HealthBarn USA moms know that yogurt is a healthy snack that kids love, but with endless choices like squeezable tubes, yogurt drinks, and Greek yogurt, it can be an overwhelming shopping experience.  So, we often get asked, “Which yogurts are HealthBarn-approved?”

Yogurt is a great, easy to pack snack, and most kids like the taste.  Nutritionally it’s something that parents can feel good about serving their kids because it’s a low fat source of calcium-rich protein. Most importantly, yogurt contains live and active cultures – the good bacteria for digestive health.  If a yogurt doesn’t contain cultures, technically it’s not yogurt.  That’s why not all yogurts are created equal!  We love Stonyfield Farms low fat yogurts, because they are made with only natural ingredients.  Other low fat yogurts, like the ones that come in tubes, are often made with artificial coloring, flavors, ingredients you can’t read, and do not contain live and active cultures.

A lot of parents also ask us about Greek yogurt, which is becoming more and more popular.  The main difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt is that Greek yogurt is strained of water, leaving behind a thicker, creamier yogurt.  Each serving has more calcium and protein as compared to regular yogurt because all the nutrients are more concentrated without the extra water.  They are also available in full, low-fat and non-fat varieties.  More protein means that kids’ bellies will stay full longer.  We love the creaminess of Cabot Greek Yogurt for spreads, dips and as a great substitute for any recipe that calls for sour cream.  For portable yogurts, we recommend Chobani Champions, because it has all the benefits of protein-rich Greek yogurt in flavors that kids really like, such as honey-nana and orange vanilla.  If you are introducing yogurt into your child’s diet for the first time, try our Rainbow Swirly Smoothie recipe – it has gotten a thumbs up from thousands of children.

What puzzles you about keeping your family healthy?  Tell us what’s on your mind by emailing [email protected].  We’ll answer those questions here weekly.