Dairy-free Yogurt Review
Yogurt has been a staple in my diet for as long as I can remember. From topping it with my favorite seasonal fruits and granola to blending it in my smoothies, I’ve always relied on it to start the day with a healthy dose of probiotics.
When I made the decision to give up dairy (for both health and ethical reasons) replacing my morning yogurt was the first task. And it was not an easy one. Finding a plant-based yogurt with a clean ingredient list and minimal added sugars proved to be quite the challenge. Most of them have a long list of stabilizers and are loaded with sugar to mask the flavor.
Over time more high quality options have continued to emerge with better taste. Just as it took thousands of years for our dairy techniques to evolve I believe it’s only a matter of time before the plant-based options are just as good, if not better.
With that said I’ve been able to find a few that I personally love, but I know that taste is ultimately subjective. I thought I would put together a list for those of you who might be interested in dairy-free options, including a detailed comparison of the most popular brands so that you can see the difference between the price, ingredients and nutrition, plus an evaluation of the flavor and texture.*
If you’ve tried a brand that I haven’t mentioned here, please feel free to share it with us in the comments!
#1 So Delicious Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative (PLAIN)
Price: $1.67 (5.3 ounces) OR $6.49 (24 ounces)
Ingredient List: ORGANIC COCONUTMILK (FILTERED WATER, ORGANIC COCONUT CREAM), RICE STARCH, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, PECTIN, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, LOCUST BEAN GUM, LIVE CULTURES, VITAMIN D2, VITAMIN B12.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 7g; SATURATED FAT 7g; FIBER 3g; SUGAR <1g; PROTEIN <1g
Flavor: 9/10
Texture: 8/10
#2 Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt (PLAIN)
Price: $1.99 (5.3 ounces)
Ingredient List: ALMOND MILK (WATER, ALMONDS), CANE SUGAR, LOCUST BEAN GUM, XANTHAM GUM, AGAR, LIVE ACTIVE CULTURES: S. THERMOPHILUS, L. BULGARICUS, L. ACIDOPHILUS AND BIFIDOBACTERIA.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 13g; SATURATED FAT 2g; FIBER 0g; SUGAR 5g; PROTEIN 6g
Flavor: 9/10
Texture: 9/10
#3 Stoneyfield O’Soy Yogurt (VANILLA)
Price: $1.25 (6 ounces)
Ingredient List: CULTURED PASTEURIZED ORGANIC SOY MILK, ORGANIC SUGAR, ORGANIC NATURAL VANILLA FLAVOR, CALCIUM CARBONATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, PECTIN, S. THERMOPHILUS, L. BULGARICUS, L. ACIDOPHILUS, AND BIFIDUS.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 3g; SATURATED FAT 0g; FIBER 1g; SUGAR 21g; PROTEIN 7g
Flavor: 5/10
Texture: 7/10
#4 Forager Cashewgurt (VANILLA)
Price: $1.99 (5.3ounces) OR $5.99 (24 ounces)
Ingredient List: CASHEWMILK (FILTERED WATER, GROUND CASHEWS), CANE SUGAR, CASSAVA ROOT, RICE STARCH, CORN STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, LOCUST BEAN GUM, VANILLA BEAN, LACTIC ACID (PLANT BASED), LIVE ACTIVE CULTURES (S. THERMPOHILUS, L. BULGARICUS, L. ACIDOPHILUS, BIFIDUS, L. LACTIS, L. PLANTARUM).
