Oui by Yoplait is a popular brand of French style yogurt that has gained attention for being high in protein while low in sugar. Many consumers choose Oui yogurt due to its thick, creamy texture and unique flavors like lemon meringue and creme brulee.
One common question about Oui yogurt is whether all varieties are dairy-free or contain dairy. The quick answer is no, not all Oui yogurt is dairy-free. While Oui does offer some dairy-free coconut milk yogurts, most Oui yogurt contains milk and would not be suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Overview of Oui Yogurt
Oui by Yoplait is a brand of French-style strained yogurt, similar to brands like Greek yogurt. It differs from regular yogurt in that it undergoes an extra straining process to remove excess liquid, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture.
Oui yogurt comes in a variety of fruit and dessert-inspired flavors like:
- Coconut
- Lemon Meringue
- Creme Brulee
- Mixed Berry
- Peach Cobbler
- Pistachio
- Raspberry Crème Fraiche
The yogurt is high in protein, with each 5.3 ounce container providing 15-20 grams of protein. It is also low in sugar compared to regular yogurt, with around 9-10 grams of sugar per serving.
Oui is marketed as a thick, rich yogurt that can be eaten for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. It’s creamy texture makes it seem more indulgent than other light yogurts.
Dairy-Free Oui Yogurt Options
While most Oui yogurt contains dairy, there are some dairy-free varieties made with coconut milk rather than regular dairy milk.
The dairy-free Oui coconut yogurts include:
- Coconut
- Coconut Vanilla
- Coconut Strawberry
These coconut milk yogurts contain no milk, milk proteins, lactose, or other dairy ingredients. They are made using coconut cream, water, and live active cultures.
The coconut yogurts have a creamy, thick texture thanks to the coconut cream base. They provide a dairy-free way to enjoy the rich Oui yogurt experience. The coconut flavor is subtle, letting the fruit flavors like strawberry shine.
Dairy-free eaters who want to enjoy the protein-rich Oui yogurt can select the coconut milk varieties to avoid milk ingredients.
Ingredients in Regular Oui Yogurt
While the coconut milk Oui yogurts are dairy-free, what about the regular Oui yogurt flavors? Let’s look at the ingredients list:
Nonfat Milk – All non-coconut Oui yogurts list nonfat milk as the first ingredient. This clearly indicates they contain dairy.
Milk Protein Concentrate – This is a dairy ingredient derived from milk that contains milk proteins.
Cream – Cream is the high fat layer skimmed from milk. It imparts a rich texture.
Nonfat Dry Milk – Made by removing water from skim milk, this adds a dairy protein boost.
Live and Active Cultures – These cultures are added to ferment the yogurt.
Fruit Juices and Purees – For fruit-flavored varieties like blueberry and strawberry.
Natural Flavors – Flavorings derived from fruit or spices.
Cane Sugar – Some varieties also contain a moderate amount of cane sugar.
So in summary, the regular Oui yogurts contain milk, cream, milk proteins, and milk derivatives as the main ingredients. This means they are not dairy-free, unlike the coconut milk options.
Benefits of Dairy-Free Yogurt
Why would someone seek out dairy-free yogurt options like the Oui coconut milk varieties? There are several benefits driving the demand for dairy-free yogurts:
- Lactose intolerance – Around 65% of people have difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar in milk. Dairy-free yogurt avoids lactose.
- Cow milk allergy – About 2.5% of children have an allergy to cow milk proteins that they must avoid.
- Vegan diet – Vegans do not consume any animal products, including dairy from cows.
Dairy-free yogurt provides the thick, creamy texture and probiotic content of regular yogurt without the lactose and milk proteins. The coconut yogurt varieties offer a plant-based yogurt experience.
Nutrition Comparison of Dairy and Dairy-Free Oui Yogurts
How does the nutrition of the dairy-free coconut Oui yogurts compare to the dairy-based ones? Here is a glance at some key nutrients:
| Per 5.3 oz container | Coconut yogurt | Regular yogurt |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 130-150 |
| Protein | 4g | 15-20g |
| Fat | 9g | 2.5-5g |
| Carbs | 12g | 9-12g |
| Sugar | 9g | 9-10g |
| Calcium | 10% DV | 15-20% DV |
Key differences:
- The non-dairy yogurt is lower in protein due to the lack of milk proteins.
