Parents who want to choose the toppings
A plain recipe lets you serve fruit separately, rather than choosing a yoghurt based solely on its flavour name. The ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line help you compare specific products.
Who is this choice for?
People organising an outdoor buffet
Individual pots make serving easier; a large tub calls for bowls and clean utensils. Either way, you’ll need to keep the yoghurt chilled until serving.
People who care about a creamy texture
If texture matters to you, compare the fat content per 100 g too: the plain Greek-style recipes mentioned here don’t all have the same value.
What to look for
First, choose between a plain recipe, which you can top separately, and a flavoured one, where you’ll need to check the exact ingredients. Then decide on the format based on how you plan to serve it and how much fridge or cool-box space you have.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe and sugars | Compare the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ does not mean this line will show zero. | If I prefer to serve fruit separately, I want to know what’s in the yoghurt before adding a topping. Around 42% of consumers put having this control over the recipe first. |
| Format and keeping chilled | Choose individual portions or a large tub to suit the number of guests. Check the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging. | When serving outdoors, I want to hand out portions without leaving the yoghurt on the table throughout the party; serving and storage come first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Texture and ingredients | Compare the fat content per 100 g and the ingredients of the products you’re considering, using the same basis. | I’m looking for a creamy texture, but I also want to know what recipe I’m serving to the children. This is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing ‘mild’, ‘plain’ and ‘no added sugars’
These terms don’t describe the same thing. Auchan lists 3.8 g of sugars per 100 g for its plain Greek-style yoghurt, 4 × 150 g; the YAOS plain 4 × 125 g product is labelled ‘no added sugars’ and lists 3.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
To compare two pots, check the exact wording, ingredients list and sugars per 100 g for each product.
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Choosing a large tub without planning how to keep it chilled
A shared tub stays open while people serve themselves and requires clean utensils. When you’re outdoors, it’s important to maintain the cold chain: the DGCCRF recommends using a cool box for a picnic, for example.
Keep the yoghurt chilled until serving and follow the storage and after-opening instructions on the packaging.
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Assuming all Greek-style recipes are the same
Values vary between products: Auchan lists 8.2 g of fat per 100 g for its plain 4 × 150 g pack, and 10 g for its plain 8 × 125 g pack.
Compare the nutrition information and ingredients for the exact format you plan to serve, rather than relying on the words ‘Greek-style’ alone.
Brands to consider
Auchan
Depending on the product, Auchan offers plain Greek-style yoghurt in 4 × 150 g and 8 × 125 g formats.
- Per 100 g, Auchan lists 3.8 g and 2.8 g of sugars respectively for these two formats.
- The fat content also differs: 8.2 g for the 4 × 150 g pack and 10 g for the 8 × 125 g pack. Check the packaging of the product you choose.
YAOS
The YAOS plain 4 × 125 g product is worth considering if you’re looking for an explicit ‘no added sugars’ claim.
- This product lists 3.5 g of sugars and 7.9 g of fat per 100 g.
- ‘No added sugars’ doesn’t mean sugar-free: check the ‘of which sugars’ line for the exact product.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers plain Greek-style Carrefour Extra yoghurt in a 4 × 150 g format and in a 1 kg tub.
- The 1 kg tub could work if you serve portions in bowls using clean utensils.
- To compare the ingredients in these formats, check the ingredients and nutrition information on each pack.
Eridanous (Lidl)
Lidl offers an Eridanous Greek-style yoghurt that can be enjoyed plain or with fruit.
- This means you can serve the fruit separately.
- Before choosing it for your buffet, check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition information on the packaging for the exact product.
Joybuy products related to this choice
Auchan Plain Greek-style Yoghurt, 4 × 150 g
A plain option for serving with fruit on the side. Auchan lists 3.8 g of sugars and 8.2 g of fat per 100 g.
Auchan Plain Greek-style Yoghurt, 8 × 125 g
Individual portions for easy serving. Auchan lists 2.8 g of sugars and 10 g of fat per 100 g.
YAOS Plain Yoghurt, 4 × 125 g
Labelled ‘no added sugars’; this product lists 3.5 g of sugars and 7.9 g of fat per 100 g.
Carrefour Extra Plain Greek-style Yoghurt, 1 kg
A larger tub to serve in bowls with clean utensils. Check the packaging for the ingredients and nutrition information.
Frequently asked questions
Does Greek-style yoghurt described as ‘mild’ contain little sugar?
No. The word ‘mild’ doesn’t tell you how much sugar it contains. Compare the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g and the ingredients list: the YAOS plain 4 × 125 g product is labelled ‘no added sugars’ but still lists 3.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Can you leave yoghurt on the table throughout the garden party?
No. Keep it chilled and follow the storage temperature shown on the packaging. For outdoor serving, the DGCCRF recommends using a cool box when transporting it, for example.
Is plain Greek-style yoghurt automatically suitable for a child under 3?
No. The word ‘plain’ isn’t enough to determine whether a product is suitable for this age group. Manger Bouger reminds parents that children under 3 have high fat requirements; check the product’s ingredients and ask a healthcare professional for advice if your child has specific dietary needs.
What should you provide if a child is allergic to milk?
The plain Auchan and YAOS products mentioned here contain milk and aren’t suitable for anyone allergic to this ingredient. Provide an option whose label meets their needs, and serve it with separate utensils.