Taste Test: Greek Yogurt
"If you're really into that trademark sour Greek yogurt funk taste, go with Fage, whereas Chobani is best for intimidated beginners."
[Photographs: Robyn Lee]
Greek yogurt inspires an obsessive, almost cultish following that few other foods ever will. It's tarter than the average Yoplait, as thick as crème-fraîche, and packed with protein. Newbies have to work up to the tang, adding honey or fruit in the training wheels period. But the hard-core Greek yogurt eaters can handle it straight up. Fage remains the pioneering brand but many competitors have popped onto the fridge aisle.
What exactly defines a Greek yogurt? The real kind from Greece is typically made of sheep's milk, but in most parts of the world, the term just refers to any extra thick yogurt, no matter the milk type, where the whey has been strained out. We put our lactose tolerances on the line to find the best. The results, after the jump.
Best Fat-Free Plain
It was a tough call between Chobani ($1.69 for six ounces) and Fage ($1.89 for six ounces). Only a couple points separated the two in the fat-less category. If you're really into that trademark sour Greek yogurt funk taste, go with Fage, whereas Chobani is best for slightly intimidated beginners. Either way, they're both creamy and around 100 calories for a six-ounce serving.
Blueberry goo.
Best Fat-Free Blueberry
Many of the Greek yogurt brands offer a blueberry flavor, but once you stir up all that syrupy gunk at the bottom, you kind of forget about the Greek part. If you want to eat blueberry yogurt just throw some darn blueberries on top. But of the four brands we tried, Stonyfield Farm's Oikos ($2.19 for 5.3 ounces) held onto its tangy base the most, and the blueberries were the most blueberry-tasting. Which is always good.
Most Desserty Fat-Free Flavor
If you're a sucker for dalmatian-like vanilla bean flecks, go for Trader Joe's Organic Vanilla Bean ($1.69 for six ounces). It was pleasantly sweet, creamy but not too rich, and did we mention, awesomely beany?
Fat-Free Honorable Mention
Brown Cow ($1.19 for six ounces) just entered the Greek yogurt scene and ain't so bad. With a nice tang and thickness, it also features the brand's signature flower-nibbling cow on the package. And can you really say no to that adorable bovine face?
Scoopage of Fage Total Classic.
Most Like Butter
Can people actually eat a whole serving of this? Almost a golden shade, the Trader Joe's Plain Greek Yogurt ($2.49 for twelve ounces) was so thick, stirring it felt like mixing cement. For 18 grams of fat and 260 calories per one cup serving, this isn't something you could eat every morning, but a couple spoonfuls is a pretty nice splurge. The Fage's Total Classic is even fattier with 23 grams of fat and 300 calories per serving, but the Trader Joe's version was just as decadent. Go do something fun with that extra five grams of fat you just saved!
Most Like Honey Butter
Many Serious Eaters hipped us to the Greek Gods Honey ($1.49 for six ounces), and boy were you people right. This also falls under the basically butter yogurt category with 14 grams of fat and 250 calories per serving. If you can handle eating a whole tub of this rich fluff, more power to ya, but we think a couple dollops is plenty. Ooh, on cake perhaps? This brand also wins for best ancient-looking Greek font and Zeus-like figure on the foil top.
Robyn's Famous Doodles
It wouldn't be a Serious Eats taste test without Robyn sketching anthropomorphic yogurt blobs between bites. [Ed. note: See last time's milk chocolate doodles.] More swaddled babies need to be thrown into inflatable tubs of yogurt! Hmm, all that milk fat probably did something funny to our heads.
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44 Comments:
The Fage 2% is WAY WAY WAY better tasting than the nasty spackling paste Fage 0%.
But the calories aren't all that different, about 106 vs 130 calories for 200g. That's still HALF the calories of the full fat version.