Nutrition Profile: FAT 5g; SATURATED FAT 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGAR 12g; PROTEIN 2g
Flavor: 8/10
Texture: 9/10
#5 Silk Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative (VANILLA)
Price: $1.50 (5.3 ounces)
Ingredient List: SOYMILK (FILTERED WATER, SOYBEANS), CANE SUGAR, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CORN STARCH, NATURAL FLAVOR, PECTIN, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, CITRIC ACID, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SEA SALT, VANILLA BEAN, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, LIVE AND ACTIVE CULTURES, VITAMIN D2, VITAMIN C ESTER, NATURAL MIXED TOCOPHEROLS.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 3.5g; SATURATED FAT .5g; FIBER 2g; SUGAR 16g; PROTEIN 6g
Flavor: 6/10
Texture: 8/10
#6 Living Harvest Hemp Yogurt (ORIGINAL)
Price: $1.89 (5.3 ounces)
Ingredient List: HEMP YOGURT (FILTERED WATER, SHELLED HEMP SEED, CANE SUGAR, INULIN, TAPIOCA STARCH, VANILLA EXTRACT, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, NATURAL GUM BLEND, ALGIN, ACTIVE CULTURES).
Nutrition Profile: FAT 4g; SATURATED FAT .5g; FIBER 3g; SUGAR 8g; PROTEIN 10g
Flavor: 1/10
Texture: 2/10
#7 Daiya Greek Yogurt Alternative (BLACK CHERRY)
Price: $1.67 (5.3 ounces)
Ingredient List: FILTERED WATER, DARK CHERRY FRUIT PREPARATION (DARK CHERRIES, EVAPORATED CANE SUGAR, WATER, TAPIOCA STARCH, BLACK CURRANT JUICE CONCENTRATE, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE), COCONUT CREAM, PEA PROTEIN ISOLATE, CANE SUGAR, CREAMED COCONUT, CHICORY ROOT EXTRACT, POTATO STARCH, VEGAN NATURAL FLAVORS, LACTIC ACID (VEGAN), TITANIUM DIOXIDE, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, LEMON JUICE CONCENTRATE, LOCUST BEAN GUM, PECTIN, GUAR GUM, SEA SALT, L. PLANETARIUM, L. CASEI.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 4.5g; SATURATED FAT 4g; FIBER 3g; SUGAR 15g; PROTEIN 8g
Flavor: 3/10
Texture: 4/10
#8 Almond Dream Almond Yogurt (PLAIN)
Price: $1.79 (6 ounces)
Ingredient List: ALMOND BASE (WATER, ALMONDS), STABILIZER BLEND (TAPIOCA MALTODEXTRIN, CORN STARCH, CAROB BEAN GUM, PECTIN), EVAPORATED CANE SYRUP, TAPIOCA FIBER, TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, NATURAL FLAVOR, CULTURES*. *CULTURES: L. ACIDOPHILUS, P. LACTIS, S. THERMOPHILUS, BIFIDOBACTERIUM LACTIS, L. ACIDOPHILUS, L. CASEI, L. RHAMNOSUS, L. DELBRUECKII LACTIS & BULGARICUS.
Nutrition Profile: FAT 3g; SATURATED FAT 0g; FIBER 3g; SUGAR 14g; PROTEIN 1g
Flavor: 5/10
Texture: 2/10
Takeaway Thoughts:
Of all the yogurts we tested, Kite Hill came out on top for overall best flavor and texture (specifically the plain- I love it paired with sliced banana and cinnamon). I also like that the ingredient list is really short. Forager was a close second with a similar texture and flavor but less protein.
So Delicious was also in the top for flavor although the texture is slightly thicker and more pudding-like. I personally enjoy the texture and also like that it’s certified organic. The only drawback with this one (in my opinion) is the high amount of saturated fat and low protein. I know there is controversial research out there regarding this topic but since I eat yogurt every morning, I prefer not to get that much saturated fat in one sitting. Unless it’s dessert. But I’ll still purchase it if Kite Hill isn’t available.
Ingredient wise, I found the worst to be Daiya. I’m wary of anything that says “natural flavors” especially if the product isn’t certified organic. Plus it just doesn’t taste very good.
I really wanted to love the Hemp Yogurt because I’m a raving fan of hemp seeds, but it’s just bad. The color is grey, the texture is like thickened jello, and the flavor is awful. If they are able to reformulate this one they could have something good but right now it’s just…no.
