Who is this guide for?

Managers of high-turnover buffets

You need individual portions that are easy to count and replenish, as well as enough fridge space to store them. Retailers offer some products in packs of 12 or 16 125 g pots.

Hoteliers looking for a choice of flavours and textures

You want to add variety to the buffet with fruit recipes, including those with fruit pieces. This alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar a product contains, so compare the labels of the options you’re considering.

Venues adding a 0% option

You’d like to offer a recipe labelled 0% as an additional option. Check what the label means for the specific variety you buy, along with its ingredients list and whether it contains sweeteners.

What should you look for?

First, work out how much chilled storage you have and how many portions you need. Then choose recipes based on their flavours and the information on each pack.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Chilled storage The storage instructions on the packaging, available fridge space and the use-by date on delivery. I need to be able to store the pots and replenish the buffet without breaking the cold chain. For around 40% of the consumers concerned, this would be the main priority.
Number of portions The number of pots, their weight and the quantity needed for each service. When guest numbers vary, I want to match the pack size to the planned service without having lots of unused pots left over. Portion planning would be a priority for around 30% of consumers.
Flavours and texture The flavours in the pack and whether the recipes contain fruit pieces, are blended or are stirred. I want to offer a choice of flavours and know whether the fruit is in pieces or blended. This variety would be the main criterion for around 20% of consumers.
Ingredients and nutrition The ingredients list, sugars and fat per 100 g, any sweeteners and the allergens listed. If I add a 0% recipe, I want to understand its composition before offering it to customers. This specific choice would be a priority for around 10% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming fruit yoghurt is the same as a UHT drink

    A fruit yoghurt sold in the chilled aisle and a UHT drink that can be stored at room temperature are different products. For example, an Auchan fruit yoghurt product page states that it should be stored between 0 °C and +6 °C.

    Decide what kind of product you want for the buffet before choosing how to store it, then follow the instructions on the packaging.

  • Relying on the words ‘with fruit’ alone

    The presence of fruit doesn’t tell you everything about the recipe or its sugar content. Two pots with similar flavours may also have different textures.

    Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional values per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering serving.

  • Presenting a 0% recipe as a choice for everyone

    According to Yoplait, the Panier 0% range contains sweeteners. So the 0% label alone doesn’t tell you everything about its ingredients or whether it suits your customers’ preferences.

    Present this recipe as a separate option and check the information on the pot you’ve chosen.

  • Planning portions based on an unconfirmed selection

    The products on offer may vary by store or ordering channel; E.Leclerc, for example, states that its DELISSE product page does not allow online purchases.

    Check the flavours, number of pots and use-by date with the retailer or supplier before deciding how much to order for the buffet.

Brands and retailers to compare

Danone

A brand to consider when comparing fruit yoghurts for your buffet.

  • Compare the pack size and flavours of the specific product with the number of portions you need.
  • Check the ingredients and storage instructions on the chosen packaging rather than assuming them from the brand name alone.

Yoplait

Yoplait’s Panier range includes fruit yoghurts with pieces; Panier 0% is a separate option.

  • Yoplait describes Panier as a range containing pieces of fruit.
  • According to Yoplait, Panier 0% contains sweeteners, so check the information for the variety you plan to serve.

Carrefour

The retailer offers fruit yoghurt products, including options under its Carrefour Bio brand.

  • Its range gives you the opportunity to compare different pack sizes and recipes for your service.
  • Check which products are available at the store in question before planning the buffet flavours.

E.Leclerc / DELISSE

DELISSE offers, among other products, a pack of 16 125 g pots of blended fruit yoghurt.

  • This pack size makes it easy to count the portions needed for a service.
  • E.Leclerc states that this product isn’t sold on its website; contact the relevant store for details.

Auchan

The retailer offers a mixed pack of fruit yoghurts with pieces, containing 16 125 g pots.

  • A mixed pack lets you offer several flavours from a single order.
  • Auchan’s product page states that this variety should be stored between 0 °C and +6 °C; follow the instructions on the pots you receive.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can fruit yoghurt be left at room temperature on a buffet?

Chilled fruit yoghurt must be stored according to the instructions on its packaging, including during service. An Auchan product page specifies storage between 0 °C and +6 °C; an ambient UHT drink is a different type of product and is not a substitute for this yoghurt.

How should you compare two packs for a hotel breakfast?

First, compare the number and weight of the pots with the planned service and the chilled storage space available. Then check the flavours, texture, use-by date and nutritional information for the specific recipes.

Can a Panier 0% recipe replace a fruit yoghurt with pieces?

Not necessarily: it depends on the textures and recipes you want to offer. Yoplait states that its Panier 0% range contains sweeteners; check the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen before presenting it as a separate option.