For dessert at a wedding anniversary dinner, choose an assortment of pots if you want to let each guest pick a flavour; a multipack of the same recipe works well if you know what everyone at the table likes. A yoghurt drink is better suited to an informal setting. Before buying, check the texture, ingredients, use-by date and storage instructions.
Individual pots save you having to divide up a large container when serving. To choose the right multipack size, compare the number of guests with the number of portions. Auchan, for example, offers assortments of 6 × 150 g and 16 × 125 g.
If fruit pieces, sweeteners or particular ingredients matter to your guests, compare the exact recipes before putting together an assortment. The description ‘with fruit’ alone doesn’t tell you what the texture will be like.
A yoghurt drink can be served at a buffet rather than as a spoonable dessert. For its larger Yop formats, Yoplait advises keeping them chilled and consuming them within 72 hours of opening.
First, work out how many portions you’ll need and whether guests will choose their own flavour. Then compare the recipe for each product and the storage conditions needed to keep it chilled until dinner.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and flavours | Number of pots, quantity per pot and flavours in the multipack. Auchan, for example, offers 6 × 150 g and 16 × 125 g formats. | If everyone should be able to choose their dessert, I look for enough portions without making the whole table have the same flavour. Around 33% of consumers might put individual choice first. |
| Recipe and texture | Product description, ingredients, listed allergens, whether it contains fruit pieces or sweeteners, and sugar per 100 g. | If a guest avoids an ingredient or prefers a particular texture, I want to know the recipe before serving the pots. This suitability could be the main consideration for around 42% of consumers. |
| Quantity and storage | Use-by date, temperature shown on the packaging and instructions for storing the product after opening. | If dinner is after the food shop, I need to be able to keep the quantity I’ve bought chilled and finish a large container within the stated time. Around 25% of consumers might prioritise this practical consideration. |
A yoghurt with fruit pieces, a stirred yoghurt with blended fruit and a flavoured yoghurt don’t necessarily have the same texture or recipe.
For the product you choose, read the product description and ingredients rather than relying on the flavour name alone.
Yoplait says its larger Yop formats should be kept chilled and consumed within 72 hours of opening.
If you can’t store and finish the container within that time, consider individual pots instead.
An opened container that no one finishes within the stated time could go to waste.
Yoplait says its Panier 0% range contains sweeteners, which may matter to your guests’ preferences.
Ask about any important preferences before you shop, then check the label on the product you choose.
The Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers that the use-by date is a strict deadline. Storage conditions must also be followed during transport and right up until dessert.
Check the use-by date before buying, pick up the yoghurts towards the end of your shop and follow the temperature shown on the packaging.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between pots with fruit pieces and a yoghurt drink for a buffet.
A multipack to consider when serving several guests.
A supermarket own-brand range to compare if you’re looking for fruit yoghurts.
Worth considering for a larger table if you’re looking for an assortment of pots with fruit pieces.
A product to compare if you’re after a stirred yoghurt with blended fruit rather than fruit pieces.
This multipack of four strawberry portions could work for an informal, individual serve. If you’re planning a spoonable dessert or want to offer several flavours, check that it’s right for the way you intend to serve it.
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For an informal individual serve, this multipack contains four 125 ml portions, all strawberry-flavoured. If you’d like to serve it as dessert at dinner, check the presentation, ingredients and date on the packaging.
Yes, if you’re planning no more than six portions and the amount in each pot is right for your dessert. Auchan, for example, offers an assortment of 6 × 150 g. If you have more guests, compare the number of pots before buying.
No. Products from Yoplait and E.Leclerc include varieties with fruit pieces or blended fruit; other products are flavoured. Check the product description and ingredients on the pot you choose to tell the recipes apart.
Check the full recipe, not just the 0% claim. Yoplait says Panier 0% contains sweeteners; check the label if any guests would prefer to avoid them.
Follow the use-by date and the temperature shown on the packaging during transport and storage. The Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers that the use-by date is strict; Anses advises setting your fridge below 4 °C.
It could work for an informal buffet if you’d prefer to serve a yoghurt drink rather than individual spoonable desserts. For its larger Yop formats of 500 g, 825 g and 850 g, Yoplait advises keeping them chilled and consuming them within 72 hours of opening.