Whole Milk Yogurt or Low-Fat Yogurt? Which Is The Best For Your Diet?

Low-Fat yogurts tend to contain preservatives and sugars to give them flavour, and in the end they turn out to be less healthy than whole milk yogurt.
Whole Milk Yogurt or Low-Fat Yogurt? Which Is The Best For Your Diet?
Abel Verdejo

Reviewed and approved by the physical therapist Abel Verdejo.

Written by Okairy Zuñiga

Last update: 09 October, 2022

Yogurt is one of the oldest foods in the world. It’s well-known for its nutritional value, versatility in cooking, and its cosmetic applications.

For people who want to enjoy its nutritional value, there are some doubts now that some low-calorie products have appeared on the market. The question is, “is whole milk yogurt or low-fat yogurt better for my health?” “Which is the best to include in my diet?”

In this article, we’ll tell you the answer to this and other questions about this ancient food.

What is Whole Milk Yogurt?

Low-Fat Yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product which goes through a fermentation process. During this process, many hundreds of millions of bacteria are produced which have many health benefits for the human body.

These bacteria are known as prebiotics and you’re bound to have heard of them since they help improve your intestinal flora.

Natural yogurt is generally made in a traditional manner and is characterized by not containing colorings, preservatives, or added flavorings, and particular by preserving its natural fats.

Whole milk yogurt has also fallen victim to the trend in light products that have inundated the dairy market.

3 Myths About Whole Milk Yogurt

There are many myths out there about whole milk yogurt to confuse you. Below we’ve listed the three most common.

1. Whole Milk Yogurt Contains More Fats Than Low-Fat Yogurt

A small clay bowl of whole milk yogurt

In a strict sense, this could be true. To produce a low-fat product they use low-fat milk, which obviously has a considerably lower calorie content.

So what’s the problem? Well, the problem is that you’re assuming that this fat is “bad”. If the yogurt is made from cow’s milk, the fat is not harmful to your arteries, doesn’t increase your cholesterol levels, nor cause you to you gain weight.

2. It’s Better To Sweeten Yogurt With Artificial Sweeteners

This myth is a direct consequence of the previous one and due to something very simple: by removing fat from the yogurt it loses flavor and consistency. As a result, it’s necessary to add artificial things to make up for these losses.

Most people think that there’s nothing wrong with sweeteners. This seems fine but a lot of research has suggested that there’s a possible link between sweeteners and cancer.

Furthermore, a study carried out in 2006 linked sweeteners with diabetes and obesity. Maybe it’s better for your health to choose a whole milk yogurt next time you go shopping.

Choose the most natural products. If you want to add fruit to your yogurt, choose fresh seasonal fruit.

3. I Can Eat More Yogurt If It’s Light

A teaspoon next to a jar of whole milk yogurt

To get the health benefits of this nutritious, low-calorie, easy-to-digest food you only need a cup a day. This way you’ll get your daily recommendation of calcium.

If you eat whole milk yogurt then you still get to enjoy its flavor and consistency.

You just need to try not to eat too much of it, since this could be counterproductive for your digestive system.

The Best Yogurt For Your Diet

The best yogurt for your diet is definitely any yogurt that’s full-fat and natural. A great idea to enjoy the advantages of whole milk yogurt is to try a variety of yogurts sweetened with cream.

Other good choices are:

  • Greek Yogurt. This is made from whole milk and tends to have a light, mushy consistency which makes it perfect for spreading. You can use it as a substitute for cream in your sauces and desserts.
  • Kefir. This is a yogurt with curative and regenerative properties for the body. It’s high in proteins and low in calories. It’s definitely recommended for people with lactose intolerance.
    You can use it as a side dish for your lunch or mid-afternoon snacks. It’s always a healthy option.

Low-Fat Yogurt, Yes or No?

The reality is that there isn’t much sense to eating low-fat yogurt. This type tends to substitute fat for other ingredients like sugars and preservatives.

The best would be to choose normal types and limit yourself to a cup per day at the most.

What do you think about it? What’s your choice? Which yogurt do you eat the most often?


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Huertas RAP. Yogur en la salud humana. Rev Lasallista Investig. 2013.
  • Profeco. Yogur y otros lácteos fermentados. Rev del Consum. 2006.
  • Vera M. Elaboración Y Aplicación Gastronómica Del Yogur. Pagina Web. 2011.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.