5 Best drinking yoghurts: composition, which one to choose, price, pros and cons


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

  • Dyes use those that are allowed. But do not forget that they can be allergenic.
      E120 or carmines - obtained from carminic acid, painted red.
  • E160a (also called alpha, beta or gamma carotenes). Creates yellow or orange color. True, it may also be of chemical origin.
  • E160c (paprika oil resin) turns orange. Please note that in many countries this dye is prohibited, so it is undesirable in the composition.
  • Acidity regulator. Ideally, they should not be present at all in such fermented milk products.
      Citric acid or E330 is acceptable for use, but becomes carcinogenic in large doses.
  • E331 or sodium citrate. This drug is approved, although there is a lot of suspicion about its usefulness.
  • 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

  • "Miracle". The most noticeable advantage of this yogurt is the price - it is more than acceptable. By the way, the composition includes lactic acid bacteria, and protein is observed. True, it is a little higher than indicated on the label. This cannot be called a minus, but the composition of the product must have a relatively strict and correct description.
      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.
  • Activia. In terms of nutritional value, this is a leading product. By the way, naturalness scores average, and no high sugar or stabilizer content was detected.
      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.
  • But there is a big caveat about the milk protein content. Not only does it not correspond to the composition on the packaging, but it is even significantly lower than the required indicators according to GOST.
  • There is also an imbalance in the ratio of glucose and fructose. The taste and smell are not characteristic of a fermented milk product.


    Leader

  • "B. Yu. Alexandrov.” This yogurt is included in the list of acceptable products, but it has one significant drawback - the use of preservatives (sorbic acid). Moreover, they significantly exceed the permissible value according to GOST.
      But milk protein and lactic acid bacteria fully meet the requirements. The filler also indicates its naturalness – it is visualized.
  • Negative indicators include high hydrocarbon content, the presence of starch, and a slightly inflated price.
  • 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

  • "Vkusnoteevo" scored higher (65), wins more in taste and aroma qualities. Yogurt contains essential bacteria that play an important role.
      But the naturalness is a little lame - the taste depends on the use of taste stabilizers, flavors and dyes.
  • Liquid bifidoyogurt Activia. Liquid yogurt has the right ratio of sugar and milk protein, and also contains only milk fat.
      But these bifidobacteria are significantly lower than the values ​​that should be according to the regulations.
  • "Ostankino", "Ostankino Dream" contains the right amount of protein and lactic bacteria. Also, there is no starch or other enhancers.
      The smell does not correspond to the specified filler, the taste is also inappropriate for this product - sweet and sour.
  • "Fresh Tomorrow" has a high fat content - 2.5%. Moreover, only milk fat is present. Yogurt has a high content of lactic bacteria and is completely free of preservatives.
      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.
  • "B. Yu. Alexandrov.” Drinking yogurt of this brand has an uncharacteristic smell and a weak, even slightly “empty” taste. Moreover, the sugar content is high and the fat content exceeds the norm. And there is no correspondence with the specified composition on the label.
      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:

    1. 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.
    2. Narine. Contains simple and acidophilic lactobacilli, which help strengthen the immune system and get rid of dysbacteriosis.
    3. Bifidumbacterin is a powder consisting of many bifidobacteria. Helps restore intestinal microflora and has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
    4. 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.
    5. 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:

    1. Dilute the starter according to the instructions, pour into the milk, stir.
    2. Pre-pour boiling water over all tools and utensils to disinfect.
    3. Pour the mixture into a thermos, wrap it and put it in a warm place for 8–12 hours.
    4. Open the container, pour the drink into a glass container, and cool in the refrigerator.
    5. The resulting product should have a thick consistency and a neutral odor.
    6. 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

  • Thermostatic yogurt "Favorite Traditions" The composition contains milk powder, in addition to the whole component and a starter culture with bacteria. This is not the best indicator, but there are no more additions, which is already pleasing.
      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.
  • A very significant plus is only 5 days of storage. That is, the manufacturer gives an additional guarantee of the naturalness of the product.
  • "Activia" with bifidobacteria. In addition to the main ingredients, the composition also includes milk powder.
      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.
  • Again, this is acceptable, but in natural yogurt the figure should not exceed 70 kcal, otherwise there is a suspicion of low sugar content.
  • Bioyogurt "Healthy foods". A distinctive feature is that it is based on goat’s milk, which adds value and usefulness to the product. And it includes three types of bacteria (bifidobacteria, lactic acid bacteria and lactic acid streptococci).
      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.
  • There are also comments about the taste - goat milk is a little specific and few people like it.

  • 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.
  • Fermented milk drink "Frugurt." It belongs to the category of low-calorie yoghurts and has a fat content of 1.5%. It is really low in calories and dairy fat. Lactic acid organisms are normal.
      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.
  • And take note - yogurt has a slightly high sugar content! Even for high calorie yogurt.

  • 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.
  • Please note! Low-calorie foods can be called useless, since they do not provide any energy value for the body. And to reduce the calorie content of the product, water and sugar are often used. Water destroys the consistency of yogurt and causes pathogenic flora to appear. And in order to somehow “adjust” the taste of such yogurt, manufacturers add a huge amount of sugar. Its content exceeds even the dose of fatty yoghurts.
  • 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.

    ModelFat content, %Weight, gCalorie content, kcalCompoundPrice, rub
    "Danone"1.525047normalized milk (skimmed milk, cream, skimmed milk powder), yoghurt starter54-85
    "Activia"3.517064normalized milk, yogurt starter, bifidobacteria ActiRegularis35-60
    "House in the village"3.715067normalized milk, starterfrom 38
    "Sarafanovo"1.512548.7normalized milk, skimmed milk powder, fermentation of lactic acid microorganismsfrom 20
    "Cow from Korenovka"435067whole milk, skim milk, stabilizer: complex food additive “GeleonÒ 106C” (milk protein, thickener pectin, gelatin), using a starter based on lactic acid microorganismsfrom 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

    1. Breakfast: any fruit and green tea or herbal infusion.
    2. 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.
    3. Lunch: light vegetable puree soup (or just soup) plus vegetable or fruit salad, dressed with a small amount of yogurt.
    4. Afternoon snack: a glass of freshly squeezed juice from your favorite fruit.
    5. 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).
    Rating
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