Who is this advice for?

Parents of under-threes considering 0% yoghurt

If you’re looking for low-fat Greek yoghurt for dinner, check your child’s age first: according to Manger Bouger, 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed products are not suitable for children under 3.

Parents comparing products in the chilled aisle

Whether you’re choosing plain yoghurt, a flavoured option or one that highlights its protein content, check the fat content and ingredients rather than relying on the words “Greek-style” alone.

What should you check before buying?

For a child under 3, start by checking the fat content, then compare the recipe and consider the other dairy products they’ve had that day.

What to check Look for Who it matters to
Age and fat content For children under 3, avoid products labelled 0%, skimmed or semi-skimmed, in line with Manger Bouger’s guidance. I want to choose a yoghurt that’s suitable for my child’s age before considering any other information on the pack; around 50% of consumers would put this first.
Plain recipe Compare the ingredients to distinguish a plain, unflavoured recipe from one containing sugar or flavouring. I’m interested in a Greek-style texture, but above all I want a plain recipe for dinner; this would be the priority for around 30% of consumers.
How it fits into the day From the age of one, count yoghurt alongside the milk and other dairy products eaten that day, as Manger Bouger advises. If my child already has milk and other dairy products, I want to take all of these into account before serving yoghurt at dinner; around 20% of consumers would make this their main concern.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming 0% is suitable for every age

    According to Manger Bouger, 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed products are not suitable for children under 3, even if the packaging highlights other features.

    Check your child’s age before comparing yoghurts. If they’re under 3, rule these options out.

  • Confusing “Greek-style” with “plain”

    The term “Greek-style” doesn’t tell you everything about a recipe. Carrefour’s listing for Danone’s Greek-style vanilla yoghurt includes sugar and natural vanilla flavouring, among other ingredients.

    For a toddler, look for a plain, unflavoured recipe and check the ingredients.

  • Assuming the pot size tells you how much to serve

    A family-size pack doesn’t determine how much you should serve. From the age of one, Manger Bouger advises considering milk and dairy products together across the day.

    Factor dinner yoghurt into your child’s other dairy intake rather than automatically serving it as an extra.

Brands to compare

Delta

Carrefour and Auchan listings feature a 1 kg tub of plain 0% Greek yoghurt.

  • The listings state that it contains skimmed milk and is plain, so the label helps you distinguish the ingredients from the “Greek” description alone.
  • As it’s labelled 0%, it should be ruled out for a child under 3, in line with Manger Bouger’s guidance.

FAGE

Auchan lists the Total 0% Greek yoghurt in a 950 g pack.

  • The 0% label makes its fat content easy to identify when comparing products.
  • According to Manger Bouger’s guidance, this product is not suitable for a child under 3. The word “Greek” doesn’t change that.

Carrefour Extra

Carrefour lists its plain Greek-style yoghurt in a 4 × 150 g pack.

  • The ingredients include whole milk and cream, so it’s a plain recipe worth considering, not a 0% yoghurt.
  • The size of the pots alone doesn’t tell you how much to serve your child.

Danone

Carrefour lists its Greek-style vanilla yoghurt in a 4 × 110 g pack.

  • The ingredients help you identify it as a flavoured recipe rather than a plain yoghurt.
  • The listing mentions sugar and natural vanilla flavouring, so don’t mistake it for a plain, unflavoured recipe.

Yoplait

A Carrefour listing features a 750 g carton of plain Greek-style stirred yoghurt.

  • Its carton packaging sets it apart from products sold in pots.
  • Carrefour says this product is no longer available in its stores, so check availability before planning to serve it for dinner.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give a child under 3 Greek 0% yoghurt for dinner?

No. Manger Bouger advises that 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed products are not suitable for children under 3. The word “Greek” or a claim about protein doesn’t change this age guidance.

What should I look for on the label of Greek-style yoghurt?

For a child under 3, first check the fat content, then look for a plain, unflavoured recipe. The ingredients can help you spot sugar and flavourings that the product name “Greek-style” may not mention.

Is flavoured yoghurt or a dairy dessert the same as plain yoghurt?

No. A flavoured recipe doesn’t meet Manger Bouger’s guidance to choose plain, unflavoured products. French Health Insurance also distinguishes dairy desserts, such as creams and flans, from dairy products, and classifies them as sugary foods.

How should I factor in yoghurt served at dinner?

From the age of one, count yoghurt alongside the milk and other dairy products your child has that day, as Manger Bouger advises. The size of a family pot doesn’t tell you how much to serve your child.