Creamy Delight: Whole Milk Yogurt Health Benefits

on Dec 27, 2023, Updated Jan 04, 2024

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Full fat dairy is so rich and decadent, but it’s off limits, right? Not necessarily! There are actually several whole milk yogurt health benefits. Give yourself permission to indulge. In the name of your health, of course. 😀

two glass jars of whole milk yogurt on table with wooden spoon and blue gingham towel

Whole Milk Yogurt Health Benefits
Is Full-Fat Yogurt Good for Weight Loss
Is Full-Fat Yogurt Healthy
Other Uses for Whole Milk Yogurt
What’s the Difference Between Greek Yogurt and Whole Milk Yogurt?
More Yogurt Recipes You’ll Love

Whole Milk Yogurt Health Benefits

For years we’ve been told to avoid full fat dairy products because they’ll make us fat and cause heart attacks, right? However, recent research shows there might actually be an inverse relationship between full-fat dairy and obesity. Researchers are now suggesting there are no definitive negative consequences to health from full-fat dairy when used as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Whole milk yogurt is rich in protein and fats that contribute to a sense of fullness, aiding in weight management. It also boasts significant amounts of calcium and vitamin D which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Most people are also aware of the importance of probiotics to maintain gut health. Choose whole milk yogurt with active healthy bacteria to optimize your digestive health.

With its creamy texture and full-bodied flavor, whole milk yogurt stands out as a delicious and nutritious option you can feel good about enjoying.

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woman with ponytail eating plain full fat yogurt

Is Full-Fat Yogurt Good for Weight Loss

According to Mario Kratz, Ph.D., associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and co-author of research published in the European Journal of Nutrition, “consumption of full-fat dairy products is pretty consistently associated with lower body weight, less weight gain over time, and a lower risk of obesity.”

Kratz also says the data does not support a link between full-fat dairy and an increased risk of heart disease or type-2 diabetes. {Note that these findings aren’t necessarily conclusive, but it does provide food for thought!}

Additionally, the full fat and protein in whole milk yogurt leaves you feeling fuller longer – so you’re less likely to overeat later. Whole fat yogurt also just tastes better so you feel like you’re having a treat and are less likely to eat junk.

The key to using yogurt for weight loss is to be aware of any additional toppings. Adding things like granola or chocolate bits can significantly increase the calories without a step up in nutrition.

Is Full-Fat Yogurt Healthy

Not only is whole milk yogurt likely not going to make you fat or cause heart problems or diabetes, it has a lot of other health benefits too. For instance:

Full-fat yogurt is more filling than low-fat options, so people often eat less.
Full-fat yogurt is also full of beneficial probiotics that support gut health.
Organic whole milk has lots of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Full-fat dairy is lower in lactose which means it’s easier to digest.
Full-fat yogurt is often lower in sugar than low-fat options.

red berry yogurt cake on white platter with berries on the side

Other Uses for Whole Milk Yogurt

I’ve been buying full-fat organic yogurt for years. I always loved the German yogurt (which was made from whole milk) and when I started having kids I bought it for them. After secretly coveting the Yo-Baby whole milk yogurt I fed my kids, I finally started buying it for myself too. It just tastes so much better than any low-fat counterpart.

One of my favorite cooking hacks is using whole yogurt in recipes. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it an excellent substitute or addition in both sweet and savory dishes.

In baking, I use whole milk yogurt for muffins, cakes, and breads because it adds moisture and richness. You can actually swap yogurt for oil in many recipes. Use just a bit more yogurt than you would use of oil. Try a 1 part oil to 1.25 parts yogurt in your favorite recipes.

I also use yogurt as a base for creamy dressings, marinades, and dips. I also use it instead of sour cream for taco night!

What’s the Difference Between Greek Yogurt and Whole Milk Yogurt?

Greek yogurt is a technique for making the yogurt. It is strained to remove the whey which results in a thicker consistency and concentration of protein. Greek Yogurt can come with various fat levels – including whole fat.

Whole milk yogurt refers to the fat content – not to any specific technique. In general, it is slightly thinner in consistency and less “tangy”.

I like to get all the protein from Greek yogurt and choose whole fat Greek yogurt for my family.