The ‘healthy’ dessert that’s actually bad for you

New research has found some flavoured yoghurts are masquerading as ‘healthy options’ despite containing as much or more sugar than ice cream.

A LiveLighter survey found over 100 flavoured yoghurts being sold at Coles and Woolworths contain more than 3 teaspoons of sugar per 100g, with some containing a whopping 7.5 teaspoons per 100g.

Considering the recommended daily sugar intake is 5 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men, just one serve of yoghurt can tip you well over the edge.

“Our research has found that some manufacturers are turning yoghurt – which is a healthy food – into a dessert by adding excessive amounts of sugar or cream,” said LiveLighter Program Manager and Dietitian Alison McAleese.

“What’s more, manufacturers are promoting these yoghurts as low in fat, diet, natural and high in probiotics, so it can be really confusing for shoppers to know which ones are genuinely good and which are desserts in disguise.”

Among the worst offenders on the market were Gippsland Dairy Choc Cherry Twist with 7.5 teaspoons of sugar in a small 160g tub and Tamar Valley Dairy’s Greek style yoghurt raspberry flavour with 7 teaspoons of sugar in a 170g tub.

Among the lowest-sugar flavoured yoghurts were Rokeby Farms whole protein Swedish style quark yoghurt coconut with 2.8 teaspoons of sugar per 170g tub and the Ski D’Lite real yoghurt 25% less sugar strawberry with 3.4 teaspoons of sugar in a 150g tub.

McAleese said shoppers should check nutritional value labels carefully before buying.

“As a general rule of thumb for fruit-flavoured yoghurts, check that the total sugar content is under 12g per 100g – 6g of that is likely to be lactose, while up to 6g may be fruit[iv]. Anything more is likely to be added sugar.”

Heart Foundation Victoria CEO Kellie-Ann Jolly said yoghurt can be a great source of calcium, protein and carbohydrates, but there are some things to look out for when deciding which products to buy.

“Reduced-fat Greek, natural or plain yoghurts are best as they tend to have less sugar and saturated fat than flavoured varieties. You can then make your own flavoured creations by adding some fresh or frozen fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon or some chopped nuts and seeds,” Jolly said.

Tips for choosing healthy yoghurt

• Buy reduced-fat yoghurts that have less than 12g sugar per 100g
• Choose plain and reduced fat Greek or natural yoghurt and add your own flavours with berries and nuts
• Avoid yoghurts with ‘cream’ in the ingredients list as this increases the fat content
• Avoid coconut yoghurts — they are high in saturated fat and low in calcium

Do you buy flavoured yoghurt? What do you usually have for dessert?