Sugars in yoghurt

Posted by ellerbracke @ellerbracke, Nov 19, 2019

I just read an article in the paper stating that the sales of yoghurt are steadily trending downward. In our semi-upscale local grocery chain there are roughly 8 linear feet, 4 to 5 shelves worth, of yoghurt on display. Other than plain yoghurt, there are 4 (!), store brand, generic yoghurts available with “no sugar added”. (Both my husband and I dislike 2 of those 4 flavors). All the other greek, skandinavian, australian, etc. yoghurts have sugar added, in addition to the already naturally occurring sugar in the fruit. I have a well functioning digestive system, no need for probiotics, also basically no weight problem except when it comes to sweets and sugar in general. Any type of sweetened food tends to immediately show on the scale. Much more than ingested fat or carbs in general. Yes, I could buy plain yoghurt and add my own fruit, but since I’m not crazy about yoghurt in the first place, the large container would likely go bad before I get around to eating it.
Most of the time I do not care for sweet stuff, some home-baked cookies around Christmas time, dark chocolate frequently, doughnuts once a year (apple doughnuts when apple-picking in NC). Anyway, this sort of ties a little into the sugar in general discussion. I just find it frustrating that there are tons of gluten free, reduced fat, organic, non-GMO, etc. food products available, but not something as simple as no-sugar yoghurt.

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Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I don't mind the Stoneyfield (plain, no added sugar) but will probably also try to make some (using the link John posted) as I'm curious about the process and flavor difference. For someone who doesn't cook much at all, it seems almost alchemical.

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@johnbishop

It only takes me around 5 to 10 minutes of work to make the yogurt after watching how @LeeAase makes his yogurt -- https://www.social-media-university-global.org/2020/05/best-yogurt-ever/. It did take me multiple trys before I got the cook time down with the inexpensive yogurt machine (108 degrees for 14 hours). Basically I grind up 4 BioGaia tablets (Lactobacillis reuteri bacteria) and a spoon of the previous batch of yogurt. Mixing it with a little bit of heavy cream. Then I pour in a quart of organic half & half and a little extra heavy cream to top it off. Stir it a few minutes and pour it into 8 small yogurt glasses with lids to go into the yogurt machine.

It's a thicker yogurt but my wife likes it with fresh blueberries or raspberries.

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P.S. - Forgot to mention I add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to each batch.

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I like Two Good Plain Greek yogurt because it has a great thick creamy texture, great taste and only 2 grams sugar, 14 g protein (yeah!) and 2 g fat per 6 oz (see nutrition label attached).
Because it is plain, I can use it to make tzatziki dip or add fruit for a desert. BTW I have no relationship with this company just like their product. Their containers also do not pose a danger to wildlife by trapping their heads due to the reverse angle when they are not disposed off appropriately.

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@sueinmn

Trying to garden in South Texas is crazy too - so we rely on the Farmers' Markets. There are agricultural areas near us, and the produce that is not "standard" enough for the packers to ship across the country is picked up each day by produce stand holders and sold cheaply at market.
That often means we get giant stalks of celery or broccoli & huge heads of cauliflower & cabbage for $1-2. Plus sweet mangoes, tomatoes, greens, onions, peppers, carrots... The nearest butcher caters to our low-income, large family neighborhood (most of our county) so we buy bulk chicken, pork & beef. We split with our neighbors and eat like royalty for about $10/person per week. Oh, and don't forget fresh tortillas - nothing like the grocery store sells. My mouth is watering!
My friend calculated her solo grocery bill last winter was $150/month including food for her small dog. We spend that much in a week at home for 2 of us - without a dog.
Sue

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My little sister is a retired horticulturist in Central Texas and provides an amazing supply of vegetables to family and friends from her 10 by 15 foot garden, almost year round. Her produce is organic, delicious and so very fresh. She doesn’t lack for places to devote her attention with her and her partner’s families, horses, dogs and ranches, but her garden is where she goes to celebrate, worship, or mourn. It’s sacred ground. The erratic weather here this winter has played havoc with the animals and the pastures, but her garden remains strong and somehow logical.

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