Does Greek Yogurt Have Sugar? (2024)

Why does the nutritional label on plain Greek 
yogurt state there is sugar even when sugar isn’t listed in the ingredient list?

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Any plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar will still list some sugar on the nutritional label, anywhere between 6 and 12 grams, depending on the brand and size of the container. What that represents is the natural sugar found in milk, called lactose. The government does not currently require food manufacturers to differentiate between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars on food labels.

See also Greek Yogurt Berry Ice Pops

Remember this: There are 9 grams of lactose in 8 ounces of plain Greek yogurt. Adjusting for size of container, with 5.3-ounce containers being the most common, that would mean there is 6 grams of lactose in that container of yogurt. So, if you are eating a flavored yogurt, subtract 6 from the total sugars, which will leave you with the amount of added sugar. There are 4 grams of sugar in 1 teaspoon, so do the math to see how many teaspoons of added sugar is in flavored yogurt. We recommend that you use plain Greek yogurt and add your own flavoring with fresh fruit.

Does Greek Yogurt Have Sugar? (2024)

FAQs

Does Greek Yogurt Have Sugar? ›

Any flavored yogurt will have added sweeteners. Fruity flavors of Greek yogurt will include on average 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar per serving. The popular honey flavor won't contain any refined sweeteners, but honey varieties tend to have more grams of sugar per serving than the ones with fruit.

Does Greek yogurt have lots of sugar? ›

Any plain Greek yogurt with no added sugar will still list some sugar on the nutritional label, anywhere between 6 and 12 grams, depending on the brand and size of the container. What that represents is the natural sugar found in milk, called lactose.

Can diabetics eat Greek yogurt? ›

When choosing yoghurt or fromage frais, look at the label and choose unsweetened yogurts, which is more important than low fat options. Many flavoured and fruit yogurts contain added sugar, so choose unsweetened options like plain natural or Greek yogurt which you can top with chopped up fruit.

Is there Greek yogurt without sugar? ›

High Protein Greek Nonfat Yogurt OIKOS

More of what you want, less of what you don't – 0% fat, 0g added sugars* and 0 artificial sweeteners. Plus protein and deliciousness to help you reach your potential.

What is the best yogurt for a diabetic? ›

If you have diabetes, look for Greek yogurt or Icelandic yogurt (also called skyr). During the preparation of these types of yogurt, some of the whey is removed, leaving behind a thick, protein-rich product with fewer carbs than other types of yogurt. They also have lower levels of lactose than other yogurts.

What is the best Greek yogurt with the least sugar? ›

  1. 10 Best Low-Sugar Yogurts.
  2. fa*ge Total 5% Whole Milk Greek Yogurt. ...
  3. Chobani Complete Mixed Berry Yogurt. ...
  4. Siggi's Plain Whole Milk Yogurt. ...
  5. Maple Hill Unsweetened Plain Greek Yogurt. ...
  6. Stonyfield Organic 100% Grass-Fed Plain Greek Yogurt. ...
  7. Wallaby Aussie Greek Whole Milk Strawberry Yogurt.

Does Greek yogurt spike blood sugar? ›

Both types of yogurt are naturally low on the glycemic index (GI), which means they have a lower tendency to spike blood sugar levels relative to other carbohydrate foods.

How much sugar is too much in Greek yogurt? ›

Shoot for less than 25 grams of sugar per cup, but less than 20 grams of sugar per cup is ideal. Hopefully, some of that sugar comes from real fruit. 3) Buy yogurt with real fruit. Yogurt should have real fruit instead of a mix of sugar and food coloring or vegetable juice.

How much does Greek yogurt raise blood sugar? ›

If unsweetened and Greek-style, it's low in carbohydrates and high in protein. This means it won't cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes, like other sources of carbohydrates. There may even be additional benefits for people with diabetes.

Why does Greek yogurt have so much sugar? ›

Greek yoghurt is just yoghurt that has been strained to remove some of the liquid. Any sugar in commercial Greek yoghurt has been ADDED after the yoghurt has been strained.

What is the best yogurt with no sugar? ›

13 Low Sugar Yogurt Options (All Under 5 Grams Of Sugar)
  • Chobani Zero Sugar.
  • Kite Hill Plain Unsweetened Almond Milk Yogurt.
  • Two Good Greek Yogurt.
  • Siggi's Lower Sugar, Lower Calorie Skyr.
  • Siggi's Keto Crunch.
  • Icelandic Provisions Plain Skyr.
  • Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt.
  • Friendly Farms Protein Yogurt.
Jul 7, 2023

Which yogurt has the least sugar? ›

One option you can't go wrong with is plain yogurt, adds dietitian Erin Coffield, RDN. "First, whether you like low-fat, whole milk, Greek or Icelandic, any plain unflavored yogurt will contain zero added sugar," she says. Greek yogurt and Icelandic yogurts also pack more protein, which promotes fullness and satiety.

Is Banana good for diabetes? ›

Bananas have a low GI score, and this the fruit to be an appropriate choice for diabetics. Dietitian Upasana Sharma, Head Nutritionist at Max Hospital says, "Banana contains sugar and carbs. But it is rich in fibre and has a low glycemic index. Diabetics can eat banana, but in moderation."

What not to mix with yogurt? ›

Yogurt is to be avoided with cheese, hot drinks, sour fruits, milk, mangoes, nightshades, beans, eggs, fish. Fat and proteins are mismatched foods as they need different digestive juices. Cheese cannot be paired with eggs, fruits, hot drinks, milk, beans, yogurt.

Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›

Is peanut butter good for people with diabetes? In moderation, eating regular peanut butter (not low-fat) should be fine for people with diabetes. Low-fat peanut butter should be reduced or avoided. This is because the fat content of low-fat peanut butter can be replaced with sugar and result in more carbohydrates.

Does Greek yogurt have more sugar than regular yogurt? ›

Both yogurt and Greek yogurt are sources of probiotics and nutrients. Greek yogurt comes out on top for protein content and has fewer carbs and sugar, while plain yogurt typically provides more potassium and calcium.

What is the healthiest yogurt to eat? ›

While any type of yogurt can fit in a healthy diet, Greek yogurt and skyr (Icelandic yogurt) are the healthiest choices because they tend to be lower in sugar and higher in protein, says registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau.

Is Greek yogurt good or bad for you? ›

The Bottom Line. Greek yogurt contains more protein compared to regular yogurt. It's also a good source of calcium and provides probiotics that are good for your gut health. Choose plain Greek yogurt when you can and add yummy toppings on your own, such as nuts and seeds, fruit or even a few chocolate chips.

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