As a vegan, chances are that you’ve already knocked off yogurt from your daily diet. And if you’re thinking about following a vegan diet, you’re bound to wonder about an apt substitute for yogurt, and more so, if it’s one of your favorite desserts or anytime snack. As you have discarded yogurt from your vegan diet, you must be wondering what vegan snacks to add to the diet.
Well, how about scanning the shelves a bit more carefully and selecting vegan yogurt in your desirable flavor? And if you’re still contemplating whether it will be tasty or offer the same nutritional value as your familiar brands of yogurt, let us assure you that the best vegan yogurt brands will add more than a dollop of taste to your vegan diet.
But are all vegan yogurt brands healthy? Scroll down to learn more about plant-based yogurts and whether they will give you a daily fix of nutrition, but before that let us see what exactly is a vegan yogurt.
What is Vegan Yogurt?
Usually made from soy, oat, almond or coconut milk, vegan yogurt is a plant-based option for vegans which is devoid of animal-based ingredients. Healthy and nutritious, this delectable item works as efficiently as any regular yogurt and adds a rich and creamy texture to various dishes they are used in without a doubt.
Most of these plant-based yogurts include live active cultures, which are good gut bacteria that aid in healthy digestion.
According to FBI, The vegan yogurt market is projected to grow from $2.56 billion in 2022 to $9.58 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 20.62% in the forecast period, 2022-2029.
How to Make Vegan Yogurt at Home?
Making vegan yogurt at home is not a daunting task today. All you’ve got to have is coconut, a machete, yogurt starter, and mason jars, or better yet, lay your hands on yogurt maker that has a yogurt setting if finding the former things proves to be a hard task for you. Just stir some plant-based yogurt culture into the vegan milk that you use and the rest is on the machine.
Alternatively, you can also use Blueberry tofu yogurt that is known to give an extra nice consistency and proves to be a good alternative to regular yogurt in many dishes made across the globe.
Best Dairy-Free Vegan Yogurt Brands
Let us begin by looking at some brands that have whipped up a flavorful storm in many homes and have been swapped at the dining table as a healthier choice.
1. Kite Hill
You can taste the dedication of Kite Hill’s founding chef in every delicious bite. They use almond milk and active cultures to make a thick, creamy yogurt reminiscent of European brands. The enormous multi-serve container is excellent for parties or adding to various sweet dishes, which makes it the best vegan yogurt for cooking.
The health benefits and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine are undeniable. Made from live culture, this is a flavor to grab if you’re a lover of vegan Greek yogurt. A skilled cook established Kite Hill, which shows in every spoonful of each variant delectable creamy delight.
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This creamy European-style yogurt is produced with almond milk and is also considered one of the best options among protein-based yogurts. There are no additives of any kind, not even salt. They have seven different flavors, including Almond Milk yogurt and Greek-Style Yogurts.
Base Ingredient: Almond Milk
This vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 140cal |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Pros:
- Does not contain: Additives and Salt
- Low-sugar & Low-Fat
- High in protein
Cons:
- Possesses less fiber
Best for: Cooking and baking
Accessibility: Available on amazon and grocery stores
Flavor: I liked the flavor of the yogurt. It was apt which made it suitable to be used in various dishes.
Varieties Available: Plain, Plain unsweetened, Vanilla, Peach, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Key Lime
Price: $1.99
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2. AYO
Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet or switching to dairy-free alternatives has never been simpler than with AYO. You’ll find everything you need at AYO; their yogurt is more nutrient-dense than competing dairy-free yogurts while being vegan, completely plant-based, and dairy-free.
It is even deemed as the best vegan yogurt in low sugar. The item includes the goodness of 20 organic almonds per cup. In addition to providing the health advantages associated with almonds, AYO almond milk yogurt also tastes like almonds.
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The products offered by AYO taste delicious and are full of pure goodness, thanks to the addition of roasted almonds. Grab a spoon and try some of their organic almonds; you won’t regret it. Lactobacillus Delbrueckii Subsp., Bulgaricus Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium Bb-12 are the three vegan live active cultures found in AYO yogurts.
There are billions of thriving cultures in each cup. This “good bacteria” promote intestinal health and keep the digestive system healthy. The benefits of these yogurts, such as increased fiber intake and favorable effects on cholesterol levels, have been shown in scientific research.
