The yoghurt aisle at the supermarket tends to bring on utter confusion… a whole fridge dedicated to this one products, yet the varieties of yoghurt seems to be endless. Making a lot of people simply turn away and avoid yoghurt completely! So just which yoghurt should you be choosing and why should we bother eating yoghurt?

What’s so good about yoghurt?

1. Calcium – an essential part of the diet, needed for strong bones and teeth
2. Probiotic – for gut health by balancing the bacteria in the gut
3. Protein – for muscle growth and repair, needed by everybody, every day!
4. It’s versatile – it can be used sweet or savoury, eaten cold from the fridge, frozen, warmed or cooked

Not keen on eating it straight from the tub? Try these new ways with yoghurt:

• Dip it: blend yoghurts with chickpeas or your favourite pureed veggies to create savoury dips for your next antipasto platter
• Dressings: swap heavy mayonnaise dressings for natural yoghurt with olive oil and balsamic vinegar on your next salad
• Swirl it: into your favourite soup, curry or stew instead of sour cream
• Top it: dollop it on top of pancakes instead of ice cream at your next Sunday breakfast
• Swap it: yoghurt can be used in cakes and biscuits instead of butters and oils

Good yoghurts to choose:

• Chobani plain 0% Greek yoghurt super high protein which makes it very filling. Per 170g tub: 15.6g protein and 410kJ.
• Jalna Proheart natural yoghurt has plant sterols which help reduce cholesterol absorption. Per 200g tub: 596kJ.
• Activia yoghurt high in probiotics to ease bloating and digestion issues. Per 125g tub: 430–465kJ.
• Soy Life yoghurt is lactose free, fat free and gluten free. Per 175g tub: 571–606kJ
• Yoplait Forme Satisfy yoghurt is a diet yoghurt high in protein with added fibre to keep you full. Per 170g tub: 316kJ.
• Yoplait yoghurt is a good basic low-fat yoghurt, with moderate amounts of protein and calcium. Per 200g tub: 296mg calcium, 8.8g protein and 698kJ.
• Vaalia lactose-free yoghurt is another good lactose free option. Per 175g tub: 648–688kJ.
• Nestle Soleil diet is a non-fat diet option. Per 150g tub: 243–252kJ and 180mg calcium.

RECIPE

Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (any type eg cows, almond, soy, oat)
• 1 cup natural yoghurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup chia seeds

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl
2. Divide amongst 2 bowls or jars and place in the fridge overnight to set
3. Top with your favourite fresh fruit or eat as is!