Taste-Off: Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

Michelle Loayza|April 5, 2011 11:05 pm EST

The latest taste-off was a veritable Olympics of Greek-style non-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years because of a rich, ultra-creamy texture that results from straining out the whey. Compared to regular yogurt, the Greek variety also has more protein, less carbs, and less lactose, making it popular with health nuts. But are the non-fat versions just as creamy and delicious? We'll be the judge of that. Let the games begin!

1. Fage Total 0%

Produced by: FAGE USA, Johnstown, N.Y.
Price: $1.89 for 6 ounces
Availability: One of the first commercial brands of Greek yogurt to be introduced to the U.S., it is widely available nationwide.
Ingredients: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus).
Calories: 90 calories/6 ounces
Total Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 15 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
Motto: "FAGE Total is an authentic yogurt like no other. From its unique velvety texture to its unsurpassed taste, it's the embodiment of true Greek strained yogurt."
Taste: The classic Greek yogurt was the overall favorite, with claims like "I think it's the best." For a non-fat yogurt, it had a "super creamy" texture, which some likened to sour cream. Compliments sweeter foods.

2. Stonyfield Oikos 0%

Produced by: Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, N.H.
Price: $2.19 for 5.3 ounces
Availability: Most major retailers nationwide.
Ingredients: Cultured Pasteurized Organic Non-fat Milk. Contains Live Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus and L. Casei.
Calories: 80 calories/5.3 ounces
Total Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 15 grams
Sugar: 6 grams
Motto: "Greek Yogurt is 100% organic yogurt, with 0% fat. Get away with something good."
Taste: The only certified organic brand in this lineup. Our tasters liked how closely it resembled full-fat yogurt, with one tester likening it to "full-fat raw milk," high praise if you're a dairy fiend. Recommended for savory uses.

3. Dannon Greek Plain Non-Fat

Produced by: Dannon USA, White Plains, N.Y.
Price: $1.49 for 5.3 ounces
Availability: Most major supermarkets nationwide.
Ingredients: Cultured Grade A Non-Fat Milk. Contains Active Yogurt Cultures.
Calories: 80 calories/5.3 ounces
Total Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 15 grams
Sugar: 6 grams
Motto: "Heavenly taste comes to earth."
Taste: The general consensus about Dannon's answer to the popular FAGE and Chobani brands was that it did not taste much like Greek yogurt. Less thick than some of its competitors, it was a "little tangier" and had a texture in between regular and Greek yogurt.

4. The Greek Gods Non-Fat Plain

Produced by: The Greek Gods LLC, Seattle, Wash.
Availability: Specialty and gourmet retailers, as well some supermarkets nationwide.
Price: $1.49 for 6 ounces
Ingredients: Pasteurized Grade A Non-fat Milk, Inulin, Pectin, and Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bilfidobacterium, L. Casei.
Calories: 60 calories/6 ounces
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Sugar: 7grams
Motto: "Experience the Myth."
Taste: The least favored. "It starts to get sweet," but not in a good way. "The texture is all off."

5. Chobani Greek Yogurt Plain Non-Fat

Produced by: Agro Farma, Inc., New Berlin, N.Y.
Price: $1.69 for 6 ounces
Availability: Available at most major supermarkets nationwide.
Calories: 100 calories/6 ounces
Total Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 18 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
Ingredients: Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk. Contains five live active cultures including S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. Casei.
Motto: "Our authentic Greek strained yogurt is thick, creamy, and has two times more protein than regular yogurts."
Taste: Though it's the best-seller in its category, our tasters were not impressed. Superlatives like just "OK," "too mild," and "flat," were used. The taste and texture felt more akin to regular yogurt than Greek style. One taster, however, complimented it on its "earthy and minerally" flavors.

FAGE Total 2%

Produced by: FAGE USA, Johnstown, N.Y.
Availability: One of the first commercial brands of Greek yogurt to be introduced to the U.S., it is widely available nationwide.
Price: $1.89 for 7 ounces
Ingredients: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk, Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus).
Calories: 130 calories/7 ounces
Total Fat: 8 grams
Protein: 17 grams
Sugar: 7 grams
Motto: "FAGE Total is an authentic yogurt like no other. From its unique velvety texture to its unsurpassed taste, it's the embodiment of true Greek strained yogurt."
Taste: We know, it's a taste test on non-fat Greek yogurts, but we wanted to taste one 2% for comparison's sake. So that's why it is not ranked. Generally, it felt "creamier," and had more robust flavors. One taster did not mind the larger fat content, saying "I'll take the four grams of that for how much fuller it makes you."