Almond, coconut, oat, and cashew-based yogurts are now available. How can you choose which non-dairy yogurt is best for your tastes? What you want to accomplish with your product will determine this.
According to recent research published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, oat and almond milk yogurts are the most similar to dairy milk yogurts in terms of calories and nutritional richness.
Protein, calcium, and potassium levels were lower in plant-based yogurts compared to conventional dairy yogurts in the same research. Plant-based yogurts, on the other hand, are often lower in sugar and salt and higher in fiber than their dairy-based counterparts.
Consumers have a lot of questions. Is it good for you? Is it not good for you? Co-author and associate professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Alissa A. Nolden, Ph.D., noted that “even within plant-based foods, there is a lot of variability.”
More than 600 yogurts were analyzed for their nutritional profiles using the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index. This tool ranks yogurts according to their nutritional density by assigning a score to each.
Almond yogurt came in first, followed by oat yogurt, low and nonfat dairy, full-fat dairy, cashew yogurt, and coconut yogurt.
Scientists weren’t looking for “the best” plant-based yogurt; instead, they compared hundreds of brands to determine which had the healthiest overall nutritional profile. Sugar, salt, fiber, saturated fat, calcium, protein, iron, potassium, and vitamin D were the only nutrients considered in the research.
Saying one is more nutritious than another is “a little bit outside the study’s objective,” as Nolden put it, since the findings would be different if alternative nutrients were chosen. Oat and almond yogurt are suitable substitutes for dairy yogurt since they share many of the same nutrients.
How to Choose the Right Yogurt
Some individuals consume dairy yogurt because probiotics have been shown to improve gut health and, by extension, immunity. Plant-based yogurts include a wide range of probiotic cultures like their dairy counterparts, according to research published in Nutrients in 2021. While it’s possible that probiotics wouldn’t fare as well in plant-based yogurts, the fermented goods’ probiotics might still benefit the gut microbiota.
According to Colleen Tewksbury, Ph.D., MPH, RD, assistant professor of nutrition science at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, plant-based yogurts are made by employing “good bacteria” during fermentation, much as dairy yogurts.
“The product’s flavor will be affected by the type of bacteria used and the amount,” Tewksbury told Verywell. Even if there may be advantages to each for digestive health, the average American consumes too few probiotics to get those benefits. Therefore, most people may benefit from taking in more of this.
According to recent research, coconut yogurt scored the lowest on the NFR Index, possibly due to its low protein and high saturated fat content.
While the study’s top picks for yogurt were almond and oat varieties, it doesn’t imply they are the only two individuals should look at while perusing the dairy section.
There is nothing intrinsically terrible about some yogurts, but “food is really tied in emotions,” Tewksbury added.
This sort of research cannot be utilized to determine the best yogurt for everyone because of the many factors that come into play when purchasing yogurt, including price, sustainability difficulties, health concerns, and personal taste preferences.
Yogurt made from plants is the only alternative for vegans and vegetarians. However, protein-conscious individuals should remember that plant-based yogurts often contain less protein than their dairy counterparts.
While this research shouldn’t be used to make all yogurt-related choices, it does suggest that you could benefit from taking a closer look at the nutrition label of your favorite yogurt.
Even though they are promoted as replacements or substitutes for the original product, “these products might not contain the same nutrient profile as their conventional product,” Nolden warned.
Why is almond yogurt good for you?
Yogurt with Almond Milk and Vanilla:
The benefits include increased fiber and decreased salt and saturated fat content. There may be more fat overall, but it’s the suitable type. Low-fat vanilla cow’s milk yogurt has more protein and fewer calories than almond milk yogurt.
Is almond milk yogurt better than regular yogurt?
Almond milk yogurt was shown to be the healthiest option when comparing dairy with plant-based yogurts. According to a study by a food science student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, almond milk yogurt has more beneficial nutrients than dairy yogurt.
Why do people prefer almond milk?
The fact that almond milk doesn’t contain lactose has made it a staple in many diets. Almond milk is an excellent substitute for dairy milk for vegans and lactose-intolerant persons. Many people enjoy its nutty flavor.
What does almond milk yogurt taste like?
AlmondBreeze Vanilla Almond Milk Yogurt
This yogurt, made from Blue Diamond Almond Milk, is delicious and all-natural, and it will fulfill your need for a thick and creamy yogurt. It’s delicious since it’s sweet, and the vanilla flavor has a trace of vanilla bean aftertaste.
Is almond milk yogurt healthier?
Overall, almond milk yogurt is shown to be more nutrient-dense than its dairy-based counterpart, according to recent research. Protein, calcium, and potassium are just a few ways dairy milk stands apart. Nutritionists advise taking your dietary requirements into account while making this decision.
What are the health benefits of almond milk?
Here are seven ways in which consuming almond milk might improve your health.
- It’s healthy for you.
- It has a few calories and is healthy.
- In its unsweetened form, almond milk does not affect blood sugar levels.
- There is no dairy in it.
- Almond milk with added calcium and vitamin D could help your bones.
- The possibility of heart disease prevention is increased.
- Vitamin D is abundant in fortified almond milk.