Greek yogurt is a total diet fad right now, for what reasons, I am unaware. But I totally love greek yogurt and you should too, if you haven’t tried it yet.
Yogurt makes a great snack, part of a balanced meal, or a replacement for dessert. It also has super great probiotic cultures (live bacteria) that is good for your digestive track.
I have a hard time eating regular yogurt because of the texture. It is too runny, and especially don’t like the “fruit” that is usually mixed in.
Greek yogurt is smooth and thick, and really rich. It is thicker then sour cream, but softer then cream cheese. It is strained longer than regular yogurt, which makes it denser. It also concentrates the good for you qualities, which makes it better bang for your buck.
Traditionally, greek yogurt is made with full fat milk and cream, which gives it an ultra high fat content (but makes it ultra yummy.) You can find variety made with 2% or skim milk; it’s just not as thick as whole milk yogurt, but exponentially better than regular yogurt.
Greek yogurt also has more protein per serving then regular yogurt. It is estimated to be around 20 g per serving as opposed to 13g. AND it contains less lactose, so it is easier on the tummy to digest.
You can use greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream and mayonnaise in dips, or crème fraiche in soups. I like to eat yogurt as a snack. It works really well to eat it as a dessert too, since many flavors can be sweet. It’s also yummy to make a savory yogurt by mixing pepper and herbs or salsa in it and eating with vegetables.
There are a few brands out there, most popular is Fage. They are the originators, and I believe the only brand available in the US that is also sold in Greece. They make a 2%, 0% and whole milk varity and come packaged in large or small quart, as well as individual servings. The individual packs also come have ones that come with a small serving of fruit or honey. They are usually around $2.50 each.
Fage totally is worth all the hype and hooplah surrounding this yogurt, it really is THAT good. Espcially the whole milk one, that is incredibly authentic and so delious. One serving packs 300 calories, so it is a treat, but is sitll loaded with protien and the good bacteria.
Voskos is my personal favorite brand. It’s much more affordable, and still has an excellent texture to it. I have had the Honey Vanilla, and Fig, and both are pretty good. The Honey Vanilla is made with vanilla bean, so it has flecks of vanilla in it. Right now they are 10/$10 at Bristol Farms and Pavillions.
Trader Joes makes a brand of greek yogurt, its alright. It reminds me more of the Yoplay Custard style, it’s thicker, but not as creamy as the other brands, and much less tasty.