- Base Ingredient: Almond Milk
The vegan yogurt has:-
| Calories | 150cal |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Pros:
- Low-sugar
- Contains Live Cultures
- Nutrient-dense
Cons:
- High in fat quotient
Best for: Flavoring and Topping
Accessibility: Available at local grocery stores
Flavor: I liked the flavor of the yogurt. It was fresh and creamy.
Varieties Available: Plain, Blueberry, Strawberry, Peach and Vanilla
Price: Approx.$1.99
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3. Silk
Even if you don’t succeed at eating healthier, just attempting is enough to get you a pass at Silk. It’s the perfect non-dairy Greek yogurt that could tingle your taste buds. And the people behind the brand’s enthusiasm for plant-based diets may make a difference.
These delectable, velvety goods are validated by the Non-GMO Project Verification Program and are manufactured from plants rather than dairy. Furthermore, they provide various products, including sugar-free varieties, nut milk with 6 grams of protein per serving, and magnificent, creamy yogurt substitutes.
People are starting to see the value in plant-based diets, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, as these may also have an environmental impact. So swapping your regular yogurt with one of the dairy-free Greek yogurt that has a plant-based flavor from Silk could be your first step to a greener planet.
- Base Ingredients: Almond Milk, Soy Milk and Oat Milk
Vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 210cal |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Pros:
- Free of cholesterol, dairy, lactose, gluten, carrageenan, casein, and artificial flavors
- Plant-Powdered Protein
- A good source of Calcium and Vitamin D
- Certified Non-GMO
Cons:
- High fat content
Best for: Topping purposes
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and local grocery stores
Flavor: The flavor was good. I liked its subtle yet enticing undertones
Varieties Available: Peach, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Mixed Berry Acai, Unsweetened Vanilla, Plain, and Vanilla
Price: $2.29
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4. Cocojune
Cocojune isn’t interested in making watered-down “kinds of milk.” Full-fat coconut milk is cultured from raw, organic coconuts using five live and active probiotics. The end product has a texture similar to Greek yogurt and is naturally thick.
Cocojune maintains a low sugar content, much like many Greek yogurts. There is a “pure” variant that is sugar-free and suitable for the ketogenic diet, and three other subtly sweet tastes. You may spread them over toast, use them as a topping, or eat them straight from the jar. It has a silky, luscious, and creamy consistency.
- Base Ingredients: Organic Cocunut Milk
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 180cal |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Pros:
- No Trans Fat
- No Cholesterol
- Live Cultures
- Probiotics
- Low-Sugar; also available as a sugar-free variant
Cons:
- Contains less protein
Best for: Topping or Spreading
Accessibility: Available in grocery stores or supermarkets
Flavor: For me the flavor was good and similar to that of a Greek yogurt.
Varieties Available: Pure Coconut, Lemon Elderflower, Strawberry Rhubarb, Vanilla Chamomile, Passion Fruit, Mixed Berry, Vanilla Unsweetened
Price: Approx. $2.99
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5. Forager Project
These yogurts are probiotic but may be calorie-dense and have substantial fat and sugar. The absence of gluten and soy is a plus. This cashew milk yogurt is rich and creamy, made with organic cashews and live active probiotics. It works well on its own and adds flavor to your go-to dish, be it desserts or smoothies.
- Base Ingredients: Organic Cashew Milk
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 130cal |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Pros:
- Possesses live, active cultures
- Certified vegan and gluten-free,
- USDA Organic
- Probiotics
- Gluten and soy-free
- CCOF-approved organic produce
Cons:
- Sweetened variants are loaded with large quantities of sugar
- Single-serve container options not available in all locations
Best for: Breakfast recipes and drinkables.
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and at local grocery stores
Flavor: I loved the flavor. The yogurt had a natural sweetness and was somewhat neutral. It can therefore be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Varieties Available: Unsweetened plain, unsweetened vanilla, vanilla bean, strawberry, blueberry, peach, and lightly sweetened
Price: $2.49
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6. Oatly Natural Oatgurt
The new Oatgurt is an improved version of the original oat-based yogurt replacement. It has the tanginess of dairy-based products minus the ethical dilemmas of milking farm animals. The consistency of the new Oatgurt is superior as well. It also contains live cultures, providing the perfect sharpness to woo your taste buds.
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- Base Ingredients: Oats
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 150cal |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Pros:
- Minimal ingredients used
- Carries live cultures, Soluble Fibre & Beta Glucans
- Low-fat & Low-sugar
- Nuts and soy-free
Cons:
- Low in protein compared to other vegan alternatives
Best for: Smoothies
Accessibility: Available in supermarkets and grocery stores
Flavor: For me, the flavor was good. It was unsweetened which made it a good addition to a wide variety of dishes.
