For a workplace canteen, choose a recipe to suit your needs: fruit pieces for a more noticeable fruity texture, a 0% option if fat content is the deciding factor, or an organic recipe if it meets your specifications. If the brief mentions “mature” or “aged”, ask for clarification about the expected texture or ingredients rather than assuming this describes a characteristic of the yoghurt. Before selecting a product, also check its nutritional information, allergens, pack size, and storage and delivery conditions.
If you want to serve a dessert where the fruit stands out when tasted, compare the presence of fruit pieces, the stated fruit content and the flavours. The word “aged” is no substitute for these recipe criteria.
Check the fat and sugar content per 100 g, then read the ingredients list. A 0% option meets a criterion relating to fat, but on its own it tells you nothing about sugar or the presence of sweeteners.
Check that the pack size, allergen information, remaining shelf life and storage temperature stated on the product suit the way your canteen operates.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and the cold chain | Check the allergens in the variety you choose, the storage temperature shown on the packaging and the use-by date on delivery. | I need to be able to inform diners and store the pots as directed until they are served; around 29% of canteen buyers make this their priority. |
| Nutritional profile | Compare sugar and fat per 100 g, then check the ingredients for sweeteners. | If my specifications distinguish between fat, sugar and sweeteners, the 0% claim is not enough to make a decision; nearly 29% of buyers concerned prioritise this profile. |
| Recipe and texture | Read the product description, stated fruit content and whether it contains fruit pieces or a layer of fruit. | To offer a varied dessert menu, I look for a clearly identifiable fruity texture rather than just the words “with fruit”; around 24% of buyers make this their main criterion. |
| Serving logistics | Confirm the number and size of pots per case, along with the arrangements for receiving and refrigerated delivery. | When planning serving quantities, pack sizes and reliable deliveries come first; around 18% of buyers concerned prioritise these arrangements. |
For the Danone and Carrefour Classic’ products reviewed, 0% refers to fat; their ingredients lists also mention sucralose and acesulfame-K. So the claim on the front of the pack is not enough to assess the recipe.
Compare sugar and fat per 100 g, then check the ingredients for the exact variety.
The presence of fruit pieces, how the fruit is arranged and its stated proportion all affect what diners are served. A general product description does not tell you everything about the texture.
Ask for the product sheet for the variety you are considering and check its description, ingredients and nutritional information.
The number of pots shown on a product page for consumers does not tell you about delivery arrangements or how much shelf life will remain when the product reaches the canteen.
Confirm the case size with your supplier, the minimum remaining shelf life on delivery and the arrangements for refrigerated delivery.
These products illustrate different recipes and formats. For canteen service, check the details of the variety and pack offered by your supplier.
The Danone 0% fruit yoghurt featured by Carrefour comes in a pack of 16 x 125 g pots.
Panier de Yoplait offers fruit yoghurts with pieces and a choice of flavours.
The Carrefour products reviewed include a classic fruit yoghurt and a Carrefour Classic’ 0% version with fruit pieces.
The Auchan products reviewed include an assortment of fruit yoghurts with pieces and an Auchan Bio option in a pack of 8 x 125 g pots.
No. For the Danone and Carrefour Classic’ products reviewed, 0% refers to fat. Their ingredients lists mention sweeteners; compare the sugar per 100 g and the ingredients for the variety you are thinking of serving.
Keep information that exactly matches the varieties being served and make it available at the counter. The DGCCRF notes that allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on prepacked food. If diners can no longer see the packaging, make sure the information is passed on when the food is served.
Follow the storage temperature shown on the product you have bought. The product sheets for the Yoplait and Auchan varieties reviewed recommend storage between 0 °C and +6 °C. The DGCCRF notes that higher temperatures shorten the shelf life of food and encourage microbial growth.