NWPF Nutrition | Katharine Jeffcoat, RDN, LD

Helping families create a healthy relationship with food for their children.

Choosing the Best Yogurt for Your Child

Yogurt is a great option for a healthy and nutritious snack for children. However, not all yogurts are created equal. Many yogurts are loaded with added sugars and lack the necessary calcium and protein that growing children need. Here are some tips on how to choose the best yogurt for your child that is low in sugar and high in calcium and protein.

  1. Look for plain yogurt: Flavored yogurts often contain added sugars to enhance the taste. Opting for plain yogurt allows you to control the amount of sugar that is added to the yogurt. You can add your own fresh fruits or honey to sweeten the yogurt naturally.
  2. Check the sugar content: When looking for yogurt for your child, it’s important to check the sugar content. Many yogurts contain a high amount of added sugars. Look for yogurts with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
  3. Choose yogurts high in calcium: Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. Look for yogurts that contain at least 20% of the daily recommended value of calcium per serving.
  4. Check the protein content: Protein is important for growth and development. Look for yogurts that contain at least 5 grams of protein per serving.
  5. Consider Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is known for its high protein content and creamy texture. It typically contains less sugar than regular yogurt and is a great option for children who need a protein boost.

Some of the best yogurt options for children that are low in sugar and high in calcium and protein include:

  1. Chobani Greek Yogurt: This yogurt is high in protein, with 12 grams per serving, and low in sugar, with only 4 grams per serving. It also contains 15% of the daily recommended value of calcium.
  2. Siggi’s Icelandic Style Skyr: This yogurt is high in protein, with 11 grams per serving, and low in sugar, with only 8 grams per serving. It also contains 20% of the daily recommended value of calcium.
  3. Stonyfield Organic Plain Greek Yogurt: This yogurt is high in protein, with 15 grams per serving, and low in sugar, with only 6 grams per serving. It also contains 25% of the daily recommended value of calcium.

By choosing the right yogurt for your child, you can ensure that they are getting the necessary nutrients they need for growth and development, while also enjoying a delicious and healthy snack.