In this article we will look at yoghurts and advise which brand you should choose. In this case, you will be completely confident in the naturalness of the product.
Fermented milk products, including yoghurts, play an important role in human health. By the way, yoghurts are most popular and in demand for children and the elderly. But often the composition calls into question the “usefulness” of such a product. Therefore, this article will provide information about brands that deservedly receive the title “useful”.
Which yogurts are the healthiest: names, list, brands, rating
The main merit of any yogurt is the destruction of pathogenic intestinal microorganisms and the activation of beneficial microflora. Yogurts also slow down the processes of aging and decay. And, in general, they improve the functioning of the intestines and its entire system. Especially if it is weak or has some exacerbations. That is, susceptible flora of an infant or gastrointestinal diseases of an adult.
Let's skip the moment with a detailed analysis of the composition of each famous yogurt. But here are some guidelines to consider when purchasing yogurt.
What to pay attention to when reading the composition:
- All yoghurts use a thickener and stabilizer . Often found: E1412 or 1414, as well as E1422 and 1442. In accessible language - this is modified starch . The last word is that it is safe. But the term “modified” leaves concerns.
- This starch has nothing to do with genetically modified products; they are only modified for personal improvement of properties. Therefore, they are allowed and considered harmless. But under 3 years of age, this supplement is prohibited. And, unfortunately, they do not have the best effect on taste. The product is also not beneficial.
- E412 or guar gum. It belongs to the permitted type, but is not digested in our intestines and is practically not absorbed. Therefore, it must be classified as forbidden components.
- Xanthan gum (E415) – regulates the viscosity of the substance and is included in the list of approved products. The same applies to undesirable components.
- Carob gum (E410) – produced from the pods of the Mediterranean acacia.
- Pectins, E440 - does not create an energy reserve, but is produced by extraction of apple, beet or citrus pulp. That is, of natural origin.
- Edible gelatin is allowed, not dangerous, but does not bring any benefit.
- If it contains agar-agar, then such yogurt can safely be called natural and even healthy.
Not all yogurts are created equal
- E120 or carmines - obtained from carminic acid, painted red.
- Citric acid or E330 is acceptable for use, but becomes carcinogenic in large doses.
Which yoghurts are at the top:
Important! None of the yogurt manufacturers have ideal composition indicators. That is, it is impossible to name the ideal or the best yogurt. But we can highlight the values of certain brands that are closest to natural.
- " Valio ". This yogurt scored the highest overall results - 71 points according to the rating results. It has a high protein content and a large number of lactic acid bacteria. Another plus is the fact that there are no artificial fillers and the yogurt actually contains pieces of fruit.
- But it contains starch. Although it is included in the list of permitted ingredients. Its volume does not exceed the norm, but this affected the taste. Yogurt is slightly mealy.
Valio
- This is the thickest yogurt! And this merit is due to gelatin, modified starch, and also contains guar gum. Therefore, naturalness and safety fall by several positions.
- It is important that only milk fats are present, and sugar is within acceptable limits and fully corresponds to the stated value on the label. ActiRegularis bacteria are indeed present. By the way, according to this criterion, this is also the only brand provided.
Leader
- But milk protein and lactic acid bacteria fully meet the requirements. The filler also indicates its naturalness – it is visualized.
Danone scored the lowest score and falls into the forbidden group. Among the advantages we can highlight only good taste and rich aroma.
- But this is due to the large number of preservatives and stabilizers that are of chemical origin. A high percentage of dyes can cause allergies, and an acidity regulator is also observed. Therefore, the safety and naturalness of yogurt is beyond the acceptable range.
- But the most important drawback is the low content of lactic acid organisms (almost 100 times lower than permissible). Among the positive qualities, one can note the high content of milk protein, but higher than the specified data. But sugar, on the contrary, is lower. On the one hand, this is good, but it looks like deceiving the buyer.