Varieties Available: Plain, strawberry, peach, mixed berry, and black cherry
Price: $2.49
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7. COYO
Coyo coconut yogurt is, without a doubt, the most well-liked option among all the variants the brand offers. Using 60% coconut cream, Coyo created a dairy-free yogurt that is tasty but also organic, all-natural, gluten-free, vegan, preservative-free, and kosher-certified. A daily serving of COYO is a delightful and simple way to “Stay Well,” since it contains billions of additional plant-powered probiotics.
- Base Ingredients: Coconut Cream
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 156cal |
| Fat | 14.9g |
| Fiber | – |
| Protein | 1.3g |
| Sugar | 1.4g |
Pros:
- Kosher-Certified
- Preservative-free & Gluten-free
- Contains plant-powered probiotics
Cons:-
- Less protein quotient
Best for: Dolloping on Salads
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and in grocery stores or supermarkets
Flavor: I liked the fact that the yogurt did not have an overpowering coconut flavor. It was just apt.
Varieties Available: Natural, Mango, Mixed Berry, Chocolate, and Vanilla Bean variants
Price: —
8. Siggi’s
Siggi’s has gained eminence as it offers thick, extremely creamy yogurts. It is also considered the best vegan yogurt protein-induced brand amongst its counterparts. The components of Siggi’s Skyr are few, and the amount of sugar used is minimal. This yogurt brand has various textures and flavors, including thick, creamy, keto, low-sugar, non-fat, and low-fat.
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As is the custom in Iceland, their yogurts are made with few ingredients. There are no chemical additives or synthetic flavors in any of their yogurts. They are dedicated to constantly producing high-quality, low-sugar, protein-packed, and plant-based yogurts.
- Main Ingredients: Proteins sourced from Macadamia Nuts, Peas & Coconut
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 130cal |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Pros:
- Non-GMO Certified
- Low Sugar
- No Synthetic or Chemical Additives
- Lower price than its counterparts
Cons:
- High fat content
Best for: Making Parfaits, or Smoothies
Accessibility: Available at Amazon and grocery stores
Flavor: I liked its flavor which was somewhat tangy. It was a bit similar to Greek yogurt in taste.
Varieties Available: Peach, Toasted Coconut, Vanilla & Cinnamon, Mixed Berries, Mango, Raspberry, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Plain
Price: $1.89
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9. Oui by Yoplait
Best for: Making gluten-free breakfasts
The French value food for the happiness and contentment it brings into their lives. The mission of Oui by Yoplait is to share these ideals with you. You only need some natural fruit and yogurt cultures. Also, there are no added artificial tastes or colors. The consistency is thick and creamy with a distinct sweetness. And it makes every bite a moment of bliss.
- Base Ingredients: Natural Fruits & Coconut Cream
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 180 cal |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 19g |
Pros:
- Contains Live Cultures
- No Artificial Colors & Flavors
Cons:
- Does not contain fiber
Best for: Dolloping Purposes
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and grocery stores
Flavor: I liked the taste. It was neutral and apt to be used in various items.
Varieties Available: Vanilla, Creamy Raspberry & Chocolate, Creamy Caramel & Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach, Maple, Mango, Lemon, Key Lime, Honey, Creamy Vanilla & Chocolate, Creamy Mocha & Chocolate, Coffee, Coconut, Blueberry, Black Cherry
Price: $2.29
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10. So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt
So Delicious brings to you yogurt substitutes created with organic coconuts that are thick, creamy, and oh-so-smooth. Each tasty serving is free of gluten, dairy, and all other common allergens, as well as being Non-GMO Project Verified and Vegan Certified.
- Base Ingredients: Organic Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 150cal |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | <1g |
| Sugar | 17g |
Pros:
- Contains Live Active Cultures
- Made with Natural Thickening Agents
- Provides Vitamin B12
- Available in Unsweetened Variant
Cons:
- Contains less protein
Best for: Making Smoothies and for Spreading Purposes
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and local grocery stores
Flavor: For me the flavor was delicious. The luscious vanilla flavor stayed on my mouth for long.
Varieties Available: Vanilla, Strawberry, Unsweetened Vanilla, Unsweetened Plain, Strawberry Banana, Plain, Peach, Key Lime, Chocolate, and Blueberry
Price: $2.29
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11. Culina
Like traditional Greek yogurt, Plain & Simple yogurts have a tangy, thick consistency that complements sweet and savory flavors that gives them the stature of being the best plain vegan yogurt. Tzatziki sauce, lime juice, and cilantro are three of their favorite ingredients to spice up their flavors.
