A recent study has examined the composition of 150 vegan yogurts, revealing that one plant-based yogurt has a particularly high nutrient density that even surpasses dairy yogurt. According to Veganz, a company that specializes in vegan products, there are approximately 2.6 million vegans in Germany alone. Vegan products that contain no animal ingredients have become a large market, with vegan milk alternatives and yogurt alternatives gaining popularity among vegetarians and omnivores worldwide. However, the nutritional values of plant-based and dairy yogurts vary greatly. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts have therefore investigated the macro and micronutrients of different plant-based and dairy yogurts to determine which product is the healthiest.
The researchers examined 150 vegan and 1,074 dairy yogurts, using the Mintel Global New Products Database as a source for nutrient data. The collected data allowed for the calculation of the Nutrient Rich Foods Index (NRF), which distinguishes foods into healthy and less healthy categories based on the ratio of important nutrients and those that should be avoided in the diet. Important nutrients include proteins, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D. A high NRF index indicates a high nutrient density in relation to the calories of the respective food. The results showed that plant-based yogurt options generally have more fiber, less sugar, and less salt than their dairy counterparts. However, dairy yogurts are usually richer in protein, calcium, and potassium than their vegan alternatives.
The study found that yogurt made from almond milk has a particularly high nutrient density, ranking significantly higher in the NRF index than other yogurts. Both almond and oat milk-based yogurts have a higher nutrient density than traditional dairy yogurts. However, the researchers note that many plant-based alternatives are often enriched with additives to optimize their nutritional value. Additionally, these alternatives often require additional flavor enhancements to compete with dairy yogurts. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the nutritional values of different yogurt options, highlighting the benefits of plant-based alternatives.
