Are you one of the 70% of consumers who incorporate yogurt into their daily diet? If so, you’re part of a global trend that’s making a significant impact on the health and wellness industry. With its probiotic benefits and high protein content, Yogurt has transformed from a simple breakfast accompaniment to a go-to health food. But with so many brands on the market, how do you choose the right one?
As a yogurt connoisseur, I’ve tasted and tested an array of brands, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop on the 10 best yogurt brands in the world. We’ll delve into their history, examine their market share, explore their popular products, and identify their unique selling points (USPs).
1. Chobani: The Greek Yogurt Revolution
Chobani, a company founded by Turkish immigrant Hamdi Ulukaya in 2005, revolutionized the yogurt industry by introducing Greek yogurt to the American market. Since June 2020, Chobani is an acclaimed market leader with 20.2% market share. Over 46% of Americans confirmed to consume Chobani Yogurt in a survey by Statista in 2020.
Chobani owns the largest yogurt plant in the world which is stretched across the 1 million square feet. The brand is known for its remarkable product positioning with high-quality yogurt introduced to the mass market.
Popular Products and USP
Chobani’s extensive product line includes the original Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, Flip snack packs, and a range of plant-based options. Their USP lies in their commitment to using only natural, non-GMO ingredients, and their dedication to supporting local communities, making it a brand consumers can feel good about. Chobani gained the popularity
2. Yoplait: Yogurt for Every Palate
A French brand with a history dating back to 1965, Yoplait has become a household name worldwide. As of 2021, Yoplait booked a sale of $ 927.1 million, reflecting its strong presence in the US market. Available in more than 50 countries, Yolpait is a trusted name in the US for its quality yogurt. In 1965, 100,000 farmers from the six dairy co-op came together to start producing delicious yogurt. Yoplait is derived from the contraction of two members’ co-ops – Coplait and Yola.
Popular Products and USP
Yoplait’s product range is vast, from the classic Original to the kid-friendly Go-Gurt. Their USP? Yoplait offers a flavor for every palate, from Boston Cream Pie to Harvest Peach, ensuring they have something for everyone.
3. Fage: The Authentic Taste of Greece
Established in 1926 in Athens, Fage is recognized as the leading Greek yogurt brand in Greece. Originally, it was a modest dairy shop known for its superior, creamy yogurt which quickly gained favor among locals. Nearly thirty years on, in 1954, Loannis, the son of the founder, came on board and significantly expanded the family business by establishing a countrywide wholesale network to distribute their yogurt across Greece.
By 1964, Fage had launched its first dedicated yogurt production plant in the outskirts of Athens, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for the brand. A decade later, in 1975, Fage began marketing its own “Fage Total” branded yogurt in Greece, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Popular Products and USP
Fage Total, their signature product, is beloved for its exceptionally creamy texture. The brand’s USP? Fage prides itself on authenticity, using a traditional straining method to create its rich, creamy Greek yogurt.
4. Dannon: Pioneering Probiotics
Founded in Barcelona in 1919 and introduced to America in 1942, Dannon (or Danone, as it’s known in Europe) has been a leader in the industry for a century. As of 2021, Dannon held a substantial market share worldwide. With over 75 years of experience, Dannon has honed its expertise in selecting the cultures that contribute to the unique taste of its products.
The company is dedicated to making good, healthy food accessible to everyone, believing in the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the nutritional benefits of yogurt. Dannon’s commitment to quality and health has made it a household name in the yogurt industry.
Popular Products and USP
Dannon’s popular products include Dannon Oikos and Activia, both known for their probiotic benefits. Dannon’s USP lies in their pioneering use of probiotics and their commitment to promoting gut health.
5. Stonyfield: Organic for All
Stonyfield, founded in 1983, was a pioneer in organic yogurt production. As of 2021, they held a significant share of the organic yogurt market in the US. Stonyfield offers a diverse range of products, including yogurts, smoothies, milk, and cream. Their products are free from pesticides, artificial hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs, aligning with their mission to provide healthy food while caring for the planet. Stonyfield’s dedication to organic farming and the health of consumers has made it a prominent figure in the organic dairy industry.
Popular Products and USP
Their popular YoBaby range is a favorite among parents, while their Greek and traditional yogurts appeal to adults. Stonyfield’s USP? Their dedicationto organic, pesticide-free farming and commitment to environmental sustainability.
6. Oikos: Greek Yogurt with a Twist
Oikos is a brand of Greek yogurt produced by Dannon, known for its rich and creamy texture. The brand’s name is derived from the Greek word for “house” or “family,” symbolizing its aim to create a sense of community around healthy eating.
Oikos offers a variety of products, including traditional Greek yogurt, Triple Zero Greek yogurt with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or fat, and Pro, a high-protein yogurt range. The brand is committed to delivering delicious, nutrient-rich yogurt that supports a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Popular Products and USP
Oikos’s Triple Zero Greek Yogurt, packed with protein and fiber, is a hit among health-conscious consumers. Their USP lies in their unique combinations of flavors and textures, such as their Crunch mix-ins.