They feature eight tastes, including some uncommon ones like Pumpkin Spice, whose seasonal flavor you’ll want all year. Their Pumpkin Spice yogurt is made with real pumpkin and sweetened with organic maple syrup.
- Base Ingredients: Coconut Milk & Maple Syrup
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 220 cal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Pros:
- No Trans Fats
- Zero Cholesterol
- No Added Sugar
Cons:
- Low in fiber
Best for: Preparing Baked Goods
Accessibility: Available in supermarkets and local grocery stores
Flavor: The product had a great taste. It was full of flavor and earthiness. I liked the flavor and overall essence of it.
Varieties Available: Pumpkin Spice, Strawberry Rose, Plain & Simple, Bourbon Vanilla, Blueberry Lavender, Sour Cherry Almond, Mango Orange Blossom, 16oz Plain & Simple
Price: Approx. $2.99
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12. Chobani
Chobani is a food business that aims to improve people’s lives by making healthy, delicious food more affordable and accessible. It is considered one of the best dairy-free Greek yogurt brands in the US because its yogurts have no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives and are made entirely from natural ingredients.
- Base Ingredients: Coconuts
The vegan yogurt has:-
| Calories | 110cal |
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Sugar | 14g |
Pros:
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
- Kosher
- Available as Greek-style Yogurt & Yogurt Drinks
Cons:
- Every available flavor is high in added sugar
- No unsweetened version available
Best for: Preparing Smoothies and Breakfast Bowls
Accessibility: Available on Amazon and grocery aisles.
Flavor: Personally, I liked the flavor which was just right. It was not over the top.
Varieties Available: Blueberry Pomegranate, Peach Mandarin, Strawberry Vanilla, and Vanilla
Price: $1 to $5.99
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13. Lavva
Lavva yogurts are manufactured from plant-based, whole-food components such as Pili nuts, young plantains, coconut, cassava, and live probiotic microorganisms. The products contain natural prebiotics and zero added sugar and gums. No artificial flavors have been added. The yogurts are gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Base Ingredients: Cassava Roots, Pili Nuts, Coconuts & Plantains
The vegan yogurt has:
| Calories | 160cal |
| Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Pros:
- No Added Sugar
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- High fat content
Best for: Adding over snacks
Accessibility: Presents at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Wegmans, and Stop & Shop.
Flavor: I liked the flavor and the best part was that it lingered in my mouth for long. It was a bit tart in taste overall.
Varieties Available: Raspberry, blueberry, original, vanilla, mango, and strawberry
Price: $2.49
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Quick Facts Table
| Name of Top 5 Brands | Flavors Available | Protein Sources | Price | Nutrition |
| Kite Hill | Unsweetened plain, unsweetened vanilla, vanilla bean, strawberry, blueberry, peach, and lightly sweetened | Almonds & Soy Protein Isolate | $1.99 | Cal- 140 cal Fat-10g Fiber-3g Protein-4g Sugar-1g |
| AYO | Plain, Blueberry, Strawberry, Peach and Vanilla | Oats, Soy & Cashews | Approx.$1.99 | Cal-150cal Fat-11g Fiber-5g Protein-5g Sugar-2g |
| Silk | Peach, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Mixed Berry Acai, Unsweetened Vanilla, Plain, and Vanilla | Almonds | $2.29 | Cal- 210cal Fat-13g Fiber- <1g Protein-11g Sugar-11g |
| Cocojune | Pure Coconut, Lemon Elderflower, Strawberry Rhubarb, Vanilla Chamomile, Passion Fruit, Mixed Berry, Vanilla Unsweetened | Almonds | Approx.$2.99 | Cal- 180cal Fat-15g Fiber-2g Protein-1g Sugar-7g |
| Forager | Unsweetened Plain, unsweetened vanilla, vanilla bean, strawberry, blueberry, peach, and lightly sweetened | Cashews | $2.49 | Cal-130cal Fat-9g Fiber-1g Protein-3g Sugar-1g |
How to Choose the Right Vegan Yogurt
Here’s what you should look for on food labels when purchasing vegan yogurt:
- Check the amount of sugar: Added sugar levels in products should be around 6 grams per serving. Yet, finding a dairy-free yogurt that tastes good is quite challenging. Dairy-free yogurt should include no more than 10g of sugar per serving. It would be wise to go for ones with zero or no added sugar.
