25-05-2025
The #1 Gut-Healthy Snack to Buy at Aldi, According to a Dietitian
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S., RDFriendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is a dietitian's No. 1 snack choice at Aldi for better gut health.
It's high in protein, low in sugar and contains live cultures for better gut health.
Plain Greek yogurt is versatile and can be used to make a wide variety of gut-healthy snacks.I'm a dietitian, and one of the most requested topics I get asked about is what foods to eat to support gut health. Many foods help foster a healthy and diverse microbiome, but if I'm shopping at Aldi, Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt is my pick as the No. 1 snack to buy for better gut health. Besides being cost-effective—just $5.75 for a 32-ounce tub—it contains protein, probiotics and 0 grams of added sugar to keep your gut in tip-top shape. Here's everything you need to know about this healthy and versatile snack.
When it comes to gut health, one of the main benefits of Friendly Farms Low Sugar Plain Greek Yogurt is that it contains probiotics—beneficial gut bacteria that aid digestion and stop the growth of harmful bacteria. Friendly Farms lists live active cultures on the label, including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium, L. acidophilus and L. paracasei. In addition to supporting digestive health, some of these species are linked with benefits for lactose digestion, reduced heart disease risk and immune health.,
Emerging research suggests that the types and amounts of protein you eat can have a major impact on the composition of the bacteria in your gut microbiome. In addition to containing probiotics, Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt boasts 15 grams of protein per ¾-cup serving, making it one of the best high-protein foods for gut health. Plus, because it's high in protein, this Greek yogurt can keep you full longer, compared to many other snack options.
Another reason I love this yogurt is that it contains only 2 grams of sugar and 0 grams of added sugar per ¾-cup serving. Being mindful of added sugar intake is beneficial regardless of your health goals and is particularly important for better gut health. Research shows that excess added sugar intake can disrupt the intestinal barrier, leading to increased gut permeability and risk of infection.
I have a bit of a sweet tooth myself, so I get wanting something sweet to enjoy during the day or after dinner. Thankfully, Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek pairs perfectly with natural sources of sugar, like fresh and dried fruit.
Speaking of adding fruit, perhaps my favorite thing about this yogurt is its versatility. Aldi has a wide variety of Greek yogurts to choose from, but I prefer Friendly Farms Plain, as it's like an empty canvas: I can add virtually any combination of toppings. Because I'm constantly on the go for work, I like meal-prepping yogurt parfaits for easy snacks that I can grab on my way out the door. Smoothies are another excellent use for this yogurt, as you can load your blender up with other gut-friendly ingredients, like spinach, berries and even oats.
For a savory alternative, mix about ½ cup of this yogurt with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon each of dried dill, onion and parsley. Divide the dip into small Mason jars along with some baby carrots and sliced cucumber for an easy snack and boost of veggies.
Eating more Greek yogurt is just one of many ways to support a thriving and more diverse microbiome. Here are a few additional strategies to try:
Eat foods that are rich in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Fiber can help increase microbial diversity, promote colon health and keep your bowel movements regular.
Incorporate more prebiotic foods, such as garlic, onion, bananas and oats. Prebiotics are food for probiotics and help support the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Find ways to manage stress. Stress activates the fight-or-flight response in our central nervous system, which can lead to indigestion, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. Plus, research suggests that high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) may lead to an imbalance of beneficial and potentially harmful gut bacteria. Yoga, reading, spending time with friends or going for a walk outside can all help to bring stress levels down.
Friendly Farms Plain Low Sugar Greek Yogurt from Aldi is an excellent choice for supporting gut health. Packed with probiotics and containing 0 grams of added sugar and 15 grams of protein per serving, it's both affordable and nutritious. Its versatility allows you to mix in fruits, nuts, seeds or veggies for added nutrition. In addition to eating Greek yogurt, there are many other behaviors you can partake in to improve your gut health, such as consuming prebiotics and managing stress.
Read the original article on EATINGWELL