The Trader Joe's doesn't taste like yogurt to me, more like whipped cream cheese. No thanks.
peekpoke at 4:28AM on 08/25/09
In Canada, we can't seem to find Greek yogurt anywhere so I've resorted to straining plain Liberte 2%. Now that I've started though, I can't bring myself to eat the regular stuff!
clarkie_16 at 8:14AM on 08/25/09
I usually go with the 0% Fage or Oikos PLAIN (always plain--add in your own goodies), but I agree that the 2% has a much richer taste. If you go for the Total or full-fat versions, it's like eating whole cream...way too much for me.
An easy way to make a decadent treat without breaking the caloric bank is to add in your own honey, fruit or toppings to plain, low-fat Greek yogurt. I also like to add salsa to mine for a sour cream substitute or salad dressing.
Yes, Greek's a bit more expensive, but so much better than fake yogurt with artificial sweeteners!
SunshineACH at 8:41AM on 08/25/09
I just started eating Greek yogurt for the first time this weekend, so thank you for the perfectly timed test. Fage 0% is all the rage in my office (skinny fashion girls/gals that haven't switched to Skinny Bitch yet) and I always wondered why. I had to buy yogurt for a recipe and tried the leftovers plain. Yum!
meem21 at 8:54AM on 08/25/09
Sigh. If there's one thing I miss since giving up dairy, it's Greek yogurt. I used to choose Fage over ice cream.
KarynMC at 8:58AM on 08/25/09
Are any of the brands made with sheep's milk?
schmonsequences at 9:09AM on 08/25/09
This is the best "Greek" yogurt I've had. Its greek, vegetarian (no gelatin) and isn't full of additives.
http://www.liberte.qc.ca/en/page.ch2?uid=M%C3%A9ditterran%C3%A9e
egghunt at 9:15AM on 08/25/09
I mix Ciobani 0% with some plain 1% yogurt. It is really great and much less fat than the 2% greek!
cesnyc at 9:50AM on 08/25/09
I usually go Fage 2% with the little side cup of honey. Never need more than half of the honey to polish it off though.
ESNY1077 at 9:53AM on 08/25/09
Ever since I lived in Greece and ate φαγε (fage) yogurt every day, nothing else here in the states tastes like greek yogurt to me. It's the standard to which I hold everything else!
dinosara at 9:59AM on 08/25/09
Yes- Liberté Mediterranée - Prune Walnut flavour! Or plain...
PeanutButter at 10:02AM on 08/25/09
a favorite snack: mix in good crunchy peanut butter and honey. takes some elbow grease to get it all incorporated but so worth it.
profeats at 10:45AM on 08/25/09
Greek Gods also makes a luscious fig version. Figs + Greek yogurt = yum!
benbenberi at 10:49AM on 08/25/09
I have not yet found a fat free Greek yogurt I can palate, and I've tried all of your picks. 2% is just so much creamier and not that different in stats. A little fat won't kill ya, I say.
car1fsu at 10:55AM on 08/25/09
Personally, I think Fage is too bland and a little on the funky sour side. It has great texture and it's very filling, but the flavor needs to be livened up a bit. I added granola, honey and dried berries, but this still did not make a significant impact for me to "love it". I think that Greek yogurt is only great for Tsatsiki sauce. I would rather have Yoplait mixed with some cottage cheese and fresh fruit anyday over Funky Fage.
ChefR0bert at 1:21PM on 08/25/09
Fage is good but rather pricey. The TJ's is a much better value. And I've never understood the need to sweeten yogurt with fruit syrup, honey, vanilla, etc. For me yogurt = savory. I like to add dill, cucumber, and a little salt.
McNormal at 2:52PM on 08/25/09
@clarke_16 I know what you mean. Have you heard of the Astro brand? They produce a lot of gunk, but their 'Balkan Style' yogurt is really nice and thick with a good tang. Even their plain yogurt is better than more store brands...
I've honestly never had Greek yogurt... :
eggyzhe at 3:27PM on 08/25/09
FAGE 2%
Oikos 2%
Fat free just doesn't cut it.
I like them both sweet or savory, so I usually buy plain, then do my own thing.
