14-05-2025
Is 'Protein Yogurt' Better? Experts Weigh In
While grocery shopping recently, I spent some time checking out the composition of something called 'protein yogurt.' The label claimed a whopping 20 grams of protein. Could this one little package be the answer to all my high-protein breakfast prayers?
Though yogurt—especially Greek—is already a healthy, high-protein food option, it only makes sense that the yogurt market would want to capitalize on our current collective obsession with protein. For this reason, I was somewhat skeptical about a yogurt enriched with the macronutrient du jour—although, of course I went ahead and tried it anyway. Spoiler: It was thick, creamy, and delicious.
Still, before I decided to become a full-on protein yogurt convert, I decided it might be a good idea to chat with some nutritional experts. Here's what they had to say about the merits (and possible downsides) of adding protein yogurt to your regular repertoire.
How much protein do you need anyway?
Yes, protein yogurts can be healthy—but they do come with some notes. Sandra Lordén Álvarez, a nutritionist specializing in sports nutrition has this to say: 'High-protein yogurts—as well as any protein product—can be beneficial for those with an active lifestyle, as they offer a convenient way to consume additional protein. However, it is important to remember that not all products are the same—some may contain added sugars and unwanted additives. Therefore, it is essential to choose quality products that provide benefits without sacrificing health.'
This means it's essential to first consider whether you really need to be eating extra protein in the first place. 'The amount of daily protein intake will vary depending on a person's activity level,' Lordén Álvarez says. 'Not everyone should consume the same amount of protein per day.'
To that end, remember that protein should account for 10% to 35% of your daily calories. The recommended amount of protein the average sedentary adult should have is about 0.8 grams for every two pounds of body weight; people over 40 or those who lift weights and exercise should increase their protein intake to 1-1.5 grams for every two pounds. (So, if you weigh 130 lbs, you need between 52 and 97 g of protein a day, depending on your lifestyle.)
Are protein yogurts healthy?
'They can be a good option for increasing daily protein intake, especially for specific populations such as athletes requiring greater muscle synthesis; older people to counteract age-related muscle loss; and for those looking to achieve greater satiety in order to help them lose or maintain weight,' explains Dr. Amaya Manrique, an integrative medicine specialist. 'Several studies showed that a protein-rich breakfast based on dairy products helps appetite control and improves lean body mass. There is also research that highlights that dairy proteins (casein, whey) have high bioavailability and quality.'
