Yoghurt is a health food, right? Not necessarily. Many manufacturers sneak sugar and a whole host of "baddies" into our beloved brands.
So how can you be sure that the yoghurt you pick is good for your body – and not just dessert in disguise?
Here are some things to bear in mind when you next go shopping:
Check the sugar content
Finally, science backs up what nutritionists and dieticians have been saying for years – sugar is a toxin that is highly addictive and the source of most modern health ailments. And that means we have to start paying attention to the sugar content of our daily diet.
A good rule of thumb is to only pick products with around 5 to 6 grams of sugar or less per 100 grams. Those few grams of sugar are carbohydrate lactose and not fructose. If your yoghurt has more than that, it's likely to be loaded with unnatural sugars that go straight to your waistline.
Skip the extras
Many pre-packaged foods contain hidden extras. With yoghurt, you need to watch for added fruits and flavours, as well as crunchy bits like muesli. These are often chock full of sugar and have little nutritional value.
Opt for plain, natural yoghurt. You can always sweeten it up yourself with a few berries or a dob of honey.
Count the calcium
Calcium content of yoghurt varies widely, and that's because yoghurts undergo different production processes. Your Greek yoghurt is likely to have less calcium, because the liquid whey has been removed.
That being said, you can't really rely on yoghurt for your total recommended daily intake of calcium. You'll need at least 1000 milligrams a day, and that little yoghurt tub is likely to have around 10 grams or less.
Read the ingredients
Lastly, check the label to see what's in your yoghurt. As health author Sarah Wilson notes, "the only ingredients on the label should be whole milk and live cultures."
Have more questions? Ask your local nutritionist or dietitian for help choosing a healthy yoghurt.
Originally published on May 16, 2016
