoyed solely on its own as a snack, or breakfast, with fruit and/or nuts, or added to a smoothie, says Gans. Try this Grilled Figs With Smashed Berry Yoghurt treat, which is particularly yummy!

There are also some easy ways to substitute Greek yoghurt for similar ingredients. For example. you can use it instead of mayonnaise in a tuna, chicken, or egg salad, Gans suggests. “Greek yoghurt can also be added to a salad dressing to make it creamier.”