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.
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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.
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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.
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Health experts are particularly warning against making sweetened fruit yogurts for children a daily habit.
Sources: Centrum and WHO.
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