7. Noosa: The Aussie-Style Entrant
Noosa Yoghurt is a Colorado-based company known for its Australian-style yoghurt, a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors with a velvety texture. The yoghurt is made with all-natural whole milk from local dairy farms, fresh fruit purees, and a touch of honey. Noosa’s commitment to premium ingredients and delicious flavors is reflected in its broad product range, which includes classic fruit flavors, mix-in-style yoghurts, and a light and airy whipped range. Noosa’s unique take on yoghurt offers a delightful and decadent eating experience.
Popular Products and USP
Noosa’s velvety, whole milk yogurts, particularly their honey-flavored variant, have become fan favorites. Their USP? Noosa brings a taste of Australia to the yogurt aisle, using a unique recipe that sets it apart from Greek and traditional yogurts.
8. Siggi’s: Icelandic Yogurt in the Spotlight
Siggi’s, founded by an Icelandic native in 2005, introduced Americans to skyr, an Icelandic-style yogurt. Skyr is a traditional dairy product in Iceland, similar to yogurt but thicker and higher in protein. The company was founded by Siggi Hilmarsson, who, missing the skyr from his home country, started making his own in New York City.
Siggi’s stands out in the yogurt market with its commitment to simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar. Their products often contain more protein than sugar, a rarity in the sweetened yogurt market. They use milk from grass-fed cows and real fruit to flavor their yogurts. Additionally, all of Siggi’s products are free from artificial preservatives, thickeners, sweeteners, colors, and flavors.
Popular Products and USP
Siggi’s is known for its thick, creamy skyr, made with simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar. Siggi’s stands out with its emphasis on low-sugar, high-protein products, and its dedication to the traditional Icelandic method of making yogurt. Skyr, Drinkable Yogurt and Plant Based Coconut Blend are some of its popular products.
9. Activia: Gut Health Advocate
Activia is a yogurt brand by Danone, introduced in France in 1987 and known for its probiotic qualities. Probiotics are “live microorganisms that when taken in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit to the user” and they are found in Activia products1. Activia contains ingredients such as cultured grade A reduced-fat milk, sugar, water, fructose, milk protein concentrate, and several others.
There are different varieties of Activia, each with different nutritional profiles. For instance, the original Activia yogurt has 120 calories, 2g of total fat, 22g of total carbohydrates with 18g of sugars, and 4g of protein per serving
Popular Products and USP
Activia’s popular products include their classic probiotic yogurt and their Dailies drinkable yogurts. Activia has positioned itself as a gut health leader, with a focus on probiotic-rich products designed to support digestive health. Activia yogurt, Activia Light, and Activia Fiber. Each type has its own nutritional profile.
10. Greek Gods: Indulgence in Every Spoonful
Greek Gods Yogurt is a popular brand known for its Greek-style yogurts. It was launched in Bellevue, Washington, in 2003 by founders Stephanos Margiolakis, Steven Wee, and Polaris Ducasse12. The brand was acquired by Hain Celestial Group in 2010, and its products include traditional Greek yogurt, kefir, lebni (Kefir cheese), and a range of yogurt flavors with honey, fruits, and nuts345. The brand values traditional preparation methods and adheres to a commitment of producing rich, creamy yogurts without the use of growth hormones67..
Popular Products and USP
Greek Gods’ most-loved product is their Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt, known for its rich, creamy texture. Their USP? Greek Gods promises an indulgent yogurt experience, with a focus on full-fat, decadently flavored yogurts.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Yogurt for You
As a yogurt enthusiast, I can attest that each of these brands offers something unique. Whether you’re looking for a health-boosting snack, an indulgent treat, or an eco-friendly option, there’s a yogurt brand on this list for you. My personal favorite? It’s a close call, but Chobani’s commitment to quality and community gives it a slight edge. But remember, the best yogurt is the one that satisfies your taste buds and meets your dietary needs. So go ahead and explore the yogurt aisle – your perfect match is out there waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number 1 yogurt?
Determining the “number 1” or “best” yogurt can depend on various factors, such as nutritional needs, taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and even regional availability. That said, I can provide some general recommendations based on the criteria you provided.
Chobani is one of the leading yogurt brands in the world, especially in the United States. This is due to its market share, the quality of its products, and its role in popularizing Greek yogurt in the US.
What’s the best yogurt to eat everyday?
For a daily yogurt, you might want to consider a brand like Siggi’s. Siggi’s yogurts are high in protein and low in sugar, which can be beneficial for everyday consumption. Alternatively, a probiotic-rich yogurt like Activia could be a good choice if you’re looking to support digestive health.
What is the best yogurt for calcium and vitamin D?
Many yogurt brands fortify their products with vitamin D and are naturally high in calcium, but Dannon’s Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt stands out. It’s not only high in protein but also fortified with vitamin D and is a good source of calcium.
What company makes the best yogurt?
companies like Chobani, Dannon, and Fage consistently receive high marks for their yogurts’ taste and nutritional content.
