For a regular dinner for a child under 3, choose a plain, unflavoured yoghurt rather than a multipack of fruit yoghurts. These are the dairy products recommended by Manger Bouger’s weaning guidance, which also rules out 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed versions. If you’re considering a fruit yoghurt now and then, check the ingredients and texture before looking at pack size. The pots must be eaten before their use-by date and kept chilled.
If you’re looking for a dairy product to serve with dinner, start with the type of product rather than the number of pots. Manger Bouger recommends plain, unflavoured dairy products and rules out 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed versions for this age group.
A pack of individual pots can make meal preparation easier. However, check the ingredients, use-by date and how many pots you’ll realistically be able to use.
For a lunch box, an outing or childcare away from home, keeping the yoghurt chilled matters more than the pack size. The DGCCRF points out that a rise in temperature encourages microbial growth.
For a dinner for a child under 3, first decide whether the dairy product meets Manger Bouger’s guidance: choose plain and unflavoured for regular use, and avoid 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed versions. Then compare the ingredients, texture and format to suit the meals you have planned.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Type of dairy product | For a child under 3, distinguish plain yoghurt from a fruit or flavoured recipe; according to Manger Bouger, rule out 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed versions. | For my toddler’s dinner, I want to start by choosing a dairy product that meets the guidance for their age. Around 27% of consumers put this first among their concerns. |
| Sugars and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g or per portion. Also check the allergens listed on the pot. | If I choose a fruit yoghurt, I want to understand what’s in it rather than rely on the flavour name alone. Checking sugars and ingredients is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Texture | Look for the terms ‘with pieces’ or ‘smooth’ and choose a texture your child already accepts. | My child doesn’t necessarily eat the pieces in some fruit yoghurts, so I’d rather know before buying several pots. This is the top concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Pack size and keeping chilled | Compare the number of pots with the meals you have planned, check the use-by date and make sure you can keep the yoghurt chilled if you’re taking it with you. | Between meals at home and those on the go, I want to use the pots in time without breaking the cold chain. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this kind of planning. |
For children under 3, Manger Bouger’s guidance rules out 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed dairy products. Yoplait also states that its Panier 0% range contains sweeteners.
For a regular dairy product with dinner, look for a plain, unflavoured option that meets the guidance for this age group.
The presence of fruit doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much sugar a yoghurt contains. The ingredients lists published by Auchan and E.Leclerc show that recipes vary between products.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ line on the same basis, along with the ingredients in each pack you’re considering.
A larger pack is only convenient if the pots can be kept chilled and used before their use-by date.
Count the meals you have planned before choosing a pack size, then check the date on the pack you buy.
According to the DGCCRF, a rise in temperature encourages microbial growth. Refrigerated yoghurt must be kept in the storage conditions stated on its packaging.
Use an insulated bag with a cool pack to keep it chilled during transport. Don’t keep a yoghurt for later if the cold chain has been broken.
Auchan stocks a Danone assortment of fruit yoghurts with pieces, in a pack of 16 x 125 g pots.
The Yoplait Panier assortment featured by Auchan contains fruit yoghurts with pieces, in a pack of 16 x 125 g pots.
Carrefour offers a range of fruit yoghurts in a pack of 12 x 125 g pots.
E.Leclerc offers multipacks of fruit yoghurts under its Eco+, Delisse and Bio Village brands, in packs of 12 or 16 x 125 g pots, depending on the product.
Auchan offers its own assortment of fruit yoghurts with pieces in a pack of 16 x 125 g pots.
No. Yoghurt is a dairy product, not a complete meal. From the age of one, Manger Bouger describes a diet that gradually becomes more like the rest of the family’s, with portions adapted to the child. Also take into account the milk and other dairy products they have during the day.
No. Manger Bouger’s weaning guidance states that 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed dairy products aren’t suitable for this age group. A claim about sugars doesn’t change this guidance on the type of dairy product.
Choose a texture your child already accepts. The terms ‘smooth’ and ‘with pieces’ indicate a difference to check on the product. If your child continues to struggle with different textures, ask the healthcare professional who looks after them for advice.
Yes, as long as you keep it chilled during transport and follow the storage instructions and use-by date. The DGCCRF and the Ministry of the Economy warn about the risks of breaking the cold chain.
Don’t choose a dairy yoghurt without individual advice: the yoghurt recipes featured by the retailers mentioned contain milk. Check the label on the pot you actually buy and ask the healthcare professional who looks after your child for advice.