Love a drizzle of honey. mmmmm
CJ McD at 5:13PM on 08/25/09
Since it's sooo thick the TJs plain makes great homemade tzatziki!
ulyric at 5:48PM on 08/25/09
Voskos is the best Greek yogurt in existence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jay27 at 6:50PM on 08/25/09
Whatever happened to the Trader Joe's Greek Cheese(like) Yogurt -- the one in the orange-striped tub? Last three times I've been at my local store, there's a big hole in the dairy case where it used to reside. That stuff was the best on top of baked potatoes or a bowl of berries. Sigh.
CherKell at 7:31PM on 08/25/09
Greek Gods also has a pomegranate flavor that is amazing. And yes the honey flavor is divine.
kathyvegas at 10:50PM on 08/25/09
My dairy-loathing son inhales whole containers of Greek Gods honey flavor. I have to hide it if I want to have a dollop for my fruit.
jayveejay at 9:41AM on 08/26/09
oikos is my absolute favorite. i much prefer it over any other brands i've tried. i think it's the thickest, with the right amount of tang....sooo good! i did a funny blog post on greek yogurt too:
http://hungrymeetshealthy.blogspot.com/2009/08/greek-yogurt-war.html
christaleena at 2:51PM on 08/26/09
I've recently become hooked on voskos. I usually eat it with a spoonfull of nutella or homemade plum jelly mixed in. Sometimes I eat it plain, or dip potato chips in it. I find it very versatile since it can be used sweet or savory.
cmtigger at 9:15PM on 08/26/09
Trader Joe's has a low-fat plain version now and I think it's really good. After running out of honey, I started stirring in a little maple syrup and now I am obsessed. However, I tried the fat-free vanilla that the taste testers liked and I was not a fan - I thought it tasted like very obvious sugar substitute.
football foodie at 9:56PM on 08/26/09
I do TJ's for economy, and either Fage or Greek God's for a special treat or when it goes on sale. Therefore, this article hit it on the mark! I eat it plain and whole-milk every weekday for breakfast. Adding honey or granola adds too much sugar for me. Why not embrace the sour? It's so good when modified by beautiful fats! Eating it fat-free defeats the purpose of eating it at all.
If I found a sheep's milk version I would eat it for every meal. I have recently taken to straining a goat's milk yogurt - Redwood Hill Farm - for a gamier flavor.
glutenfreegourmand at 11:07PM on 08/26/09
Fage provides so much yogurt in their containers that all that sour is unpleasant after awhile. People add honey, granola, etc. to this to acheive a balance of flavors. Even the Greeks (the people who invented this) add fruit to their Fage. Everything is better when balanced; that's the whole thought process of a chef when they are in the kitchen. For instance, we pair creamy, salty gorgonzola with spicy-candied walnuts and sweet pear because a balance is acheived; and people love it. Maybe your palate is satisfied by plain Fage, but not mine.
ChefR0bert at 11:59AM on 08/27/09
I am absolutely addicted to the Fage 2% (and agree that the fat free is just insipid). I love it au natural but it is also absolutely phenomenal with a handful of fresh berries, a generous drizzle of honey and some flaked, toasted almonds. Heavenly!
teaandtoast at 11:40PM on 08/27/09
When you're eating Greek yogurt everyday, Fage 0%, Oikos 0% and Brown Cow plain are really good, especially IF you have to watch the fat content. Mind you, I'm adding homemade lemon curd (about 1TB) for a delicious substitute for lemon mousse or adding fresh fruit...that goo on the bottom- just doesn't do it for me...
I really like everyone's idea of mixing 0% with 2% for a creamier texture and taste; I'll have to try it.
juliette527 at 10:22AM on 08/28/09
I'm totally a Chobani girl. But my problem with most of these brands: so darn expensive. These little tubs are my occasional over-priced morning treats.
