Smoothie, plain or Greek: guide to the different (and best) yogurts on the market

Yogurt is an ancient dairy drink, originating on the border between Asia and Europe – present-day Turkey – and originally made exclusively from fermented milk. But in the middle of the last century it became a practically universal product, with an industrial production that the more it became widespread, the more it also moved away from its simple origins.

Next, we detail the different — and also the best — varieties of this product available today in our market.

Although purists will say it has little or nothing of real yogurt, the truth is that classic smoothies, with different flavors to choose from, are already part of our DNA. It is ideal for school snacks, to accompany fruit or cereals, or when trying to satisfy a low-calorie craving. And the best, now we also find it without added sugar.

Although it is the natural sugar in milk, today there are cheeses, flans and even lactose-free milk. For the same reason, you couldn’t miss yogurt without it. For those who tolerate it badly, it is no longer necessary to do without yogurt.

At the time – some 30 years ago – it was a novelty, but today it is just another yogurt in the crowded and cold aisle of supermarkets. Even so, once in a while, a nutty yogurt is useful.

No one has ever been able to verify that this type of product existed in the United States, but the truth is that “American-style” yogurt has made a strong impression on Chileans. It’s nothing just a mixture of yogurt with jam at the bottom of the container. Although it ceased to be new some time ago, some follow it faithfully until today.

They now say – although there isn’t much evidence to prove it – that the right thing is to eat protein without fat, carbohydrates or sugars. For the same reason, protein yogurt has become scream and money. Its demand is such that many prefer to consume it directly from its new packaging, which can be squeezed to the last drop. Will it be for both the thing? Hard to know, but at least these yogurts don’t taste bad.

Strictly speaking, it’s not yogurt, but a drink made from soybeans that looks a lot like some shaken yogurts. For those unable or unwilling to consume animal products, this is your option when trying yogurt.

More than a yogurt, these are milk drinks with probiotics, which serve to stimulate the intestinal flora of adults and children. Because they are small and easy to drink, they make ideal snacks.

Remember those yoghurt yogurts we used to eat in the 80s? It was the easiest and cheapest way to consume this product. Well, now you can find one in supermarkets that is quite similar to this: it’s Ghali bird yoghurt —or kefir—. They are much more expensive than a smoothie, but very different and 100% natural. It is at least worth trying them out.

It is also possible to find on the market – although it becomes more difficult – so-called “natural” yoghurts, which generally have a better texture and even taste than average. All thanks to the quality and quantity of its ingredients, which should only be milk, yogurt strains and a thickener.

It is known that yogurt without flavorings or added sugars can be used more than as a dessert or a snack. It is a very good alternative to add to sauces, vegetable creams, dressings and more. For the same reason, it is worth having a good supply of this type of yogurt at home. And if it’s in a large container, it’s much better.

Very similar to yoghurt, this dairy product, typical of Iceland, can now be obtained in national supermarkets without too many problems. It’s heartier than the yogurt we know, and in its natural state it can be used as a cream cheese or even a sauce thickener. It can also be found sweetened or fruit flavored. In the end, it’s like a piece of yogurt, but in small quantities.

If you like to mix yogurt with fruit, but are too lazy to do it yourself, you can resort to the already classic varieties that combine them in one container. But beware, there are fruits that combine better than others and resist immersion in a liquid medium for a longer time with greater consistency.

It’s not that our yogurts are very thick – in fact they are quite liquefied compared to the Europeans – but there is still the category of liquid yogurts, which have a much thinner and lighter consistency. Almost to drink from a glass.

Before new generations got used to eating gringo-type cereals with milk, efforts had to be made to introduce this type of product in Chile. For this, yogurt helped a lot. So much so that the yogurt plus cereal format has become a classic and has never left the market.

It is reputed to be one of the best yogurts in the world. Soft and consistent, it is very creamy and slightly acidic. Similarly, when one brand started selling its “Greek” version in the domestic market, all the others aligned with their own Hellenic varieties.

Famosa is an ice cream chain whose products are made precisely from plain yogurt. They are supposed to be healthier and lighter than creams. For some time, in addition, they can be obtained in supermarkets to be consumed at home. Whether they are healthier or not, they are getting richer.

Now, if none of the varieties of yogurt presented here suits you, you can also try the option of making it at home. How? A simple method is with any of the yogurt makers that currently exist on the market, for which they no longer need the always hard to find “little birds” to be able to make homemade yogurt.

*Prices for products in this item are current as of September 27, 2022. Values ​​and availability may change.