13 Unhealthiest Yogurts On Grocery Shelves

Yogurt is often seen as a healthy snack, packed with protein, probiotics, and essential nutrients. However, not all yogurts on grocery store shelves are as wholesome as they appear. Many popular yogurt brands are loaded with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can turn your “healthy” snack into a dessert disguised in a cup. If you’re trying to make smarter choices at the supermarket, it’s important to look beyond the label claims like “low-fat,” “organic,” or “Greek” and check the ingredients list and nutrition facts.

This blog highlights the 13 unhealthiest yogurts commonly found in stores. We’ll break down why these options may not be as nutritious as you think and help you make better decisions for your health. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, managing your sugar intake, or simply trying to eat clean, knowing which yogurts to avoid is a step in the right direction.

1. Yoplait Original Strawberry Yogurt

Yoplait Original Strawberry Yogurt might seem like a healthy choice, but it is loaded with added sugars and artificial ingredients that can hinder your nutritional goals. With around 27 grams of sugar per serving, this yogurt is more akin to a sugary dessert than a nutritious snack. The artificial sweeteners and colors, such as Red 40, are also concerning, as they have been linked to potential health risks.

Excess sugar consumption is linked to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, which is why choosing a yogurt like this one on a regular basis could have negative long-term effects on your health. Additionally, it’s low in protein, which makes it less filling and doesn’t offer much nutritional value beyond the sugar content.

2. Dannon Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt (Vanilla)

While Greek yogurt is often seen as a healthier option, Dannon’s Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt falls into the unhealthy category due to its use of artificial sweeteners. Though it claims to have zero added sugar, the presence of sucralose and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners is concerning for many health experts. These sweeteners can disrupt your metabolism, and long-term consumption may be linked to negative impacts on gut health and insulin resistance.

The yogurt also contains a high amount of sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure, making it a poor choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Although it’s higher in protein than some other yogurts, the benefits are overshadowed by the unhealthy ingredients it contains.

3. Chobani Flip Yogurt (Peanut Butter Cup)

Chobani Flip Yogurt in the Peanut Butter Cup flavor is marketed as a delicious, fun snack, but it’s packed with sugar and unhealthy fats that make it a poor choice for anyone aiming to maintain a healthy diet. With around 25 grams of sugar and 13 grams of fat per serving, this yogurt is far from the healthy, protein-rich snack that it may seem.

The combination of high sugar and fat can contribute to weight gain and elevate cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, the serving size is quite small, which may encourage overeating and snacking on other unhealthy foods. The presence of added sugars also makes it less satiating, which can lead to cravings and overeating later in the day.

4. Activia Dannon Yogurt (Strawberry)

Activia is known for promoting digestive health with its probiotic cultures, but its strawberry-flavored yogurt has some major downsides. A serving of Activia Strawberry Yogurt contains around 19 grams of sugar, including both naturally occurring and added sugars, which is quite high for a single serving. While the probiotics in the yogurt may help with digestion, the excessive sugar content can overshadow these benefits.

Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and even digestive discomfort. Additionally, the yogurt is low in protein, making it less filling than other varieties, which can lead to overeating. So, while Activia may help with digestion, the high sugar content makes it less ideal for those trying to eat a balanced, healthy diet.

5. FAGE Total 2% Greek Yogurt with Honey

FAGE Total 2% Greek Yogurt with Honey is another seemingly healthy choice that may surprise you with its high sugar content. This yogurt contains around 18 grams of sugar per serving, much of it coming from the added honey. Although honey is a natural sweetener, it still contains a large amount of sugar, which can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and weight gain.

Despite being high in protein and offering some beneficial probiotics, the added sugar detracts from the overall healthiness of this yogurt. If you’re looking for a nutritious snack or meal, it’s better to choose plain Greek yogurt and add your own natural sweeteners like fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey, rather than opting for a pre-sweetened version.

6. Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Yogurt (Vanilla)

Stonyfield’s Organic Whole Milk Yogurt may be organic, but it still contains a concerning amount of sugar. With around 22 grams of sugar per serving, much of it coming from added sweeteners, this yogurt can contribute to excessive calorie intake. While it is made with whole milk, which can provide beneficial fats, the sugar content makes it less healthy overall.

Too much sugar, particularly from dairy products, can spike blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance over time. Additionally, while organic ingredients are a plus, the sugar content makes this yogurt a less-than-ideal choice for those looking to improve their health. Opting for plain yogurt or a lower-sugar option would provide more benefits without the extra sugar.

