Greek Yogurt vs. Regular: What’s the Difference?

I recently discovered – thanks to the world of food blogging – the joys of Greek-strained yogurt.  I remember a friend buying some a few months ago and telling me it was tart and thick.  I thought it just sounded like sour cream.  However, after being a regular fixture in every food blog I read, I picked up some Chobani at my grocery store and fell in love.  The taste, texture, nutrition statistics, mix-ability – to me, Greek yogurt is perfection.  I find myself craving with fruit, dark chocolate pieces, and cereal instead of soft serve.

Taste – Yes, Greek yogurt is tart – but in a good way.  If the plain flavor is too tart for you (in the unlikely event you’re eating it without any mix-ins), drizzle in some honey – problem solved.  Its taste also makes it a great alternative to mayonnaise and sour cream.

Texture – Thick.  Very thick.  The first time I tried the Fage brand, my spoon stood straight up when I stuck it in the middle – awesome.  Even non-fat is super creamy.  Thinking about it, I would compare the texture to thick Cool Whip.  Great, right?  Yes.

Nutrition Stats – Here’s a quick comparison of Fage 0% Plain to Dannon Nonfat Plain

Serving Size: 6 oz, about ¾ cup
Fage 0% Plain Dannon Nonfat Plain

Calories:  90                               Calories:  80
Total Fat:  0g                               Total Fat:  0g
Cholesterol:  0g                         Cholesterol:  5mg
Sodium:  65mg                           Sodium:  120mg
Total Carbs:  7g                         Total Carbs:  12g
Dietary Fiber:  0g                      Dietary Fiber:  0g
Sugars:  7g                                    Sugars:  12g
Protein:  15 g                               Protein:  9g

With only 10 calories difference, Fage has no cholesterol, nearly half the sodium and sugar, and almost double the protein.  I’m pretty sure that speaks for itself.

Mix-ability – I love the flavored yogurts: blueberry, strawberry, honey, and my favorite, peach!  I haven’t tried Stonyfield’s Greek yogurt brand, Oikos, but Chobani has the fruit in the cup already and Fage keeps it in a little sectioned off part of the cup.  Either way – delicious.  Even without manufacturer-added fruits, it is more than simple enough to add your own – berries, bananas, peaches, I’ve even been thinking of apple lately.

And not just fruit – I regularly add Kashi’s Heart to Heart, but granola, rolled oats, coconut, dark chocolate bits, a crumbled Larabar – the possibilities are endless.  With all the possible mix-ins, consider Greek yogurt the Coldstone Creamery of your refrigerator.

I hope that I’ve convinced you to pick up at least one container of Greek yogurt on your next grocery trip.  If not, believe me, it’s your loss.  Be sure to check out all of my Greek yogurt creations on my food blog, Bee’s Eats!

Brynne is a senior at the University of Connecticut, a College Lifestyles™ intern, and a Kappa Alpha Theta.  Her interests include reading, identifying nail polish color by name, and trying every Larabar that exists.