Frozen yogurt is a product that many of us like to buy when going out to an ice cream parlor, but behind the concept of this delicious food hides a somewhat grim truth – it is not necessarily the healthier choice in the pastry shop.
Even though its taste is usually a bit tart, frozen yogurt is very different from the yogurt we buy at the supermarket – and its main disadvantage is high amounts of sugar. Anyone who eats regular yogurt enjoys a serving of protein and also a lot of probiotics – without added sugar that detracts from all its benefits.
An average serving of frozen yogurt contains about 18 grams of added sugar – and this amount can even reach 28 grams of added sugar – which is roughly seven sugar cubes. According to the World Health Organization, the maximum recommended daily amount is 15 grams of added sugar for children, 25 grams for women, and 37 grams for men. When comparing the added sugar in frozen yogurt to a serving of the same size of ice cream, the yogurt contains twice as much sugar.
Eating without guilt – tips for a tastier and healthier frozen yogurt
1. You can settle for a small portion – the problem with frozen yogurt is not only the sugar, but also the quantity. It is better to take a small cup or fill half a cup instead of a large one. If you are offered a choice of a waffle cone or a cup – you should, of course, choose the cup.
2. Natural flavor yogurt or yogurt with less sugar – if there is an option to choose frozen yogurt based on natural or reduced-sugar yogurt, it is usually a better choice than very sweet flavors like chocolate, cookies, or caramel.
3. Add fresh fruit – strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, banana, mango, or berries add natural sweetness, dietary fiber, vitamins, and volume to the portion.
4. Give up sugary toppings – candies, cookies, chocolate chips, sweet sauces, and syrups instantly turn the portion into a dessert high in sugar and calories.
5. Add healthy fat in moderation – almonds, walnuts, pecans, or natural coconut can upgrade the dish and contribute to a feeling of satiety, but they should also be added in a small amount.
6. Combine protein when possible – if there is an addition of Greek yogurt, nuts, or natural peanut butter in a small amount, it can make the portion more filling.
7. Choose one sauce, or no sauce at all – if you do add a sauce anyway, a little honey, silan, or fruit sauce is preferable, rather than several sauces together.
8. Do not forget that this is a dessert that is a special treat – even with fruit and nuts, frozen yogurt is still a dessert that should be considered a special treat. The healthy choice is to make it a smaller, more balanced portion, and not to eat it without limitation.