BigGirlPhoebz at 12:38PM on 08/29/09
Skyris is a wonderful Icelandic yogurt--similar to the Greek. Very tasty but very pricey!
addphoeb at 11:12PM on 08/29/09
I'm a 0% Fage girl. The 2% may be less-insipid, but if I can get that thick texture without the added saturated fat, I'm in heaven. I'm not fat-averse; just can't embrace the artery-clogging gunk when there's an acceptable substitute. I used to mix it with almond butter, cinnamon, honey and a little vanilla, but this summer I've started using frozen fruit instead of the nut butter for a crisply cool treat. I buy frozen fruit simply for this purpose - I'm sure the store checkers think I'm crazy when they see I have both frozen and fresh blueberries! But, whatev... I like what I like!
mollykate678 at 11:54AM on 08/30/09
Fage is my original favorite. My first love. Because I was eating it every day, sometimes twice a day for a while, I bought 0%. I'm used to the flavor and texture of nonfat now, so it's no sacrifice to me, however after reading so many of you's persuasive reasons for bringing back some of the fat, I may pick up 2% next time I'm at the market.
It's very expensive around here, so my economy substitute - which I agree is not quite the same - is the Trader Joe's Nonfat Greek Plain. I don't get that cement flavor some of you say. It tastes just fine. Actually, not "just fine" - more like "pretty good." I do like to mix in sweet things rather than savory.
One of my favorite yogurt concoctions lately is the greek yogurt with frozen (half thawed) chunks of mango and a sprinkling of a latin product called Piñalinaza which is flaxseed meal with ground pineapple, prickly pear, and various citrus fruits. Sometimes I through some other fruit in there, like strawberries or raspberries.
ivonneb at 9:20AM on 08/31/09
yo! where are you finding fage so cheap?! my stores sell it for $2.45 for a small container... many thanks
lil_apple at 9:21AM on 08/31/09
Fage 6oz is about $1.89/ $1.99 at Trader Joes.
julie527 at 10:42AM on 08/31/09
I've yet to venture out into the other Greek yogurt brands, but I'm obsessed with the Fage honey yogurt -- it makes for a great on-the-go breakfast when running late.
avaryne at 10:55AM on 08/31/09
Fage fat-free plain is potent enough to take the skin off the roof of your mouth, but it's just the foil for baklava fixings -- chopped pecans and honey -- and it's hard to beat a 150-calorie breakfast that's good for you and keeps you satisfied till lunch.
expat39520 at 1:59PM on 08/31/09
Siggi is devine! And I hate yogurt, usually. I get mine at Whole Foods in South Florida. Slice in a banana and I don't miss sour cream at all.
ReneeIF at 5:56PM on 08/31/09
I bought a tub of the Greek Gods stuff because I wanted to try something cheaper than Fage. Greek Gods was NOT worth the money I saved. It wasn't nearly as thick and had tiny little lumps.
I bought some Oikos which isn't all that much cheaper than Fage, but hopefully is better than Greek Gods.
beamsoflight3 at 6:58PM on 08/31/09
love the full-fat fage, but i use it as a spread for bread and crackers. really really good with anchovies!
Nina Lalli at 2:38PM on 09/10/09
Not sure if anyone noticed, but Oikos was a sponsor at the US tennis Open. Free samples were distributed throughout the 15 days. I'm an eater of plain yogurt so was not into the blueberry, but did find it funny my sample came with recipes for Tuna Burgers, Tzatziki and Pina Coladas. Yum: tuna+blueberry.
That said, Chobani is my second favorite plan yogurt after Greek Gods.
ScoreboardGourmet at 4:46PM on 09/15/09
My favorite is Kesso Foods, it is rich and thick 2%, and the container says 2 servings it is easily 4 so not so bad calorie-wise. It's always at Sahadi's & occasionally at Fairway, with some fruit & a sprinkling of Early Bird Granola (just a sprinkling because it is so expensive)...divine.
rab28 at 10:10AM on 09/16/09
How did we survive without Greek yogurt? I prefer Fage 2% when eating it straight, but the 0% works great in recipes and you don't miss the fat. I do like the smaller size containers Oikos just came out with. Plus, they almost always have dollar off coupons.
jen@eatingcleanrecipes at 1:26AM on 01/20/10