Which drinking yogurt, bio-yogurt is the healthiest: names, brands, list
It is worth dispelling the myth that lactobacilli somehow depend on the thickness of yogurt. Regardless of the consistency, be it thick or liquid, the bacteria in its composition will be in the same quantity.
- " BIO balance" . Although this is not the highest score in terms of results (64), in terms of characteristics it can be called the best (compared to other manufacturers). This yogurt contains not only milk fats and the required amount of lactic acid bacteria, but also bifidoactive bacteria. The latter component maintains normal acidity in the intestines and also eliminates problems such as diarrhea or constipation. Moreover, prevention of the development of cancer microorganisms in the intestines and colon was noted. This product has the highest levels of naturalness and safety.
- But the taste is a little unusual, as for a fermented milk product. The comments also concern the smell. Moreover, there is a ratio of glucose and fructose at an inappropriate position.
Drinking yogurt
- But the naturalness is a little lame - the taste depends on the use of taste stabilizers, flavors and dyes.
- But these bifidobacteria are significantly lower than the values that should be according to the regulations.
- The smell does not correspond to the specified filler, the taste is also inappropriate for this product - sweet and sour.
- But milk proteins “fell” below the established standards. And there is a certain mealiness in the taste, which is not typical for a fermented milk product and indicates the content of modified starch.
- Very important - the rate of foreign bacteria is approximately 800 times higher. Specifically, yeast. This indicates non-compliance with many processing rules. And do not forget that such an omission can attract other dangerous microorganisms, for example, staphylococcus bacteria or E. coli.
Has a significant excess of foreign bacteria
Home
Despite the huge variety of fermented milk products provided to customers in large retail chains, only homemade yogurt will be truly beneficial for health and weight loss. By preparing the drink yourself, you can be sure of its naturalness and freshness. For this you will need sourdough and milk. You need to be very responsible when choosing it: powdered, for example, will not ferment at all. If you are not sure of the quality of a store-bought product, it is better to purchase regular cow's milk, raw.
Sourdough and bifidobacteria
To ferment milk, you definitely need a starter; dry versions can be bought at a regular pharmacy. The usefulness of yogurt lactic acid culture depends on the number of lacto- and bifidobacteria contained in it. The following types of powders can be found on sale:
- Evitalia. Includes 4 billion bacteria, vitamins A, C, E, group B, microelements (magnesium, calcium, iron) and antioxidants. Treats dysbacteriosis, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Narine. Contains simple and acidophilic lactobacilli, which help strengthen the immune system and get rid of dysbacteriosis.
- Bifidumbacterin is a powder consisting of many bifidobacteria. Helps restore intestinal microflora and has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
- VIVO. Consists of lactic acid streptococci, 3 types of lactobacilli, Bulgarian and acidophilus bacilli. Helps eliminate digestive system disorders, eliminate gastrointestinal diseases, eliminate toxins, and accelerate metabolism. Yogurt prepared with VIVO starter perfectly satisfies the feeling of hunger.
- Lactina. Includes Bulgarian bacillus, heat-labile streptococcus and yogurt lactobacilli. The finished product prepared with Lactina has a mild fermented milk taste.
In the store you can buy live starters made from whole cow's or sheep's milk and Bulgarian stick. Their shelf life is no more than 20 days, while dry ones are stored from a week (in the refrigerator) to 1.5 years (in the freezer). Live starters produce a drink with a thinner consistency and a sour taste, while dry starters produce a thick drink with a more delicate, pleasant taste. This determines the popularity of bacterial cultures - dry ones are used more often. If the shelf life of the starters is normal and storage conditions are observed, then both types will be beneficial to health.
Recipe
Boil a liter of raw milk. If you use plain cow's milk, let it settle first, then skim off the top fatty layer that will separate during this time, and only then boil the drink. It is also better to remove the foam - it contains fat, which will increase the calorie content of homemade fermented milk and will hinder weight loss. Next, cool the milk to 40 degrees - high temperatures will lead to the death of bacterial cultures. Porchdok works:
- Dilute the starter according to the instructions, pour into the milk, stir.
