The best non-dairy yogurts taste great and pack just as many (if not more) benefits as greek yogurt. This post gives you the best options so you can make an informed choice at your grocery store.
I gotta say I’m a huge fan of plain Greek yogurt.
It’s one of my fave healthy swaps and I use it in SO many of my recipes (here's 35). From salads to smoothies, Greek yogurt is top of the list for me in taste and in texture.
But if you cannot - or choose not to - eat dairy, fear not! You don’t need to give up yogurt altogether as there are some amazing alternatives on the market.
Plant-based diets have been growing in popularity so brands are becoming more creative in making non-dairy or vegan yogurt taste like (and provide as many benefits as) milk-based yogurt. Wahoo!
Honestly, in terms of taste and creaminess, you’ll be surprised at how much non-dairy options deliver (I was).
Whether you're exploring the wonderful world of yogurts for weight loss or to make clean and healthy recipes, read on to see which ones should make the cut for your next shopping list. Let’s do this!
Is Non-Dairy Yogurt As Healthy As Dairy Yogurt?
Yes, non-dairy yogurt can be as healthy as dairy yogurt (if not more so). To ensure you really get premium and healthy non-dairy yogurts, make sure that you...
- Stay away from brands with lots of added sugar
- Choose yogurt with minimal added ingredients
- Look for products that have added vitamins and nutrients.
It also helps to know that most non-dairy options are now cultured in the same way as dairy yogurt. So, YAY! This means you’re able to get the same flavor and probiotic benefits.
Trying to up your probiotic count? Read this post: The 8 Best Fermented Foods
Is Non-Dairy Yogurt Good For Weight Loss?
Non-dairy yogurt can be good for weight loss but you need to be careful. I always recommend greek yogurt for weight loss because it's super high in protein and will keep you full longer. Non-dairy yogurts often have less protein and more sugar (depending on the brand you choose).
There are exceptions, however! Kite Hill's almond yogurt (listed below) has 11g of protein and only 2g of naturally occurring sugar.
Just make sure to keep your calories and consumption in check. If you do, non-dairy yogurts are a great addition to your weight loss plan. Thinking about trying a new diet? Check out this post: 10 Popular Weight Loss Diets Reviewed.
What Is A Non-Dairy Substitute For Greek Yogurt?
If you’re dealing with lactose intolerance, allergies, or have simply decided to go dairy-free, non-dairy yogurts could be a great replacement for Greek Yogurt.
These days it's completely possible to retain the probiotic benefits with the vitamins, protein, and calcium you would normally get from cow’s milk options.
What are some options for those who cannot or choose not to eat dairy?
- Almond milk yogurt
- Plant-based yogurt including ingredients like cassava root
- Cashew-based yogurt
- Coconut milk yogurt
- Oat milk yogurt may include fava beans
- Pea protein yogurt
- Soy-based yogurt
Is Coconut Yogurt Better Than Dairy?
Some say that coconut yogurt is better than dairy yogurt because it’s usually more digestible and may contain less cholesterol than other whole milk options. All quite valid!
But it's also worth noting that because of the (healthy) fat and natural sugar in coconuts, coconut yogurt is usually higher in fat and carbs compared to many dairy yogurts. I wouldn't call it a deal-breaker, though.
Especially because coconut yogurt is a great source of vitamins and probiotic benefits, too. I also praise coconut oil if you're interested!
What Are The Best Dairy-Free Yogurts?
It wasn’t easy but someone had to do it. I’ve narrowed things down to the 5 best brands of dairy-free yogurt. These selections are based on flavor, nutritional benefits, and value for money.
We’re also looking for choices that don’t have the bad stuff we talked about earlier: added sugar, fillers, etc.
- Kite Hill Dairy-Free Artisan Almond Milk Yogurt
If you’re not a fan of almond milk, you might think twice about trying this. But give it a chance and it might surprise you! Kite Hill makes a creamy, thick, and insanely smooth yogurt. I love how the vanilla flavor was spot on, with just the right amount of sweetness
Even better news? It only packs 170 calories per serving and comes with other flavors so you can take your pick.
- Forager Project Organic Dairy-Free Cashewgurt
Now, if you love smoothies, you’re gonna love this dairy-free yogurt. It's not as thick as other brands so you could even mix it with other ingredients. This brand is not heavily sweet (which I applaud) and I absolutely adore the blueberry flavor.
Definitely going to put it in my next Blueberry Protein Shake!
- Trader Joe's Creamy Cashew Yogurt
You’ll get what you pay for with this creamy cashew yogurt from Trader Joe’s. It only has 140 calories and you’ll be happy to know that cashew milk is usually fortified with vitamins and minerals. It has a smooth, creamy texture (I would say its sits in between the runny and thicker brands).
The strawberry flavor is just delightful, not too sweet. It also comes in vanilla bean.
- Chobani Non-Dairy Coconut-Based Vanilla Yogurt
For a coconut-based yogurt, Choboni tastes shockingly similar to the traditional dairy ones. We're talking a rich, creamy texture and delicious vanilla flavor. There are hints of coconutty flavors too, of course. It’s a yes for me!
- So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Vanilla Yogurt Alternative
This right here is a smooth and indulgent option. The texture is thick (sign me up) and the flavors balance out well. You get a bit of tartness with the right amount of sweetness. It's another “close-to-traditional-yogurt” experience.
Not surprisingly, it may be quite lower in protein content than a usual cup of yogurt. That’s well compensated by the fact that it’s lower in fat (compared to other coconut-based brands). Overall, totally worth it.
Smoothie Recipes For Your Alt Yogurts
I generally use Greek yogurt for my smoothie recipes but I challenge you (and myself) to try some of these non-dairy yogurt alternatives. I suspect they would go great in the following...
- 7-Ingredient Healthy Coffee Smoothie
- Sweet Potato Smoothie | With Cinnamon & Nutmeg
- Green Protein Smoothie | With Baby Spinach & Coconut Milk
- Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Peach Protein Shake
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
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