You thought you were doing well by choosing a yoghourt with fruits rather than a white yogurt … too bad, it’s a bad idea! The Belgian consumer association Test-Achats analyzed 30 strawberry yogurts from different brands. Result: the sugar and dyes used mask the benefits of the fruits. “This is how a healthy product becomes casually very rich in calories”, denounces Test-Purchases, quoted by the Belgian daily The Free.
Not only did the yogurts analyzed all contain between 10.9 and 16.6% sugar and a high fat content, but the association also observed the presence of the preservative potassium sorbate in six yogurts. This ingredient can be harmful to health, as can the cochineal dye, which can cause allergic reactions or intolerance, found in seven different yogurts.
The fruits, shown in large on the packaging, are only present in very small quantities: up to 6%, or half a strawberry of medium size, per 125 gram jar. To compensate for the lack of fruit, manufacturers have therefore chosen to increase the dose of colorings and flavors. “Only six products passed through the sieve contain no aroma, and therefore have an authentic taste”, reports the The Free. You might as well opt for a natural yogurt lean, rich in calcium, protein and vitamin B.
