Yogurt has long been touted as a healthy food. It’s a great source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics. But not all yogurts are created equal. Stonyfield Organic is one of the most popular yogurt brands in the U.S. But is it as healthy as it claims to be? Here’s a detailed look at Stonyfield yogurt’s nutrition, ingredients, and health benefits and drawbacks.
Stonyfield Organic yogurt nutrition facts
First, let’s look at the nutrition facts for Stonyfield’s popular Whole Milk French Vanilla yogurt:
| Serving size | 6 oz (170g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total fat | 8g |
| Saturated fat | 5g |
| Trans fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Total carbs | 18g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Vitamin D | 10% DV |
This shows that a 6 oz serving provides 180 calories, 8g of fat, 18g of carbs, 9g of protein, 30% DV of calcium, and 10% DV of vitamin D. It’s relatively high in protein for a yogurt. The sugar content is a bit high at 18g per serving, which is expected for flavored yogurts. It provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D.
Macronutrients
Stonyfield yogurts are higher in protein than typical yogurts, with 9g per 6 oz serving. This helps with satiety and maintaining muscle mass. The fat content is moderate at 8g per serving, 5g of which are saturated fat. The carbs are primarily from naturally occurring milk sugars (lactose) rather than added sugars.
Micronutrients
Stonyfield yogurts provide 30% of the Daily Value for calcium and 10% DV for vitamin D per serving. This makes it an excellent source of these two nutrients, which are important for bone health. Yogurt is a bioavailable source of calcium and vitamin D compared to supplements. Stonyfield also fortifies its yogurts with vitamin D.
Ingredients in Stonyfield Organic yogurt
Here are the ingredients listed on a Stonyfield Whole Milk French Vanilla yogurt:
Cultured pasteurized organic Grade A whole milk, organic cane sugar, organic nonfat milk, organic vanilla extract, organic locust bean gum, organic guar gum, active cultures including probiotic cultures.
This is a fairly straightforward and clean ingredient list. The first two ingredients are organic whole milk and organic cane sugar. Next comes nonfat milk to improve texture, followed by organic vanilla for flavor. The gums help stabilize the yogurt. And it contains active and probiotic cultures.
Some key things to note:
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives
- Sweetened only with organic cane sugar
- Thickened with non-GMO natural gums rather than pectin, gelatin, or starches
- Contains live and active cultures including probiotics
The organic ingredients and lack of artificial anything give Stonyfield a leg up over conventional yogurts in terms of health and safety. But it’s not perfect…
Potential drawbacks
While the ingredients are fairly clean, some potential downsides include:
- High sugar content – 18g per 6 oz is a good amount coming from just organic cane sugar
- Lacks nutritional variety – just protein, calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics
- Higher calorie for a yogurt – 180 calories per serving
There are lower sugar yogurts out there, as well as Greek yogurts that provide more protein per calorie. And other brands offer more nutritional diversity, like added fiber, omega-3s, or antioxidants.
Stonyfield’s health benefits
Here are some of the top evidence-based health benefits associated with eating Stonyfield yogurt in moderation:
Rich source of probiotics
All Stonyfield yogurts contain probiotic cultures like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidus. Probiotics provide friendly bacteria to your gut microbiome, which is tied to many aspects of health like digestion, immunity, inflammation, mood, and more.
Supports bone health
The calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein in Stonyfield yogurt promote healthy, strong bones. Getting enough of these nutrients can reduce the risks of osteoporosis and fractures.
Promotes heart health
Some of the probiotics in yogurt have been shown to reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels reduces your risks of heart disease.
May enhance weight loss
Eating yogurt promotes feeling full due to its protein content. Some studies show greater fat loss and weight loss when consuming yogurt compared to other low-fat snacks. Its probiotics may also help change gut bacteria linked to obesity.
Reduces risk of type 2 diabetes
Eating yogurt consistently has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, up to 28% in some studies. This may be due to yogurt’s ability to improve risk factors like insulin sensitivity.
Potentially fights cancer
Some early studies show promising links between yogurt consumption and reduced risks for various cancers like colorectal, bladder, and breast cancer. More research is needed on this potential benefit though.
Potential health risks and drawbacks
While yogurt provides many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:
High in sugar
Flavored yogurts like Stonyfield’s can be high in added sugars, which may promote weight gain and other problems when consumed in excess. Intake should be moderated.
Allergies and sensitivities
Yogurt contains the milk proteins casein and whey, so those with dairy allergies or sensitivities need to avoid it. Lactose intolerant individuals may also struggle with yogurt.
Contains organic gums
The guar and locust bean gums may cause gas, bloating, and digestive issues in some people, especially in excess amounts.
Risk of drug interactions
The calcium in yogurt can interfere with absorption of certain antibiotics and medications. Those taking medications should check with their doctor.
Is Stonyfield Organic yogurt gluten-free?
Yes, Stonyfield yogurts are certified gluten-free to less than 20ppm. They are tested for gluten during the culturing process. This makes them safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is Stonyfield Organic yogurt vegetarian?
Stonyfield Organic yogurts are vegetarian but not vegan. While they don’t contain any meat ingredients, they do contain milk from cows. So they are suitable for lacto-vegetarians but not for vegans.
Is Stonyfield Organic yogurt good for babies and toddlers?
Stonyfield makes a line of whole milk yogurts marketed for babies, toddlers, and young children called YoBaby. These contain no added sugars or artificial anything, just whole milk yogurt. This makes them a healthy, nutritious food for babies over 6 months who are ready for solid foods.
The YoBaby yogurts provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, and probiotics without extra sugar. The plain whole milk variety can be mixed with breastmilk or formula for babies under 12 months. The flavored options like banana mango or apple blueberry are better suited for toddlers and older kids. YoBaby yogurts are a smart yogurt choice for little ones.
Is Stonyfield or Chobani yogurt healthier?
Stonyfield and Chobani are two of the most popular yogurt brands. But which is healthier? Here’s a brief comparison:
Ingredients
Stonyfield uses organic milk and ingredients while Chobani uses conventional non-GMO ingredients. Stonyfield has fewer thickeners and additives.
Sugar content
Chobani has slightly less sugar on average compared to Stonyfield’s flavored yogurts.
Calories and fat
Pretty similar in calorie and fat content.
Protein content
Chobani Greek yogurts are much higher in protein. Stonyfield has less protein per serving.
Probiotics
Both contain live active cultures and probiotics. Stonyfield highlights their specific probiotic strains more prominently.
Other nutrients
Both provide calcium, vitamins, and minerals like potassium. No major differences.
Overall, Stonyfield tends to use cleaner ingredients while Chobani Greek yogurts deliver more protein. But both are relatively healthy options in moderation.
Stonyfield yogurt: The verdict
Based on nutrition content, ingredients, and health benefits, Stonyfield Organic yogurt is generally a healthy food option, especially when compared to conventional yogurts full of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and dyes.
The use of organic whole milk and milk products ensures quality ingredients. And the live active cultures and probiotics in Stonyfield yogurt provide digestive and immune benefits.
Potential downsides to consider are the high sugar content in flavored yogurts, as well as the presence of gums. Those sensitive to FODMAPs may want to avoid the gums.
As long as you’re mindful of the added sugars and intolerances, enjoying Stonyfield Organic yogurt in moderation can be part of a balanced, healthy diet for many people.
The bottom line
Stonyfield Organic yogurt provides important nutrients like calcium, protein, and probiotics from high-quality organic ingredients. But the flavored yogurts are high in added sugars. When consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, Stonyfield yogurt can be a nutritious food choice.
