Best Dairy-Free Yogurt: Top 5 Brands Most Recommended By Experts

Thanks to its high protein content and sweet and tangy flavor, yogurt is widely considered to be a great way to start the day. But if you’re one of the many people who choose to eat a dairy-free diet, traditional options may not be the right fit for your needs. Thankfully, the dairy-free yogurt market has developed significantly in recent years, and there are now lots of great tasting options available in almost every grocery store. So, whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or limiting dairy for other reasons, the best dairy-free yogurt can be a staple in your breakfast or snack rotation.

While most everyone knows that vegans abstain from eating meat, plant-based eaters also eliminate dairy products from their diet. While we have long celebrated the benefits of milk and other dairy products, recent research has explored the benefits of a vegan diet. One study from scientists with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine report eating a low-fat vegan diet (without any calorie restrictions) can improve joint pain symptoms in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Even if you aren’t experiencing any arthritis pain, the research found other benefits linked to a vegan diet. Study participants also lost excess weight and saw their cholesterol levels improve.

This increased interest in the benefits of veganism has likely contributed to the increase in people contemplating a diet or lifestyle change. A 2021 study reveals that one in five Americans say their diet is radically different now compared to what it was like just five years ago. That’s especially the case for people opting for trying more plant-based foods. Researchers reveal that health-conscious Americans are going down what they call the “vegan-curious” route.

Researchers surveyed 2,000 U.S. residents, reporting that 19 percent believe that what they eat on a regular basis has changed significantly over that time.  Those switching up their menu say they did so due to shifts in their health and dietary needs (41%), much more so than their personal tastes (35%) or environmental concerns (19%). Almost 46 percent of the poll note they’ve either tried or considered going vegan in the past. One in ten are also eating more vegan foods than they did previously, while another 60 percent have tried their hand at making their own vegan food.

Whether dairy-free yogurt is on your shopping list for environmental reasons, health concerns, or pure curiosity, there’s no bad reason to try a new healthy snack. And with plenty of options ranging from coconut to soy, you can find a yogurt that meets your standards for health, taste, and cost. To help you dive into the world of shopping for alternatives, StudyFinds searched 10 expert websites for reviews of the best dairy-free yogurt. This list includes the most frequently recommended products, but if you have a favorite we missed, be sure to let us know in the comments!
Bowl of yogurt with fruit and oats
A breakfast of yogurt and fruit (Photo by Vicky Ng on Unsplash)

The List: Best Dairy-Free Yogurt, According to Experts

 

1. Silk

If you’re new to dairy-free yogurt and are looking for a close match to the real thing, Silk yogurt is a great place to start. The soy base lends it a familiar taste and texture that’s great for new dairy-free converts. “This soy-based yogurt from Silk was a pleasant surprise,” says Sporked. “If your soy yogurt can pass for dairy yogurt, you’re doing something very right.”

silk yogurt
Silk Dairy-Free Yogurt

“Although similar in sugar-content to Silk’s almond milk yogurt, the soy variety tastes even more like the real thing,” claims MyRecipes. “Taste testers enjoyed the creamy texture and resemblance to Silk’s vanilla soy milk. One taster even commented, ‘If I needed to go dairy-free, I could absolutely eat this.'”

As an added bonus, Silk is naturally high in protein. It’s a great option for a filling add-on to your breakfast. “I believe this is the highest protein option on the market without any added protein,” notes a Go Dairy Free reviewer. “Consequently, it has a very smooth consistency that beckons to dairy yogurt. It’s satisfyingly sweet with a slight tang. The cups come only in flavors, but you can buy the lower sugar Plain variety in larger tubs.”

2. So Delicious

Coconut lovers will enjoy the sweet and nutty taste of So Delicious yogurt. With plenty of flavor options available in most stores, So Delicious is a great option to pick up on your next grocery run. “So Delicious is as close to the real deal as it gets,” claims The Beet. “As you unwrap the yogurt, you might be fooled by how well the texture mimics real, dairy-based yogurt. The sweetness of the coconut took over our tastebuds and made us feel like we were eating a treat. This one was our favorite by far!”

so delicious yogurt
So Delicious Dairy-Free Yogurt

“Featuring a creamy coconut milk base, So Delicious yogurt comes in flavors including Blueberry, Vanilla, and Strawberry Banana. The brand also has a flip-cup line inspired by desserts,” adds VegNews. “We love the Key Lime Pie flavor, which pairs citrusy yogurt with graham cracker crumbs and vegan white chocolate.”

