Greek Yogurt Taste Test
We tasted 14 types of Greek yogurt and found 2 exceptional brands
by Carolina Santos-Neves
View this story on epicurious.com >
What has an average of 20 grams of protein per 1 cup serving and acts as honey's partner in crime? Greek yogurt, and we're not talking about the frozen kind. (Check out those favorites in our recent frozen yogurt taste test .)
Remember when the dairy aisles at your local supermarket were filled with rows of flavored yogurts? These days, it's all about thick, strained, plain Greek yogurt. Practically every leading yogurt brand has launched a Greek version to keep pace with the competition.
Don't believe us? Open up the Epicurious fridge on any given day, and you'll find an array of Greek yogurts-all from different brands, each with its own taste. In fact, the Epicurious editors-who are fond of the stuff for breakfast, lunch, and snacks-have long debated whose brand is the best on the market.
Recently, we decided it was time to settle the conflict once and for all with an extensive taste test of both classic and no-fat Greek yogurts. Check out which three we were all able to agree on.
Best Greek Yogurt Overall
f-- e Total Classic
($4.59 per 17.6-ounce container)
Pros: All the editors knew this was their number one pick after just a single spoonful. "I could snack on this Greek goodness without a drop of honey-that's how incredible it is," said one. It was unanimous: The testers loved f-- e for its luscious texture, sweet taste, and redeeming mouth feel of whipped cream.
Cons: More expensive and more caloric (270 calories per 7-ounce serving).
First Runner-Up, Classic Greek Yogurt
Trader Joe's Greek Style Plain
($2.99 per 16-ounce container)
Pros: Not only is this yogurt the least expensive of the winners, but it was favored by testers for its very natural taste and not-too-dense texture. Several judges found it to have a subtle sweet note that could go well with any topping.
Cons: Not rich enough.
First Runner-Up, No-Fat Greek Yogurt
f-- e Total 0%
($4.59 per 17.6-ounce container)
Pros: This pick has 18 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving, and judges found it to be filling, fluffy, delightful, and satisfying: "I love how it has a tart start and a sweet finish; I could easily eat this one plain!" Another editor couldn't wait to use this yogurt as a cream substitute when cooking.
Cons: Not as filling as f-- e Total Classic.
The Other Contenders: The Bottom Three
Oikos Organic 0% Greek Yogurt tasted chalky and seemed reminiscent of the regular plain yogurt popular in the '90s. Dannon's Plain Greek Yogurt looked and tasted a lot like sour cream and had a lingering sour aftertaste. The Greek Gods Nonfat Plain Yogurt left much to be desired. Many found it slimy, lumpy, too tart, and not much like Greek yogurt. All judges agreed that these three would be best used for smoothies.
Additional Taste Test Details
All 14 varieties evaluated are available nationwide in supermarkets or online. Listed from highest to lowest score achieved, they are: f-- e Total Classic, f-- e Total 0%, Trader Joe's Greek Style, Olympus Authentic Strained with 10% Fat, Chobani 0% Greek, Trader Joe's Greek Style Nonfat, Brown Cow All Natural Smooth and Creamy Greek, Kesso Greek, Cabot Greek-Style, Olympus Authentic Strained with 0% Fat, Dannon Plain Greek, Yoplait Plain 0% Fat Greek, Oikos Organic 0% Greek, Greek Gods Nonfat Plain.
Methodology: In a blind taste test, judges compared the flavor, consistency, and appearance of 14 types of Greek yogurt (five classic plain and nine fat-free). All were sampled without honey or added flavors. Yogurts were ranked according to the Epicurious four-fork rating system (four being best).
Prices and availability subject to change.
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