Get to Know Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt, like other dairy foods, offers a powerful nutrient package that contains seven essential nutrients: Calcium, Pantothenic acid, Protein, Zinc, Phosphorus, Selenium, Vitamin B12, Iodine and Riboflavin. And like traditional yogurts that contain live and active cultures, it is also great for digestive health. But Greek yogurt has twice the amount of protein as most regular yogurts, due to the straining process.

Traditionally, Greek yogurt is made by straining the yogurt to remove the whey resulting in a thicker yogurt with less sugar, fewer carbohydrates, and more protein compared to regular yogurt. Six ounces of Greek yogurt typically contains 14–17 grams of protein. That’s a lot of protein for such a small serving size! (Regular yogurt has between 7–8 grams of protein in 6 ounces.)

Still can’t wrap your head around how Greek yogurt fits in your lifestyle? The extra protein found in Greek yogurt has gained attention among those trying to eat healthy because of its versatility. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate the superfood:

Dress Greek Yogurt Up

Greek yogurt now has tons of flavor options! Give a few different brands and flavors a try and find your perfect match. Mine is Dannon Light & Fit Blueberry Greek yogurt! Or dress up your favorite plain fat free Greek yogurt with fruit, honey or granola for a lower sugar option.

Substitute for Fats

Greek yogurt can easily substituted for heavier ingredients like mayonnaise, oils, sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream when you are preparing sauces and dressings. Here is a conversion chart for quick reference.

Add it to Your Smoothie

Adding Greek yogurt to a smoothie for a meal or snack will help keep you fuller longer! Try this easy Peach Vanilla Matcha Smoothie recipe.

Bake with it

Replace oils in recipes for baked goods like muffins, cakes, breads and even pancakes or waffles to cut the fat and maintain the moisture! Try these Greek Yogurt Waffles or Mixed Berry Greek Yogurt Bagels.

Snack on it

Add your favorite spices to Greek yogurt to make a creamy dip for your veggies or honey and cinnamon for a delicious fruit dip! You won’t sacrifice flavor and you’ll fill up faster with all of that protein! Snack away with this Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus.

For more tasty and healthy Greek Yogurt recipes, visit our Go Greek recipe board — we’ve pinned all of our favorites!