- Give preference to probiotics: Look for vegan yogurt with probiotics as it aids with digestive health.
- Examine the label for Protein: Purchase a dairy-free yogurt with at least 5g of protein, and you won’t feel the urge to eat it again in an hour.
- Look for Saturated Fat: If you’re looking for dairy-free yogurt to avoid animal fat, you should know that the saturated fat in coconut milk is just as bad for your heart health as the saturated fat in animal fat. Check the label carefully and go for one that’s low-fat.
Checking the Ingredients
Check the ingredients so that you know exactly what you will be consuming. If you discover a flavor you enjoy that doesn’t have enough protein, try adding some hemp seeds or cashew butter. Moreover, rather than purchasing a fruit-flavored dairy-free yogurt, choose a plain vegan yogurt and flavor it at home with fresh or dried fruit, almonds, cinnamon, turmeric, etc and make some of the best vegan yogurt recipes right at home.
Vegan yogurt can be tasty as well as healthy if you make an informed choice. Eliminating animal products from your diet may be simple and healthy by switching from dairy yogurt to a dairy-free option like almond or cashew yogurt. Choose dairy-free yogurts that are low in saturated fat and have little to no added sugar. Also, remember to avoid products that have trans fats.
You can choose dairy-free Greek yogurt if that’s your preference. But read the label before popping it in your shopping cart. And for those of you who are wondering, “is Greek yogurt dairy,” the answer is a resounding YES. It is a protein-rich form of dairy-based yogurt. Although Greek yogurts may be available in gluten- and lactose-free variants, they still cannot be tagged as dairy-free.
So before you grab a pint, read the label and do your homework.
FAQs
What is plant-based or vegan yogurt?
Vegan yogurt is created using substances obtained from plants rather than animals. Plant-based yogurts, for instance, are often produced using oats, soy, cashews, peas, coconuts, or almonds as substitutes instead of cow’s milk.
Is it true that vegan yogurt is healthy?
Yogurt may be a nutritious and filling snack. However, it is essential to study the nutritional information and ingredient labeling to avoid purchasing yogurt with excessive levels of added or refined sugar. This can turn it into a dessert rather than a healthy snack.
Vegan vs. dairy-free yogurt: what’s the distinction?
Vegan yogurt uses no components from animals. While dairy-free yogurt does not include dairy, it is possible that it may contain additional components obtained from animals or be produced in a facility that also processes foodstuffs derived from animals. Yet, most yogurts that don’t include dairy are also vegan.
Do vegan yogurts have the same levels of probiotics as dairy-based varieties?
Unlike their non-vegan counterparts, vegan yogurts are made entirely from plant-based ingredients rather than dairy. L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus are two main strains used to make yogurt. However, there are many more derivatives of these two.
What kind of vegan yogurt is best?
A vegan yogurt that does not have added sugar, is devoid of animal-derived ingredients, and has minimal ingredients is considered the best option. Also, try laying your hands on those plant-based alternatives that have added nutrients.
Which dairy-free yogurt is healthiest?
There are several dairy-free yogurts, but the one that is considered the healthiest amongst its counterparts is Kite Hill.
What brands of yogurt are vegan?
There exist several brands in the market that manufacture vegan yogurts, but the top ones are as follows:
Kite Hill
Ayo
Silk
Cocojune
Forager
Conclusion
Vegan yogurt is a fantastic option to enhance your intake of beneficial microorganisms, as well as calcium, proteins, and fiber. Yet, there is a wide range of ingredients and quality among vegan yogurts. Unsweetened varieties are your best bet if you’re looking for a vegan yogurt without any added sugar.
If you want something sweeter, like fruit or maple syrup, feel free to add your own and turn it into a tastier snack. Check the ingredients list to be sure it doesn’t include any animal products. Choose a variety that has as few components as possible. Think about the nutritional value. If you’re looking for a little additional protein or vitamin B12, read the label to ensure you’re getting what you need.
Importantly, probiotics, or helpful gut bacteria, are often included in vegan yogurts as live active cultures. Consequently, it is recommended that you seek options with little or no added sugar, few ingredients, and high nutritional value.
In addition to being nutritious and tasty, vegan yogurt is known for creative additions like slices of your favorite fruit, granola, nuts, or even crackers. It’s simple to discover some delicious vegan ice cream too in your local grocery store.
