7 Surprising Yogurts with High Sugar Content

While yogurt is often perceived as a healthful option, many popular varieties are surprisingly high in added sugars. Understanding which yogurts contain excessive sugar can help you make better dietary choices.

As I reflect on my childhood belief that yogurt was a wholesome food choice, my journey as a food and nutrition writer has shown me otherwise. Some yogurts resemble desserts more than healthy snacks, loaded with concealed sugars. It’s crucial to differentiate between total sugars and added sugars in yogurt. Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, explains, “Yogurt naturally contains lactose, so the sugar listed on the label isn’t entirely added sugar. Flavored yogurts may be high in added sugar but still offer protein and essential nutrients. They are not nutritionally equivalent to something like a donut.” Thus, when you encounter a yogurt label displaying 18–22 grams of sugar, it’s essential to note that not all of it is added. “Most plain yogurt has 10–12 grams of natural lactose per cup, and flavored options often include additional sugar,” she notes. Here are seven yogurts that contain more sugar than you might expect—some of which may surprise you with their nutritional profile.

Dannon Low-Fat Vanilla

Dannon Low-Fat Vanilla yogurt has been a staple in grocery stores for years. Each serving contains 140 calories, 20 of which come from fat, along with 7 grams of protein and 21 grams of sugar, out of which 12 grams are added sugar.

Yoplait Raspberry Mousse Whips

Who didn’t grow up enjoying those smooth and delightful Yoplait containers? A popular option, Yoplait Raspberry Mousse Whips, boasts a dessert-like texture for a good reason. Each serving contains 22 grams of sugar, 18 of which are added sugar—making up about 36% of your recommended daily intake of added sugars.

Silk Vanilla Soymilk Alternative

There was a time when soy was perceived as a healthier alternative to dairy, but that perception has changed. “Silk soy ‘yogurt alternative’ is lower in protein and can have added sugars,” notes Collingwood.

Chobani “Flip” Cookie Dough

What happens when you combine Greek yogurt with candy? It becomes dessert. “Chobani Flip includes mix-ins, resulting in higher sugar content, but that’s anticipated given its dessert-like nature,” says Collingwood. This yogurt contains 19 grams of sugar, with 14 grams being added sugars.

Stonyfield Organic Strawberry

Stonyfield Organic Strawberry may appear healthier because it is organic. Nevertheless, it contains 16 grams of sugar per serving, with 11 grams derived from added sugars.

Noosa Blueberry Yoghurt

Noosa may have a higher sugar content, often ranging from 25 to 30 grams per container, but it also comes in larger servings, frequently around 8 ounces, which includes both lactose and added sugars, according to Collingwood.

Yo Crunch

My daughter’s favorite yogurt, Yo Crunch, is a low-fat option that pairs with candy. However, caution is advised! The M&Ms version contains a staggering 26 grams of sugar, with all but 6 grams being added sugar, and only 5 grams of protein per serving.

Leah Groth