
Every Greek yogurt that I've seen is gluten free -- but one still needs to check the ingredients! For instance, Dannon -- one company entering the advertising fray with its Greek yogurt -- does not at this time give "gluten free" nutritional information on its website. I e-mailed them to inquire. It turns out that while many of their yogurts are gluten free, some aren't. See my post and their response, here. If you are reading this post some weeks or months in the futre, please recheck their packaging, website, or customer service number, to see if anything has changed!
Another benefit of yogurt besides taste? It often includes several different strains of probiotics -- "good bacteria" that help with the digestive tract.
Coincidentally, a few months ago, over a gluten free lunch of clams, my friend Iris waxed enthusiastic over her love for the stuff. Iris -- a cultural maven with the mostest -- is from New Jersey; and, like many other warm and funny people from the opposite coast, she has opinions on many things! She consented to share her journeys and knowledge about this creamy treat with us:
Karen: Which is the best Greek yogurt and why?
Iris: Fage is the best because it is the creamiest. I have not checked the nutrition facts with any of the others [something I would normally do] because there is no way I am giving this up! Also, it is gluten free.
Karen: Where does one buy Fage yogurt?
Iris: The best value for this brand is now at Costco. 35.3 oz, Zero fat, is currently selling for $4.99 [Karen's note: at one Costco in the Pacific Northwest; don't hold Costco to this price!] No other store sells this size that I am aware of.
Karen: What distinguishes 'Greek" yogurt from just a regular, full fat yogurt?
Iris: Its creaminess and unique recipe; I cannot find any other brand that comes even close. Also, I cannot tell the difference between Fage's Zero fat and their 2%, and since that's what Costco is featuring, that's what I'm buying.
Karen: what are your 2nd and 3rd choices for Greek yogurt?
Iris: There are no 2nd or 3rd choices....if they stop selling it I will have to give up yogurt. [Karen's note: I have also enjoyed "Greek Gods" brand Greek yogurt; the website states (as of February 19, 2018 -- if an appreciable amount of time has passed after this date, you may wish to re-check) that Greek Gods products are gluten-free, kosher and made with non GMO ingredients.
Karen: When did you first start eating Greek yogurt, and why?
Iris: I have tried yogurt many times in the past and have never liked it. I am very receptive to advertising; so, when Fage came on the U.S. scene, of course, I had to try it -- and all the other "Greek" knock-offs, just to be sure.
Karen: Any other thoughts on Greek yogurt?
Iris: I have to thank Trader's Joe's for introducing me to Fage. . . .
Karen: Thanks, Iris! Hope to see you soon!
Note: Photo is unrelated to any specific brand of yogurt; it's just a nice picture licensed by Creative Commons.