- Pre-pour boiling water over all tools and utensils to disinfect.
- Pour the mixture into a thermos, wrap it and put it in a warm place for 8–12 hours.
- Open the container, pour the drink into a glass container, and cool in the refrigerator.
- The resulting product should have a thick consistency and a neutral odor.
- You can use a yogurt maker to make homemade fermented milk.
Do you like yogurt? I love it too! This is not only a convenient snack on its own, but also in combination with something. For example, I top fruit salads or muesli with yogurt. But sooner or later the question arises: is it useful? I’ll try to figure this out, analyze the compositions of popular brands, and find out which yogurt is the best.
Natural yogurt without additives - how to choose, which one to buy: the best brands
Natural yoghurts are the healthiest for the body. They have a number of requirements which will be provided below.
What you should know when buying natural yogurt:
- Shelf life is the first indicator. Healthy yogurt retains its properties for no more than 1-2 weeks. Some manufacturers extend the time to a month. When compared with other common yogurts, then, most often, this period takes as long as 3 months, or even a year.
- The ingredients in natural yoghurt are pleasantly small. Ideally, there should be only milk and bacteria, but this is extremely rare. Remember that a long lineup is a bad sign.
- Also keep in mind that sugar should not be in natural yogurt!
- The content of lactic acid bacteria (at least 10*7 CFU/g) and bifidobacteria (at least 10*6 CFU/g) must be indicated. By the way, their quantity should be preserved until the end of the shelf life.
Which natural yoghurts are worth highlighting:
- " Bifidus Nature ". In addition to whole milk and bacteria, it also contains milk protein. That is, this is the ideal composition. No preservatives, fillers or stabilizers.
- Sourish taste with a sweet note. A minimum of calories (after all, sugar is excluded) and only 34 days of storage.
Natural yogurt
- Yogurt has a neutral taste with a slight hint of sourness. Please note that yogurt contains only 30 kcal, so it is indispensable for those who are watching their figure or cholesterol levels.
- But the shelf life is 1 month, which is within normal limits, but worse than 5 days. And the calorie content is a little high - 75 kcal.
- And even the shelf life is only two weeks. But there is a stabilizer - pectin. Therefore, such significant utility has decreased slightly. Even if it is of natural origin and is considered permitted, it should not exist at all.
With goat milk
Benefits and harms
The popularity of yoghurts is growing due to their beneficial properties. It has been proven that in addition to normalizing the intestinal microflora, this healthy dessert or drink supports the immune system, helps to better absorb vitamins, and improves the functioning of the digestive and nervous systems. Such a snack even acts as a prevention of diabetes, if, of course, you eat foods with a small amount of fat and sugar.
The more delicious yogurt product is loved by women who have discovered that:
- It prevents the deposition of fat on the sides and, thereby, preserves the waist;
- Eliminates metabolism;
- Helps get rid of nervousness during the premenstrual period;
- Relieves fatigue and irritation;
- Improves skin and strengthens hair;
- Maintains normal reproductive system.
Yogurt is also good for men. They say that it increases potency, protects against hypertension, diseases of the genitourinary system, and activates the work of “gray cells”.
How safe are yoghurts for little ones?
Since this product contains lactic acid bacteria, which are called “live”, it is certainly beneficial for digestion. In “correct” yogurt, the number of such bacteria should not be lower than 1*107 CFU/g.
By the way, each 100 g glass of fortified yogurt contains up to 80-odd mg of calcium necessary for the body. This is significantly more than in kefir or sour cream. Plus, there are vitamins. A delicious, delicate dessert will benefit children.
However, sweet desserts contain a large amount of carbohydrates, so they are difficult to classify as dietary foods. Therefore, for the little ones you should choose a treat with a very short composition. Milk, sourdough and a sweetener, natural, of course, is all you need for a children's fermented milk dessert.
Low-fat, low-calorie yoghurts: which brand is better?
