Thanks to its creamy, smooth texture, Greek yogurt has long been a postworkout and breakfast staple. Depending on the brand, it can provide double (or more!) the protein of conventional yogurts, according to Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., author of Some even have 25 grams of protein. Like regular yogurt, it’s an awesome source of probiotics—Should Runners Always Avoid Ultraprocessed Foods.
But not all Greek yogurts are created equal. In some cases, they can be full of artificial sweeteners, or contain the same amount of sugar as a candy bar. Flavored varieties typically have way, way more than plain yogurt. (We’re talking approximately 26 grams CA Notice at Collection 7 grams for plain.)
And don’t be wary of opting for full-fat Greek yogurt. Whether you’re using it as a healthier alternative to sour cream, adding it to baked goods, or just eating it with fruit and granola—opt for a regular four percent fat Greek yogurt. “For people who say ‘I don’t like Greek yogurt,’ full-fat may be a good place to start,” says Taub-Dix. “It’s creamy and delicious.”
Ultimately, if you haven’t tried them all, you’re due for a taste test. Opt for one of these top dietitian-approved Greek yogurts to add to your prerun breakfast or postrun snack.
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This is a great choice if you’re looking to cut sugar or simply can’t bare the taste of something super sweet so early in the morning. “In general, I find flavored yogurt—Greek or otherwise—to be too sweet, so I generally add a few spoons of flavored yogurt to plain yogurt,” says Taub-Dix. “The result is similar to Chobani Less Sugar yogurt, which provides the same high protein benefit of Greek, without the excessive sugar of other brands.”
This is a great option for smoothies, since you get the protein, calcium, and probiotic benefits of Greek yogurt, says Taub-Dix. Plus, it’s super thick and creamy, which adds a little oomph to your blended drink.
At only 80 calories, 6 grams of sugar, and 15 grams of protein, Oikos makes a perfect balanced snack. “It’s a great hunger squasher,” says Taub-Dix. Add your own fresh fruit and almond butter for a totally satisfying bite.
Stonyfield has a similar nutritional profile to Oikos, but it’s organic. “If that is a certification you’re looking for, then this brand could be your best bet,” says Taub-Dix.
According to Taub-Dix, this one is similar in nutrition to Stonyfield and Oikos, but with 20 extra calories from the vanilla flavoring. For that reason, this one is great if you’re wary of adding Greek yogurt to your diet.
According to Taub-Dix, this one may be less expensive because it’s a store brand—but it has a nutritional profile similar to other leading brands.
This one has 120 calories, 9 grams of sugar, and a whopping 22 grams of protein. “That’s about the amount in three ounces of chicken,” says Taub-Dix.
With 25 grams of protein and four grams of fiber (that the others don’t have), this option will keep you full for hours on end. “It packs a lot into a little container,” says Taub-Dix.
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