by Mindy Podolsky Owens, M.S., R.D.

Q. Is dessert-flavored yogurt any less healthy than the fruit-flavored kind?

A. Yogurt flavors like key lime pie, white-chocolate strawberry and lemon chiffon may not seem as healthy as strawberry or peach, but in reality, nutritionally, they’re about the same.

Yogurt is touted as a health food. The live and active cultures support healthy digestion. It’s also a source of protein and calcium. Whether you choose the dessert or fruit flavors, you’re still getting a serving of protein, and some brands even contain as much calcium as a cup of milk! Some also have added vitamin D, which the body needs to absorb calcium. Surprisingly, the difference between the calories and sugar grams in the dessert and fruit flavors is negligible as well.

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There is real fruit in the fruit flavors but not enough to qualify as a serving. Certainly not all the sweetness you taste is in the fruit. High-fructose corn syrup is the second ingredient in most brands.

Bottom line: Boston cream pie yogurt is a better choice than a piece of Boston cream pie, but the best choice is nonfat plain yogurt sweetened yourself with fresh or frozen fruit and a teaspoon of honey.

Registered dietitian MINDY PODOLSKY OWENS, M.S., R.D., owns Have a Healthy Home, providing kitchen and eating-habit makeovers in Los Angeles.

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• Our free health newsletter—expert-written articles delivered monthly
  

Last updated and/or approved: January 2012. Original article appeared in May/June 2009 former print magazine. Bio current as of that issue. This general health-care information is not meant as individual advice. Please see our disclaimer.

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