Runners planning their snacks
If you’d like to include a dairy product in a snack before or after training, check separately how many carbohydrates the yoghurt provides and what else is in your snack.
Who is this choice for?
Those mindful of their tolerance
If the recipe, fat content or serving size affects your choice, try the product during training rather than for the first time on race day.
People preparing several meals at home
A large tub can work well for several bowls or recipes, as long as you plan how you’ll use it and follow the storage instructions after opening.
What to look for when choosing yoghurt
For a snack while training for a marathon, start by considering what else is in it, then choose a recipe and pack size that suit how you’ll use it. VIDAL highlights the role of glycogen stores during prolonged exercise, so be sure to distinguish the carbohydrates in the yoghurt from those in the rest of your meal.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates in your snack | Check the carbohydrates per 100 g and per planned serving; also consider the other foods in your snack. | If I have yoghurt as a snack, I want to know how much of its carbohydrate content actually comes from the rest of my snack. Around 42% of consumers would make this the first thing they consider. |
| Recipe and tolerance | Check the ingredients and fat content per 100 g; try your chosen serving during training. | Before a long run, I prefer to know how I react to the recipe and portion I’ve chosen. Almost 33% of consumers would prioritise their individual tolerance. |
| Pack size and storage | Check how much you plan to eat and the instructions for storing it after opening. | If I prepare several snacks at home, I want to be able to finish the tub within the time stated. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise pack size and storage. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “Greek” and “Greek-style” mean the same thing
Danone France describes its “à la Grecque” range as dairy specialities inspired by Greek yoghurt, while E.Leclerc lists “natural Greek yoghurt” and “natural Greek-style yoghurt” separately in its catalogue.
Check the product description, ingredients and nutritional information rather than relying on the name on the shelf alone.
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Relying on yoghurt alone for the carbohydrates in your snack
Auchan France’s product listing for Yoplait natural Greek-style yoghurt gives its carbohydrate content as 3 g per 100 g. This figure applies to that product, not to a whole training snack.
If you’re planning to include carbohydrates in your snack, consider the other foods in your nutrition plan and try the combination during training.
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Choosing a large tub without planning how you’ll use it
A pack intended to provide several servings means you’ll need to consider how to store it after opening. For its 750 g Yoplait natural yoghurt, Auchan France’s product listing says to consume within 7 days of opening.
Choose a quantity that suits the servings you have planned, follow the use-by date shown and keep the product refrigerated.
Brands to compare
Danone
The “Danone à la Grecque” range includes a natural recipe as well as other varieties.
- Danone France describes its natural recipe as a Greek-style dairy speciality made with ingredients including skimmed milk, cream and cultures.
- The range name alone doesn’t tell you the ingredients or nutritional information for each variety.
Yoplait
Auchan France lists a 750 g tub of Yoplait natural Greek-style stirred yoghurt.
- For this product, the listing gives 3 g of carbohydrates, 3.3 g of protein and 5.5 g of fat per 100 g.
- It says to consume within 7 days of opening; this information doesn’t apply to every Yoplait product.
Carrefour
Carrefour offers Greek-style products in individual portions under its Carrefour Extra range, as well as a 1 kg tub under Carrefour Original.
- Carrefour France publishes the ingredients for some products and lists 8.5 g of fat per 100 g for the Carrefour Extra product mentioned here.
- To compare recipes, check the listing for the exact pack size and product you’re considering.
E.Leclerc / Marque Repère Delisse
The E.Leclerc catalogue lists Delisse products as “natural Greek-style yoghurt” and “natural Greek yoghurt”, in individual portions or larger packs.
- These different product descriptions make it easier to identify which one you want to look into further.
- Check the label on the product you choose to compare its recipe and nutritional information.
Lidl / Eridanous
Lidl France describes Eridanous as Greek-style yoghurt that can be eaten plain or used in savoury and sweet dishes.
- This description can help you decide whether to eat it plain or use it in cooking.
- If you plan to include it in a training snack, compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the product you choose.
Joybuy products related to Greek yoghurt
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Greek or Greek-style yoghurt enough to provide carbohydrates before a marathon?
Don’t rely on yoghurt alone to provide the carbohydrates in your snack. Auchan France’s listing for Yoplait natural Greek-style stirred yoghurt gives its carbohydrate content as 3 g per 100 g. Check the serving you plan to have and what else is in your meal.
How can I tell the difference between Greek and Greek-style yoghurt?
Check the product description, ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact product. Danone France describes its “à la Grecque” range as dairy specialities inspired by Greek yoghurt, while the E.Leclerc catalogue lists the two descriptions separately.
What should I check if I need to avoid milk?
Don’t assume Greek or Greek-style yoghurt is suitable: the Danone and Carrefour recipes mentioned contain milk. Check the ingredients and allergens listed on the packaging of the exact product.
How should I store a large tub after opening?
Follow the product’s use-by date, refrigeration instructions and guidance on how long it can be kept after opening. Auchan France’s listing for Yoplait natural yoghurt in a 750 g tub says to consume within 7 days of opening; Manger Bouger recommends storing chilled products in a part of the fridge kept at no more than 4 °C.