While looking at all the options you have for natural yoghurts in the dairy aisle, finding the best one can get confusing. But don’t worry, we can help you sift through the countless options to choose which natural yoghurt is most suited to your needs and preferences.
Concentrating on certain aspects ensures that your choice of yoghurt is tasty and good for your health. This guide will explain some key factors that you need to consider. So let’s dive in and learn how you can choose the best natural yoghurt in Singapore:
Understanding What "Natural" Really Means
Brands differ significantly when using the word “natural” on their packaging labels. So what does natural really mean? A natural type of yoghurt must not have any artificial additives, colours, or preservatives.
Consequently, studying ingredient lists will only give milk and live cultures as components. Also, take note of names like sweeteners or thickeners as these are mostly used by manufacturers to confuse consumers.
To be clear about what you are putting inside your body, it's useful to know the chemical composition of some ingredients and the effects of their addition to food. For instance, honey or agave syrup are assumed to be healthy because they are natural sweeteners, but they also contribute to the sugars. Selecting plain, unsweetened yoghurt allows you to adjust its sweetness using fresh fruits or simply drizzle some honey.
The Importance of Live Cultures
Live cultures are regarded as probiotic bacteria that enhance gut health. Look at the label when choosing a natural yoghurt for strains such as lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus. These friendly bacteria facilitate digestion, strengthen immune system defences against infections, and promote balanced gut microbiome functioning. Fresh milk combined with live cultures makes Alvas Natural Yoghurt an enjoyable option that is rich in probiotics.
Not all yoghurts contain the same amount or variety of live cultures. Some advertised brands might claim to have probiotics, however, these only contain a few amounts that most likely won’t move the needle. Look out for yoghurt that is labelled to expressly contain many different strains.
Organic vs. Non-Organic
Organic yoghurt is produced from milk from cows that are not fed synthetic hormones or administered antibiotics. People worried about the effect of these substances on them and their surroundings would consider this a major issue. However, the truth is these animals are treated with great care and environmental conservation is also upheld in organic farming.
However, there are some drawbacks associated with it, namely the fact that organic yoghurt may turn out to be considerably more pricey than the non-organic kinds. To cut costs, go for non-organic products with the highest quality natural components. Comparing prices and reading labels will help you find the right balance between quality and cost.
Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat Options
The fat in yoghurt content varies greatly and can be either full-fat or fat-free. Full-fat yoghurt is creamy, rich, tastes better, and may leave you feeling more full, reducing the need for other snacks. It also contains vitamins A and D that are soluble in fats, which are important in the body.
In contrast, low-fat or fat-free yoghurts are a favourite among people who regulate their calorie intake. However, you should look out for added sugars that are often added to restore the taste lost when removing fats from them.
Selecting full-fat vs low-fat depends on your health needs and what you like.
Checking for Added Sugars
Even “natural” varieties of yoghurts can contain a lot of added sugars. These kinds of sugar have implications on the overall well-being. According to the American Heart Association, women should not consume more than 25 grams, while men shouldn’t exceed 36 grams per day of added sugar.
Looking at the overall sugar amount indicated on nutrition facts will enable you to know this information accurately. Go for yoghurt that contains less than ten grams of sugar per serving in terms of its packaging box inscription. It is healthy to go for unsweetened plain yoghurt and add fruits or just a bit of honey.
Texture and Taste Preferences
Yoghurt texture and flavours range from thick and creamy to light with a tangy bit, depending on your preferences. Greek yoghurt, for example, has a much thicker consistency than any other type and has additional protein content relative to others in these category store shelves. Conversely, typical yoghurt is smoother with delicate flavour characteristics.
Once again, this will significantly narrow down your choices once you understand your taste preferences based on how smooth or rough you prefer it to be at any given time. Your personal preference is crucial if you are to enjoy yoghurt and incorporate it into your diet regularly.
Final Thoughts
The best natural yoghurt selection is arrived at by considering various factors, including ingredient transparency, live culture contents, fat levels, added sugars, and personal taste preferences. By looking at these factors, you can choose in favour of their health while still being ethical.
If you need high-quality natural yoghurt with a commitment to sustainability and ethics, Alvas Dairy is worth considering. We use organic materials and environmentally friendly packaging to provide delicious products that keep you healthy. Contact us today for more information about finding the perfect yoghurt for you.
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