Which format is right for you?

If you’re preparing a dish to share

If you’re using yoghurt to make a sauce, dip or dessert for everyone to share, a larger tub lets you take out the amount you need. You’ll also need to plan how to use it and store it after opening.

If you’re serving dessert in individual pots

Individual portions mean you won’t need to divide up the yoghurt when it’s time to serve. Check how many pots there are and their size, as well as their use-by dates for the day of your meal.

If you want a drink that can be stored unopened

A milk-based drink explicitly labelled UHT and suitable for storage at room temperature before opening meets a different storage need. It may not be in the same format as, or suitable for the same uses as, fresh Greek yoghurt.

What should you check before buying?

First, decide whether you’ll serve the product by the spoonful, mix it into a recipe or drink it. That makes it easier to compare formats and storage instructions.

Individual pots of fresh yoghurt

Choose these if: you want to serve each guest an individual portion of Greek-style yoghurt.

Bear in mind: these pots have a use-by date and must be stored at the temperature shown on the packaging.

Large tub of Greek yoghurt

Choose this if: you’re mixing the yoghurt into a sauce or using it in a dessert to share.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to serve out the portions and follow the storage instructions after opening.

UHT milk-based drink

Choose this if: you’re mainly looking for a drink whose packaging says it can be stored at room temperature before opening.

Note the difference: the UHT drink described by Danone HiPRO isn’t fresh Greek yoghurt in a pot for use in a recipe or a spoonable dessert.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Texture and how you’ll use it Compare the product description, ingredients and format, depending on whether you’ll serve the yoghurt on its own or mix it into a dish. If you’re making a sauce or a dessert to share, start by looking for a product suited to the recipe you have planned; around 44% of consumers put this type of cooking use first.
Portions and quantity Count your guests, then compare the number and size of the pots with the amount you’d use from a larger tub. If you’re serving dessert straight at the table, you’ll want enough portions without opening more pots than necessary. Serving and quantity come first for around 33% of consumers.
Storage For fresh yoghurt, check the use-by date and the temperature shown; if you need to store it at room temperature before opening, look for an explicit UHT label. If storage is a priority when planning your meal, you’ll need to distinguish fresh yoghurt from a UHT drink. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers.

Common mix-ups to avoid

  • Assuming ‘strained’ or ‘UHT’ means it’s Greek yoghurt

    A UHT milk-based drink may meet your storage needs before opening, but it may not be in a format suited to serving by the spoonful.

    First decide whether you need a dessert, an ingredient or a drink. If room-temperature storage matters, check that it’s explicitly stated and read the storage instructions on the packaging.

  • Assuming all Greek-style yoghurts have the same recipe

    The Carrefour Extra and Auchan products described in their product information contain milk and cream, but their ingredients and nutritional values vary from product to product.

    Compare the ingredients list and fat content per 100 g for the specific products you’re thinking of buying.

  • Choosing a large tub without planning how much you’ll use

    A sharing-size tub may leave you with yoghurt after the meal if your recipe only needs a small amount.

    Work out how much you need and plan to use the rest in line with the storage instructions after opening.

  • Forgetting the use-by date and keeping it chilled during transport

    The Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers that use-by dates are strict limits for the foods they apply to, and that yoghurt should generally be kept in the fridge.

    Check the date is suitable for the day of your meal, keep the product at the stated temperature during transport and follow the instructions after opening.

Brands to compare

These products show how formats and ingredients can differ. Always check the label on the product you choose rather than assuming the same applies to an entire brand.

Carrefour Extra

Carrefour offers plain Greek-style yoghurt in packs of 4 × 150 g and 12 × 125 g.

  • Carrefour product information lists milk and cream of French origin.
  • The product information for the 12 × 125 g pack lists 10 g of fat per 100 g; check the nutritional information for each format separately.

Auchan

Auchan offers plain Greek-style yoghurt in 4 × 150 g packs, as well as a Discount version in 4 × 125 g packs.

  • The product information for the 4 × 150 g pack describes a recipe made with whole milk, cream, milk proteins and lactic cultures.
  • Ingredients may vary between products, so check the product information and the label on the one you buy.

Délisse / Marque Repère

E.Leclerc product information lists plain Greek-style yoghurt in 8 × 125 g packs and plain Greek yoghurt in a 1 kg tub.

  • The 1 kg tub is a handy size for taking what you need for a dish to share; its product information states that the milk is of Greek origin.
  • The 8 × 125 g pack and the 1 kg tub are separate products, so check the ingredients and nutritional information for each one.

Danone HiPRO

Danone HiPRO’s range includes pots, chilled drinks and UHT drinks that can be stored at room temperature before opening.

  • Danone HiPRO’s FAQ describes a UHT drink for people who specifically want this type of storage before opening.
  • This drink shouldn’t be confused with fresh Greek yoghurt intended for a dessert or recipe.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can Greek yoghurt be left out of the fridge until lunch?

Fresh yoghurt should be kept at the temperature shown on the packaging, usually in the fridge. The Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers to follow the use-by date on products that have one. A drink explicitly labelled UHT and suitable for storage at room temperature before opening has different storage requirements.

Does ‘Greek-style’ mean the milk comes from Greece?

No. The name alone doesn’t tell you where the milk comes from. Carrefour Extra and Auchan product information lists milk of French origin for some products, while E.Leclerc’s product information for the 1 kg Délisse Greek yoghurt states that the milk is of Greek origin. Check the specific product you’re buying.

How can you tell if a product can be stored at room temperature before opening?

Look for a UHT label and check the storage instructions on the packaging. Don’t rely on the word ‘strained’ or ‘Greek’ alone. Danone HiPRO’s FAQ distinguishes its UHT drink from its pots and chilled drinks.

Should you compare the fat content of plain Greek-style yoghurts?

Yes, if the ingredients matter to your choice. Auchan and Carrefour Extra product information shows that fat content varies between products, including 8.2 g and 10 g per 100 g. Check the ingredients and portion size too, rather than judging the product by its name alone.