When choosing a dairy product for an older person, compare the ingredients and nutritional information for each product rather than relying on the term ‘Greek-style’. If protein is the priority, consider skyr and high-protein dairy products too. If appetite or weight is declining, don’t automatically choose a low-fat option, and ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Choosing a dairy product isn’t just about its protein content. Manger Bouger advises against prioritising low-fat products in cases of malnutrition, and recommends discussing weight loss with a doctor.
The amount of protein in the pot they eat matters more than the product’s texture or name. Greek-style yoghurt, skyr and high-protein dairy products can all have different nutritional values.
Before choosing, you want to compare ingredients, allergens, sugars and fat, then check the date and storage instructions.
Greek-style yoghurt, skyr and high-protein dairy products aren’t made from the same recipe. First, choose the type of product that best suits the main requirement, then compare the exact products on their labels.
Consider it: if you’re looking for a creamy texture and the recipe suits the person’s diet.
Bear in mind: the term doesn’t guarantee a high protein content; check the fat content too.
Consider it: if protein content is a key factor and this type of dairy product is suitable.
Bear in mind: nutritional values and ingredients vary by product; skyr isn’t the same as traditional Greek-style yoghurt.
Consider it: if the amount of protein in each pot is the priority.
Bear in mind: check the ingredients and fat content; the HiPRO Blueberry product reviewed contains sweeteners.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein per 100 g, then for the amount actually eaten. Auchan’s plain Greek-style yoghurt product information lists 2.9 g per 100 g; Yoplait gives a range of 7.8 to 9.3 g per 100 g across its skyr range. | If the pot is meant to contribute to protein intake, I want to know how much protein is in the portion that will be eaten. Around 40% of consumers are said to put protein intake at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Appetite and energy intake | Check the energy and fat per portion. If appetite is low or weight is falling, don’t automatically choose a low-fat option. Manger Bouger recommends seeking medical advice in these circumstances. | When appetite is low, I look for a dairy product the person will be happy to eat, without ruling out full-fat options straight away. Around 30% of consumers are said to prioritise appetite and energy intake. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients and allergen information, the sugar and fat content per 100 g, the use-by date and the storage instructions. | If certain ingredients need to be avoided, I want to be able to check the exact recipe before buying. Around 30% of consumers are said to put this information first. |
The term alone doesn’t tell you the nutritional profile. Auchan’s plain Greek-style yoghurt product information lists 2.9 g of protein per 100 g, while Yoplait gives a range of 7.8 to 9.3 g per 100 g across its skyr range.
Compare the protein per 100 g and per pot for the specific products you’re actually considering.
In cases of malnutrition, Manger Bouger advises against prioritising low-fat products. However, you can’t assess weight loss or reduced appetite simply by choosing a dairy product.
If weight is falling or appetite is low, seek medical advice rather than changing someone’s diet based solely on a ‘0%’ claim.
Two dairy products with a similar texture can have different recipes. For example, Auchan’s plain Greek-style yoghurt product information specifies storage between 0 °C and +6 °C.
Check the ingredients, allergens, use-by date and storage instructions for each pot.
Carrefour lists a Danone plain Greek-style yoghurt product.
Yoplait’s Skyr range is a different category to compare with Greek-style yoghurt.
Carrefour’s range includes Carrefour Extra plain Greek-style yoghurt and products from other brands.
Auchan lists plain Greek-style yoghurt in a pack of 4 × 150 g.
Lidl sells Greek-style yoghurt under the Eridanous brand.
No, not automatically. Manger Bouger advises against prioritising low-fat products in cases of malnutrition. If appetite is low, weight is falling or a particular diet has been prescribed, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Compare the grams of protein per 100 g, then for the portion actually eaten. Auchan’s plain Greek-style yoghurt product information lists 2.9 g per 100 g; Yoplait gives a range of 7.8 to 9.3 g per 100 g across its skyr range. Don’t assume that the nutritional values for one product apply to the whole category.
Read the product name, ingredients and allergen information, nutritional values, pot size and relevant date. The DGCCRF states that, when comparing two prepacked products, nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml. Then check how that compares with the portion actually eaten.