Yogurt has been a staple in many diets around the world for over 7,000 years. It’s believed that, like butter, yogurt was created by accident when milk was exposed to bacteria or soured in warm temperatures.
The benefits of consuming bacteria have been known since ancient times, when fermented milk was commonly prescribed to treat an upset stomach. Fast forward thousands of years and Canadians, like many around the world, love their yogurt, and for good reason. Not only does it taste good and lend itself to many preparations and recipes, it’s also now scientifically proven to be good for you – depending.
For the 20 per cent of Canadians that enjoy it daily, yogurt is generally considered a healthy choice. But the truth is, not all yogurt is created equal when it comes to our health.
Why is Yogurt Good for Your Health?
Yogurt is considered good for your health because it’s a rich source of nutrients like calcium, protein, and probiotics (live bacteria). It can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, maintain bone health, and potentially even regulate cholesterol levels depending on the type of yogurt consumed.
The key benefits of yogurt include:
Gut health
Probiotics in yogurt help balance the bacteria in your gut, potentially improving digestion and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). With one of the highest rates of IBS in the world, Canadians should seriously consider incorporating yogurt into their daily diets.
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Heart health
Yogurt may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. A study in the American Journal of Hypertension found that people who ate more than two servings of yogurt per week had a 20 per cent lower risk of heart disease or stroke.
Bone health
Yogurt is a great source of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones. If you are looking for a calcium boost, choose regular yogurt over Greek or Skyr as they are both sifted, thereby removing the whey, which contains calcium.
Muscle support
The protein content in yogurt, especially Greek yogurt, contributes to building and maintaining muscle mass. This is due to its high-quality protein profile containing all essential amino acids, making it a beneficial food for muscle growth when combined with exercise.
Immune system boost
Some research suggests that probiotics can enhance the immune system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria interact directly with immune cells in the gut, stimulating their development and maturation, allowing them to effectively respond to infections.
Metabolic benefits
Some studies such as the Quebec Family Study suggests that yogurt supports weight management and glucose control.
Lactose digestion
Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate yogurt due to bacterial fermentation which aids in breaking down lactose.
Healthiest Yogurt to Reach for In the Grocery Aisle
With such a large selection of yogurts available to Canadians, it’s important to be discerning when making your choice. Yogurts to avoid, as they are not considered good for your health, are typically those with high amounts of added sugar, artificial sweeteners and fruit flavourings with excessive sugar.
Also beware of some Greek style yogurts that may have added milk-protein concentrate, cornstarch, gelatin, or condensed milk to achieve their thicker texture.
Instead, reach for plain, natural yogurt with live and active cultures that you can sweeten naturally with fresh fruits, maple syrup or honey if needed.
Are Probiotics Found in all Yogurt?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, help with digestion, immune function, and other health conditions discussed above. They don’t last forever, so you need to consume them regularly to maintain their benefits. Yogurt is an easy and delicious way to get your daily probiotics along with calcium and protein.
All yogurts in Canada are made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria, however these bacteria are not considered probiotics by Health Canada. This is because they don’t survive well in the stomach and small intestine and therefore usually don’t reach the gastrointestinal tract in high numbers.
When choosing a probiotic yogurt, look for products that list specific strains on the label and ensure they contain at least 1 billion live colony-forming units (CFUs) per serving, for the best bang for your buck.
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Top Canadian Yogurt Brands for Probiotics and Calcium
As many of us are conscious of buying Canadian these days, here are some made-in-Canada yogurt brands known for their probiotic content that you can check out at your local grocery store:
Astro Original Balkan Style Yogurt
Astro Original yogurt is owned by Lactalis Canada, a Canadian dairy company that makes their products with Canadian milk, cream, and cultures. Their Balkan-style yogurt is made with traditional methods and contains active bacterial cultures, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, which are beneficial for gut health.
Liberté Kefir Yogurt
Liberté is a Canadian company that has been making products using Canadian dairy in the Montréal area since 1936. Liberté offers a kefir yogurt that is rich in probiotics, providing a diverse range of bacterial strains that can aid in digestion and support the immune system.
Olympic Organic Probiotic Yogurt
Made with milk from organic farms in British Columbia and Ontario, Olympic’s organic probiotic yogurt is made with live cultures and is free from artificial additives, offering a natural source of probiotics.
IÖGO Probio Yogurt
IÖGO Probio Yogurt is made by Ultima Foods, a Canadian company that has been making yogurt for over 40 years. IÖGO’s Probio line is specifically designed to deliver probiotic benefits, containing strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis.
Riviera Petit Pot Set-Style Yogurt
Riviera yogurts are made in Canada by Chalifoux Dairy, a family-owned business in Quebec. Their set-style yogurts are crafted with live cultures and come in various flavours, providing both taste and probiotic benefits. Additionally, Riviera uses grass-fed cow milk without artificial ingredients or preservatives, resulting in yogurts that are a good source of calcium.
If it’s high calcium content you’re looking for, these brands are your best bet:
Organic Meadow Yogourt
Made from 100 per cent pure organic Canadian milk, Organic Meadow offers a range of yogurts rich in calcium. Their products include Whole Milk Greek Yogurt, Partly Skimmed Greek Yogurt, No Fat Greek Yogurt, and Lactose-Free Yogurt. The use of organic milk contributes to higher calcium levels.
Hewitt’s Dairy Yogurt
Established in Ontario in 1887, Hewitt’s Dairy produces yogurt using pure Canadian milk without artificial additives or preservatives. Their commitment to quality ensures a natural source of calcium in their yogurt products.
Dairyland Yogurt
Dairyland yogurt is made in Canada using milk from Canadian dairy farmers. They offer nutritious yogurts full of probiotics and free from artificial colours or flavors. Their use of natural and pure ingredients contributes to the calcium content in their yogurt products.
Avalon Dairy Yogurt
Avalon Dairy produces whole milk Balkan-style yogurt using 100 per cent pure Canadian milk. Their products contain natural probiotics and are a good source of calcium.
Making your own yogurt at home is simple and with only two ingredients, is also cost-effective. Click here for a recipe from Dairy Farmers of Canada or watch the video below to get inspired!
With its deep cultural roots and scientifically backed health benefits, yogurt is more than just a delicious snack—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. From supporting digestion with probiotics to strengthening bones with calcium and protein, daily yogurt consumption can be a simple yet effective way to take charge of your health, especially for those navigating their well-being without regular access to a family doctor.
If you’re looking to enhance longevity, research suggests that a diet rich in fermented foods, like yogurt, can promote a healthier gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support overall vitality. Choosing the right kind of yogurt—one with live probiotic cultures, minimal added sugars, and high-quality ingredients—can make a significant difference in how you feel today and in the long run.
At a time when access to healthcare can be unpredictable, small daily choices like incorporating yogurt into your diet can be a proactive step toward better health. Whether you enjoy it on its own, blended into smoothies, or paired with nutrient-rich toppings, making yogurt a staple in your diet is a simple, accessible, and delicious way to invest in your well-being—one spoonful at a time.
Read more from The Health Insider
- Yogurt and Probiotics: A Daily Habit for Better Health
Yogurt isn’t just a snack—it’s a health powerhouse. Learn which yogurts boost gut health, immunity, and longevity, and which to skip. - Fasting for Gut Health: The Reset Your Body CravesStruggling with bloating, IBS, or gut issues? Fasting gives your digestive system a reset, helping repair and restore gut health.
- Flatulence Exposed: Interesting Facts About Your TootsFlatulence is a natural and common bodily function that, while often embarrassing, is an important aspect of the digestive process.
The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