It is also worth noting that fermented milk products help the body cleanse itself. Therefore, when consumed systematically, yogurt dissolves fat deposits, corrects body shape, removes excess feces and fights excess weight.
- "Valio" with a fat content of 0.4%. Excellent quality, which is expressed in the absence of preservatives and high levels of lactic acid bacteria. Very moderate sucrose content, which is important for low-fat yoghurts. But the protein and SOMO content is several times less than the required content according to regulations and GOST. The taste and aroma are barely noticeable.
- But the taste and aroma of yogurt is very weak, but there was an abundance of dyes. And there are no berries, that is, there is no filler or it is very weakly expressed.
Frugurt
Important! Sometimes manufacturers use potassium chloride instead of milk fat. It creates a salty and bitter taste, so they are forced to include more sugar.
- Yogurt “Slavushkin” from Optimal. It has “stepped up” far from previous representatives in terms of naturalness. But it loses only in terms of nutritional value and taste. Bifidobacteria are present in the required quantity. It is worth highlighting that sucrose is used for a sweet taste (in acceptable doses). There are no preservatives, which is an undeniable positive quality.
- But the taste of yogurt became less expressive and a little mealy, which indicates the starch content.
Comparison of the best products
The study involved the most popular brands of thermostatic yogurt with a classic taste without additives. The table below allows you to clearly compare the main characteristics of the products with each other.
Model | Fat content, % | Weight, g | Calorie content, kcal | Compound | Price, rub |
"Danone" | 1.5 | 250 | 47 | normalized milk (skimmed milk, cream, skimmed milk powder), yoghurt starter | 54-85 |
"Activia" | 3.5 | 170 | 64 | normalized milk, yogurt starter, bifidobacteria ActiRegularis | 35-60 |
"House in the village" | 3.7 | 150 | 67 | normalized milk, starter | from 38 |
"Sarafanovo" | 1.5 | 125 | 48.7 | normalized milk, skimmed milk powder, fermentation of lactic acid microorganisms | from 20 |
"Cow from Korenovka" | 4 | 350 | 67 | whole milk, skim milk, stabilizer: complex food additive “GeleonÒ 106C” (milk protein, thickener pectin, gelatin), using a starter based on lactic acid microorganisms | from 64 |
Live yogurt: brands, manufacturers
Live yogurt is a product that does not undergo heat treatment. That is, it contains live lactobacilli or probiotics. This fermented milk product always contains live bacteria. The shelf life of such products is no more than 7 days. By the way, it is also called bio-yogurt.
- Yogurt “Live”, natural. Has only milk and sourdough. It is stored for only 4 days after opening the jar.
- “Asenyevskaya Farm”, classic yogurt. The same pleasant composition - only two components and can be stored for only 4-6 days.
- "Kozelsky live" yogurt. Again, only two components with a period of no more than 5 days.
- "Dairy culture". This, by the way, is drinking yogurt, which also pleases with its composition.
Live yogurt
- "Bifidus Nature"
- "Activia"
- "Bio balance"
The best way is to make your own, homemade live yogurt. There is absolutely no doubt about its composition. The choice of sourdough starters today is abundant. Moreover, you can add pieces of your favorite fruit to this yogurt. By the way, due to the lack of heat treatment, it retains maximum usefulness. It will be truly natural, because only you monitor the ingredients. It will also be fresh, and this is an important criterion for the viability of beneficial bacteria.
Yogurt diet for 7 days
- Breakfast: any fruit and green tea or herbal infusion.
- Snack: 150 g of yogurt, to which you can add a little cereal or dried fruit, a vegetable or fruit weighing up to 100 g.
- Lunch: light vegetable puree soup (or just soup) plus vegetable or fruit salad, dressed with a small amount of yogurt.
- Afternoon snack: a glass of freshly squeezed juice from your favorite fruit.
- Dinner: fish or meat in quantities up to 150 g, cooked without adding fat, vegetable salad, a few spoons of yogurt (can be eaten independently, you can dress the salad).