Stoneyfield and Almond Dream aren’t terrible but I wouldn’t purchase them again. Silk has a great texture and tastes really good but it’s way too sweet. I actually get heartburn after eating it. I was unable to find the plain version but maybe that one is better. They also have a line of almond yogurt coming out soon.
Overall I recommend sticking with plain varieties (mainly Kite Hill, Forager, So Delicious or Silk) with the least sugar then adding it to smoothies or pairing it with your favorite fruits. This has been the easiest way for me to still get my probiotics in the morning without consuming any dairy!
*Disclaimer: the price, ingredients and nutrition may vary due to your location or the current time period that you read this post. The information provided is based off of what was available to me at the time this post was published.
When I went vegan, yogurt was the HARDEST thing to replace! I was buying the Stonyfield O’Soy yogurt but at the time, it still had casein in it! (This was a few years ago.) And I had no idea until a blog commenter kindly pointed it out! I’m glad that there are a few more options on the market now!
I can’t stand when I see a plant-based product with casein! It’s just…why??
Love this! I haven’t seen Kite Hill at my store, but I see the So Delicious ones and was wondering if they’re any good. Kudos on giving up dairy, I don’t know if I have it in me, but I’m sure I could at least cut back a little.
I feel so much better since I’ve given up dairy! I don’t even crave it anymore. And that’s saying a lot considering how much I used to love cheese. :)
Loooove this roundup! Dairy free yogurt is the only yogurt I can stomach, and I typically reach for the So Delicious brand, if only because I don’t mind the taste and it’s available at almost all grocery stores (or at least the ones I shop at). Super helpful roundup, Sarah!
It is definitely the easiest to find. I miss having a Whole Foods nearby because they always have an awesome selection of the newest products. :/
When I gave up dairy a while ago I pretty much only tried Kite Hill as a replacement and I hated it. I think the taste is off (like you said, everyone’s taste buds are different!). I’ve been able to use it in baked goods but other than that it grosses me out — haha. As for the coconut milk yogurt I do like that but I try to only eat it in a pinch like if we’re on vacation and want to stock up on easy breakfasts.
I had someone else tell me that they didn’t like the Kite Hill either. I don’t like eating it by itself but then again, I didn’t like eating dairy yogurt by itself either. I always add a little something to make it more enticing. But yes, it’s definitely all subjective!
This is awesome! I’ve only tried a couple non-dairy yogurts and wasn’t a fan so basically stopped exploring. I definitely need to try Kite Hill’s yogurt and will be sure to stay away from hemp yogurt ;) Thanks for the helpful reviews!!
Haha! I feel bad knocking the hemp yogurt but it was the grossest thing ever!
Love this post!
I have always heard that the so delicious brand is really good – I have not yet tried it myself though. x
Izzy |https://pinchofdelight.wordpress.com
It’s really good! Thanks Izzy!
I’m a devoted fan of the Kite Hill plain yogurt!! I was buying the individual portions so often that I asked my Whole Foods to stock the larger containers and they did! I add a drizzle of honey and then either pomegranate seeds or whatever fresh berries I have with a topping of hemp seeds and maybe some cacao nibs.
I’m so glad to hear you love it too, Kristin! Your topping ideas sound amazing!
I don’t live near a Whole Foods anymore and it’s been quite the challenge to get my local health food store to order it for me. They’ve done it a few times but it’s always mass confusion. I heard Target is going to start carrying it now so I’m hoping I can find the unsweetened plain in the large container there soon!
I’m a HUGE Kite Hill fan. and they sell the unsweetened at my supermarket. I like it better than the plain. It is super yummy! I have tried to like the coconut based ones, but I really hate the taste – just my palate I guess.
I used to eat the soy ones but they were sugar bombs galore! Nice write up!
