Flavored yogurt is often seen as a healthy choice. The packaging features fruit, and advertisements highlight calcium and vitamins.
However, the contents can resemble a dessert more than a healthy snack.
Some fruit yogurts contain more than 15 grams of sugar in a single serving. That is equal to around three sugar cubes.
For children, this can make up a large part of the recommended daily sugar intake.
Difficult to understand
Sugar is not always listed directly on the ingredient label. It may also appear under names such as glucose syrup, sucrose, or fruit concentrate.
As a result, it can be difficult for consumers to determine how much sugar a product actually contains.
According to Centrum, several products also contain flavorings, colorings, and thickeners. Although the ingredients are approved, they provide little nutritional value.
A high sugar intake can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then drop again. This may lead to fatigue and cravings for more sweet foods.
According to the WHO, added sugar should account for no more than 10 percent of daily energy intake.
Better alternatives
Experts recommend that sweet yogurts should not become a regular part of the diet.
Instead, plain yogurt can be mixed with fresh fruit or a small amount of honey. This provides better control over the sugar content.
Kefir, skyr, and higher-protein yogurts are also mentioned as alternatives. The point is not that sweet yogurts should be avoided completely, but that they should be eaten less often.
Health experts are particularly warning against making sweetened fruit yogurts for children a daily habit.
Sources: Centrum and WHO.
