- It’s higher in fat, from the coconut cream.
- Calcium levels are reduced when milk is removed.
- Sugar content is similar.
So in terms of nutrition, the dairy-based yogurts offer more protein and calcium, while the coconut yogurt provides plant-based fat and fewer allergens.
Price Comparison of Dairy and Non-Dairy Oui Yogurt
Is there a price difference between the dairy and non-dairy Oui yogurts? Here is a comparison of prices for a pack of 4 yogurts:
Non-Dairy Coconut Milk Oui: $4.99-$5.49 for 4 containers
Dairy-Based Oui: $3.49-$4.49 for 4 containers
On average, the dairy-free coconut yogurt costs about $1 more per pack compared to the regular dairy yogurts. This price premium is typical for non-dairy yogurts, given the higher cost of coconut-based ingredients versus dairy milk.
The non-dairy varieties could be considered good value given they deliver a rich, creamy plant-based yogurt experience comparable to dairy yogurt. However, consumers hoping to spend less may lean towards the regular Oui yogurt.
Taste Comparison
How do the dairy and non-dairy Oui yogurts compare in terms of taste and texture? Here are some comparisons:
Creaminess – The non-dairy coconut yogurts are only slightly less creamy than the dairy versions. They are still far creamier than average non-dairy yogurt.
Texture – Both have a thick, spoonable texture typical of French-style yogurt. The coconut yogurt is a bit more gelatinous.
Tanginess – The dairy yogurts have a more pronounced tangy, acidic flavor. The coconut yogurt is milder in flavor.
Sweetness – Oui’s dairy and non-dairy flavors are similarly lightly sweetened.
Mouthfeel – The dairy yogurts have a richer mouth coating due to the milk fat. The coconut yogurt feels lighter.
So in summary, while minor differences exist, Oui’s coconut yogurt comes impressively close to the creamy, thick texture of the dairy originals. The coconut provides enough richness to mimic dairy fairly well.
Comparison Shopping for Non-Dairy Yogurt
Oui coconut yogurt provides one dairy-free yogurt option, but how does it compare to other major brands? Here is an overview:
Silk – Offers almond milk and soy yogurts. Less creamy but lower calories.
So Delicious – Varieties made from almond, cashew, coconut, and soy milk. Known for creamy texture.
Kite Hill – Contains almond milk yogurt and cultured vegan cream cheese. High in protein and probiotics.
Forager – Organic cashew milk yogurts. Excellent thick, creamy texture.
Anita’s – Coconut milk yogurt made with fruit purees. Lower in protein but inexpensive.
The Oui coconut yogurt stands out for delivering a thicker, denser texture than many competitors. The tangy, lightly sweetened flavors also mirror regular yogurt more closely. Those seeking a subtly coconut-flavored yogurt may prefer Oui. However, other brands offer more diverse vegetable-based options.
Oui Yogurt: Key Takeaways
In summary, here are the key points to understand about Oui yogurt and dairy-free options:
- Most Oui yogurt contains dairy ingredients like milk, cream, and milk derivatives.
- Oui’s coconut milk yogurts provide a dairy-free alternative made with coconut cream.
- Coconut yogurt has a similar creamy, thick texture but less protein and calcium.
- Non-dairy Oui yogurt costs about $1 more than the dairy versions.
- Those with dairy restrictions can enjoy Oui’s coconut milk yogurt for a plant-based spoonable treat.
While not all Oui yogurt is dairy-free, the coconut milk varieties offer an indulgent, creamy plant-based option for those seeking to avoid dairy. Oui’s coconut yogurts provide a minimally sweet, subtly coconut-flavored alternative containing no milk allergens. Overall, Oui crafts both dairy and non-dairy yogurts celebrated for their luscious textures and unique flavors.