7. Yoplait Whips Yogurt (Key Lime Pie)

Yoplait Whips Yogurt in the Key Lime Pie flavor is another product that may seem like a tasty treat but is loaded with artificial ingredients and sugar. With 20 grams of sugar per serving and added artificial colors and flavors, it falls short of being a truly healthy option.

The airy, whipped texture might give the illusion of a light snack, but the high sugar content can lead to weight gain and other health issues like insulin resistance and high cholesterol. Plus, the artificial sweeteners and preservatives used in the product have been linked to digestive issues and long-term health concerns. This yogurt may taste good, but its ingredients make it far from a nutritious choice.

8. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars (Mint Chocolate Chip)

Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars in the Mint Chocolate Chip flavor are marketed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, but they still pack a high amount of sugar and artificial ingredients. With about 16 grams of sugar per bar, they may not seem excessive, but when consumed in multiples or regularly as a snack, they can contribute to significant sugar intake.

The inclusion of additives, preservatives, and sweeteners like erythritol may also negatively impact gut health. While they contain some protein due to the Greek yogurt base, the high sugar content and low nutritional value overall make them an unhealthy option compared to whole food snacks or lower-sugar yogurt choices.

9. Horizon Organic Yogurt (Vanilla)

Horizon Organic Vanilla Yogurt may appeal to those looking for an organic option, but it still contains too much sugar. Each serving has around 19 grams of sugar, with a significant portion of it being added sugars. Although the yogurt is made with organic milk, the sugar content can outweigh the potential benefits of organic ingredients.

Consuming too much added sugar can lead to various health issues, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Choosing a plain, organic yogurt would be a much healthier alternative, allowing you to control the amount of sweetener you add, if any.

10. Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt (Strawberry)

Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt in strawberry flavor is another option that may appear healthy but contains a significant amount of sugar. With around 20 grams of sugar per serving, this yogurt is more sugary than many other options, even though it is made with organic ingredients.

The high sugar content can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar imbalances, making it less than ideal for those aiming to maintain a balanced diet. Despite being a source of protein, the added sugars can overshadow its benefits, leaving it as a less nutritious choice compared to other plain Greek yogurt options.

11. Nancy’s Probiotic Yogurt (Lowfat Strawberry)

Nancy’s Probiotic Yogurt is a good choice for those looking to benefit from probiotics, but its low-fat strawberry variety contains a significant amount of sugar. Each serving contains around 18 grams of sugar, much of it from added sugars.

The reduction in fat content is meant to make the yogurt seem healthier, but the added sugars can negate any potential health benefits. If you’re looking to improve your gut health with probiotics, it might be better to opt for a plain or low-sugar option instead of one that’s artificially sweetened.

12. Muller Light Greek Yogurt (Peach)

Muller Light Greek Yogurt in peach flavor is often marketed as a light snack, but it still contains 15 grams of sugar per serving, which is quite high for a yogurt. Despite being low in fat, the sugar content is concerning for those looking to maintain a healthy weight or avoid blood sugar spikes.

The yogurt contains artificial sweeteners, which, while reducing calorie count, may have negative effects on metabolism and gut health. For a truly healthy option, choosing a plain Greek yogurt and adding fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey would be a better choice.

13. Oikos Pro Greek Yogurt (Strawberry)

Oikos Pro Greek Yogurt in strawberry flavor is often marketed as a high-protein option, but it still contains added sugars that overshadow the benefits of its protein content. With around 15 grams of sugar per serving, the added sweeteners can contribute to an unhealthy increase in calorie intake and blood sugar levels.

While the protein content is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety, the sugar content can detract from the overall health benefits of the yogurt. Opting for a plain Greek yogurt and adding natural sweeteners like fresh fruit or a bit of honey would provide the same benefits without the excessive sugar.

Conclusion

While yogurt can be a healthy part of your diet, not every brand or flavor fits the bill. Many yogurts that claim to be good for you may actually be loaded with sugar, artificial additives, and unnecessary calories. Reading labels and understanding what goes into your food is key to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.

By avoiding the unhealthiest yogurts on the list and opting for plain, low-sugar, or high-protein alternatives, you’ll be taking a smart step toward better health. Always aim for whole, simple ingredients that support your wellness goals.