Thanks Jessica! I have yet to try the unsweetened but I’m hoping I can find it soon!
Great roundup of non dairy options. I have tried most of the ones you listed, except for the Kite Hill and Hemp. I tried hemp “milk” once, and it was completely gross so I knew I would never try a yogurt version. I have avoided the Kite Hill just because it is higher in calories/fat (I am not a spring chicken and have to count calories), but that will be the next on my list. Just like you said, taste is so subjective. My girlfriend raved about the Diaya, I went out and bought a few, and after the first few bites, I threw it away.
It is hard to compare the calcium/protein amounts of cow’s milk yogurt to any alternative; there is just no similarities to non dairy options. I think for me it comes down to changing my mental mindset and realize that similarities will probably never exist and to retrain my brain accordingly.
P.S. I meant to add into my comment cow’s milk GREEK yogurt; regular cow’s milk yogurts equally compare to some of the non dairy options available.
You’re so right, Jerilyn. You just have to view them as two separate entities because they are very different from one another.
I don’t eat yogurt for the protein or the calcium as I feel there are plenty of plant-based foods that I can get adequate amounts of those nutrients from. The only reason I place so much value in yogurt is for the probiotic benefits. I notice such a big difference when I travel and can’t eat it on a daily basis!
I love ❤ so delicious unsweetened coconut yogurt a tip for everyone is it is awesome plain but if you want a sweet treat add a touch of stevia and stir it in so good.
And if you are worried about saturated fat from coconut look up Sri Lanka and other cultures all over the world that get a big bulk of their calories from coconut and heart disease is low some of these same cultures now eat a more western diet and now die from the same things we do.
Thanks for sharing that, Sherry! I actually had the So Delicious coconut yogurt in my smoothie this morning so I’m not averse to it. I agree with you that the saturated fat from coconuts likely isn’t unhealthy. There is just so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what is true and what isn’t!
Such great information here, Sarah… and the I loved reading the comments too… I’ve only tried a few plant based yogurts, now I can’t recall which ones, but it was good (although I wouldn’t compare it to dairy yogurt). I did find it was interchangeable in a few of the baking recipes I tested. I need to give it a go again. I’ve not seen kite hill, but have seen SO Delicious.. so I’ll give that a go! Thank you for this fabulous round up!
Thank you so much for all of this info! I really haven’t tried that many dairy-free yogurts as it was never a staple food for me. I love the So Delicious one! Another good one is Nancy’s Soy Yogurt. DYING to try Kite Hill and Forager, though my Whole Foods never has the plain versions. Attempting to make my own right now to save some $$!
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I have been searching for the best yogurt, since going dairy-free, I miss it so dearly. But I found an amazing brand, Green Valley Organics. It is not plant based, but lactose free. I love the plain and mix it with fresh berries and granola. The texture is smooth but thick, like Greek yogurt. Yum! 9g of sugar and 10g of protein in a plain. The sugar, to me is worth it because the only ingredients are organic pasteurized lowfat milk, pectin, lactase enzyme and live and active cultures. I have tried just about every brand, except for the Kite Hill mentioned. Thanks!
I meant LACTOSE FREE not DAIRY FREE. OOPS.
Thanks for sharing, Laura! I chose to quit eating dairy due to the environmental, ethical and health effects so it’s not a matter of being lactose free but I appreciate you offering a suggestion. Hopefully you get a chance to try the Kite Hill!
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Is siggi’s brand considered to be dairy free?
No, they are made with cow’s milk. Anything that comes from a lactating animal is considered dairy.
Why did you buy sweetened vanilla for some and unsweetened plain for others?
I’ve been using unsweetened plain “cashewgurt” and it’s been our favorite so far.
When they’re out we get So Delicious. Always unsweetened.
I’ll have to try some of these others though.
I usually buy unsweetened plain if it’s available. I just don’t like the texture of the cashewgurt. I think personal preferences are always going to vary though! :)