What is the healthiest yogurt for weight loss? Grab a spoon and find out!
- 9 Minute Read
Have you ever stared at the dairy case, wondering which yogurt is the healthiest for weight loss? Is it Greek? Icelandic? French? Australian? We will help you sort through the options and learn which type aligns best with your goals.
Key Takeaways
- The healthiest yogurts for weight loss will be high in protein and low in fat and added sugar.
- Skyr and Greek yogurt are top choices because their thick texture and higher protein content keep you satisfied and full for longer.
- Reading nutrition labels for protein, added sugar, and portion size is crucial in picking a yogurt that truly supports your weight-loss goals.
What is the healthiest yogurt for weight loss?
Skyr and Greek yogurt stand out as the healthiest yogurt for weight loss thanks to their impressive protein content, which helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance while you're in a calorie deficit.
Compared to regular yogurt, these strained varieties are thicker and more satisfying, making them a smart choice for meals or snacks. Opting for low-fat or nonfat versions can keep calorie counts in check without sacrificing much in taste or nutrition. Choosing plain or unsweetened varieties is also key, as flavored options often contain added sugars that can quickly add up.
What are the main types of yogurt?
Traditional yogurt
This classic yogurt starts with heating milk and letting it ferment with bacteria. You can find regular yogurt made from nonfat, reduced-fat, or whole milk. Standard yogurt contains a modest amount of protein — roughly 6 to 8 grams per serving — and flavored varieties can pack a surprising amount of added sugars. Plus, traditional yogurt also has a thinner texture due to its higher water content.
Examples: Yoplait Original, Dannon Original
Greek yogurt
A popular style of yogurt, Greek yogurt is strained to remove the whey and other liquids, resulting in a thicker, creamier product that's lower in natural sugar and higher in protein. This straining process affects Greek yogurt's lactose content, making it a more suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance.
With about double the protein of regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is often considered the best for weight loss thanks to its muscle-preserving and satisfying high-protein content. Keep in mind, Greek yogurt loses more calcium during straining. On the plus side, its thick texture makes it perfect for dips and smoothies!
Examples: Chobani, Oikos
Icelandic yogurt
Also called skyr, Icelandic yogurt is made from nonfat milk and undergoes even more straining than Greek yogurt. Its mild taste and creamy consistency make it an excellent choice for your weight-loss plan if you choose one with minimal added sugar.
Examples: Skyr, Siggi's
Australian yogurt
Cooked slowly and longer, this creamy, "down-under"-inspired yogurt is often sweetened with honey. You might consider some brands like Noosa more of a "dessert" yogurt than the healthiest choice for weight loss.
Examples: Wallaby, Noosa
French yogurt
Our international tour of yogurts ends in France. Made from whole milk, French-style yogurt is fermented in adorable glass jars. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a higher-calorie content, which may be tricky to fit into a very limited calorie budget.
Example: Oui French-style yogurt by Yoplait, La Fermière
Plant-based yogurts
An array of yogurts made with plant-based ingredients tend to be much lower in protein but can serve as a dairy-free source of probiotics.
More ways to decide the healthiest yogurt for weight loss
Sugar content
Although plain yogurt contains naturally occurring sugar in the form of lactose (milk sugar), read labels for added sugar content — you might be stunned. Despite the "health halo" around yogurt, flavored varieties can be a huge source of added sugar. Some dessert styles, with their mix-ins and more, pack more added sugar than a scoop of ice cream!
Most "light" yogurts use sugar substitutes to reduce calories and sugar content. You can also find very low-carb yogurts that have much of the natural milk sugar removed.
For the best bet, start with plain yogurt and add your own flavoring. For example, try a few drops of vanilla extract, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of cinnamon. Toss in some fruit, chopped nuts or seeds, oats, or high-fiber cereal, and you have a flavorful and satisfying treat!
Fat content
The debate continues over nonfat vs. low-fat vs. full-fat dairy products. Lower-fat yogurts usually have fewer calories than full-fat versions, but if they leave you unsatisfied and eating larger portions or more food later, they may not help you meet your weight-loss goal.
Live and active cultures
Not all yogurts are created equal when it comes to probiotics (the good bacteria!). Look for the "live and active cultures" seal on the container for the best boost to your gut health.
Compare these 6-ounce (170 g) portions* of vanilla yogurt:
| Yoplait Original Lowfat Vanilla | Activia Vanilla | Chobani Blended Greek Vanilla | Wallaby Organic Aussie Smooth Lowfat Vanilla | Siggi's Vanilla Nonfat | Yoplait Oui Vanilla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 135 | 130 | 144 | 127 | 217 |
| Fat (g) | 2 | 2.3 | 0 | 2.3 | 0 | 9.7 |
| Total Carbs (g) | 27 | 23 | 16 | 23 | 13 | 24 |
| Total Sugar (g) | 20 | 18 | 15 | 20 | 10 | 23 |
| Added Sugar (g) | 14 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 6 | 14 |
| Protein (g) | 6 | 6 | 14 | 7 | 18 | 6 |
| Calcium (mg) | 210 | 211 | 169 | 227 | 150 | 235 |
*Note: Yogurt portions are standardized in chart for sake of comparison. Individual carton sizes will vary.
Not feeling so sweet? Compare these 6-ounce (170 g) portions of plain yogurt:
| Yoplait Plain Nonfat | Dannon Plain Lowfat | Chobani Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt | Chobani Plain Low Fat Greek Yogurt | Siggi's Plain Nonfat Icelandic Style Yogurt | Wallaby Organic Plain Lowfat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 98 | 113 | 90 | 172 | 172 | 129 |
| Fat (g) | 0 | 2.6 | 0 | 8.2 | 6.7 | 3 |
| Total Carbs (g) | 15 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Total Sugar (g) | 10 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Added Sugar (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 8 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| Calcium (mg) | 265 | 302 | 190 | 187 | 187 | 189 |
Yo, it's up to you!
Yogurt can either be a healthy weight-loss choice or a sneaky source of added sugar. Find the type that fits your taste and aligns with your nutritional needs. Next time in the yogurt aisle, check the labels for higher-protein, lower-sugar yogurts to find the healthiest options for weight loss.
MyNetDiary Premium yogurt recipes to enjoy
Pina Colada Smoothie with Banana
Related content
Low-fat vs. full-fat foods? The best bets for weight loss
Updated by Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN on April 1, 2026
Still new to MyNetDiary? Learn more today by downloading the app for FREE.
Check out PlateAI, our new AI-powered diet app at PlateAI.com
Diabetes->Carbs & Carb Counting Foods & Recipes->Dairy Foods Nutrients->Protein
Apr 1, 2026