The light and refreshing flavor of coconut yogurt makes this a great choice for a quick snack. “This one reminded me the most of a classic low-fat dairy yogurt like Yoplait. It’s not hyper creamy and a little loose, which means it makes for a good snack rather than a full meal,” notes a Sporked reviewer. “Calling your line of dairy-free foods ‘So Delicious’ is a bold move, but turns out they weren’t lying.”

3. Kite Hill

For an almond yogurt that is as healthy as it is tasty, look no further than Kite Hill. With both flavored and plain options, you can use Kite Hill yogurt for all kinds of meals, snacks, and recipes. “Kite Hill vegan yogurt is made from almond milk. It’s non-GMO and Kosher. In addition to traditional non-dairy yogurt, they also offer non-dairy Greek yogurt,” explains Vegetarian Zen. “P.S. – Kite Hill also makes a great vegan sour cream, ricotta cheese, and cream cheese!”

Kite Hill Dairy-Free Yogurt
Kite Hill Dairy-Free Yogurt

“Almond milk is typically my least favorite non-dairy milk, but I’ve gotta say—this yogurt is making me change my mind,” says a Well and Good taster. “It was incredibly smooth and creamy and the vanilla flavor wasn’t at all overpowering or artificial-tasting, making it a great base for smoothies and parfaits.”

And to boot, “Kite Hill might be the most nutritious dairy-free yogurt of the bunch,” claims The Beet. “With 4 grams of fiber and 11 grams of protein, it makes a great choice for breakfast. Make sure to stir this yogurt well to smooth out the texture.”

4. Siggi’s

Siggi’s traditional dairy yogurt is a decadent favorite for many shoppers. The brand’s non-dairy selection is no different, with rich and creamy yogurt inspired by Iceland. “For many years, Siggi’s has been loved for their thick, creamy skyr, so it’s no surprise that their plant-based version is on the thick and rich side,” says Go Dairy Free. “It also focuses on nutrition with both fat and protein levels that outweigh the sugars, even in the fruit varieties.”

Siggi's Dairy-Free Yogurt
Siggi’s Dairy-Free Yogurt

Certain flavors performed better than others, as is the case for all of the different yogurts we tested. The vanilla & cinnamon flavor was a favorite among our testers, some stating that it was their ‘top pick.’ Our testers like the ‘thick’ and ‘creamy’ texture of this yogurt-alternative. Some described it as close to a greek yogurt consistency,” describes Good Housekeeping.

“Made with a subtly sweet concoction of coconut, macadamia, and pea protein, this plant-based line from the ever-popular Icelandic-inspired food company is available in cups for an easy, on-the-go snack,” adds VegNews.

5. Forager Project

This pick is the only one on the list to be made with cashews. And just like it’s main ingredient, this yogurt is creamy, rich, and just a bit sweet. “Forager was the only yogurt that wasn’t either overly sweet or too bitter,” claims The Beet. “The consistency looked more like pudding than yogurt when we first opened it. When you stir properly, the texture becomes smoother. This yogurt would be great to thicken a smoothie.”

Forager Project Dairy-Free Yogurt
Forager Project Dairy-Free Yogurt

Well and Good reviewers agree, adding, “looking for a perfect yogurt to add into your smoothie? This is it. It doesn’t have a crazy-sweet taste like other options, and it’s one of the runniest I tried, making it a great option to mix in with other ingredients and sip up for breakfast.” 

If you’re looking for some extra protein and flavor, Forager Project has a great line of options to choose from. “Go for the Greek line with an added boost of plant-based protein or reach for one of the brand’s drinkable kefir-style yogurts in strawberry, blueberry, or mango flavors,” suggests VegNews. “They also make yogurt for kids, which comes in a squeezable pouch.”

You might also be interested in:

Sources:

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *