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Finding the Best Plain Whole Milk Yogurt

Why It Works

In a quest to identify the top plain whole-milk yogurts available at local supermarkets, we conducted a taste test of 10 varieties. Each yogurt was sampled in isolation without any identifying markers, allowing us to accurately assess their flavors and textures. The standout choice among the group was Dannon’s Plain Whole Milk Yogurt, praised for its thick consistency, creamy mouthfeel, and a delightful tanginess.

Plain yogurt is a staple in many households and a must-have item during grocery shopping. It serves as an essential component in various dips, spreads, and baked goods, and is also a convenient option for breakfast or snacks when paired with granola and fresh fruit. Given the wide array of choices on store shelves, it’s often challenging to decide which plain yogurt is truly worth purchasing.

To determine the best options, we prepared unmarked bowls of each yogurt and tasted them in a random sequence. One yogurt was excluded from our final rankings due to its classification as a strained yogurt, which did not align with our criteria. After thorough evaluation, we identified one yogurt as our overall favorite and another as an excellent alternative for those seeking grass-fed options.

The Criteria

Yogurt comes in many forms, including Greek, Icelandic, and Middle Eastern varieties, each with distinct characteristics. Our focus was solely on plain, unstrained, whole-milk yogurt. The ideal plain yogurt should boast a creamy, thick, and smooth texture while avoiding excessive thickeners such as pectin or stabilizers. A perfect balance of pleasant tang without crossing into sour territory is essential, as well as a natural sweetness from the milk itself without any added sugars.

Overall Winner

The Best Nationally Available Plain Yogurt: Dannon Plain Whole Milk Yogurt

Our sampling revealed that while Dannon’s yogurt may not be the most tangy option, its mild tartness received high marks from our editorial team. The thick and creamy consistency was particularly appreciated. Statements such as “good body” and “all around good” highlighted its positive reception. The yogurt’s smoothness and versatility make it suitable for both sweet and savory applications, whether mixed into baked goods, used in marinades, or enjoyed straight from the tub.

Runner Up

The Best Grass-Fed Plain Yogurt: Alexandre Family Farm 100% Grass-Fed A2/A2 Organic Plain Yogurt

This yogurt presented a robust milk flavor with distinctive earthy notes, which elicited mixed reactions among our testers. While some appreciated its complex flavor profile, others found it less appealing. Notably, this yogurt, which is slightly thinner than others in our lineup, retains a creamy texture. Grass-fed dairy is often associated with a more layered flavor, which may be an acquired taste. For those open to exploring different flavor dimensions, this yogurt could be a rewarding choice.

The Contenders

Our taste test included the following contenders:

• 365 Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
• Alexandre Family Farm 100% Grass-Fed A2/A2 Organic Plain Yogurt
• Brown Cow Plain Yogurt
• Dannon Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
• Family Farmstead Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
• Nature’s Promise Organic Whole Milk Yogurt
• Seven Stars Farm Organic Yogurt Plain
• Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Plain
• Trader Joe’s European-Style Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt
• Trader Joe’s Organic Plain Whole Milk Yogurt

In Conclusion

Overall, our taste-testing panel found the majority of plain yogurts enjoyable, albeit with varying preferences. Some testers leaned towards yogurts that had a mild and slightly sweet flavor, while others favored the more robust tastes often characteristic of grass-fed varieties. The majority of the yogurts sampled contained only two primary ingredients: pasteurized milk and live cultures. A few, however, included pectin for thickening, which our tasters found less favorable. The chosen winners each maintained the ideal balance of tanginess, combined with a pleasingly smooth and creamy texture.

Our Testing Methodology

For this evaluation, all brands were assessed blindly, with no discussions between tasters during the process. Samples were tasted in random order to prevent palate fatigue from influencing results. Tasters recorded their evaluations on sheets ranking each sample based on various criteria. All gathered data was systematically tabulated to ensure an unbiased outcome without editorial influence.

Source
www.seriouseats.com