Is Frozen Yogurt a Healthy Alternative to Ice Cream?
Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert that's usually made from yogurt. Some types are made with other dairy products, while some are dairy-free. Regardless of the type, frozen yogurt contains the same ingredients as ice cream, including live bacterial cultures. This makes it a delicious, healthy alternative to ice cream.
Ingredients in frozen yogurt
Most frozen yogurt contains cultured milk, a common ingredient in ice cream, but some varieties contain higher amounts of sugar and cream. Unlike ice cream, however, frozen yogurt is not regulated by the FDA and is not required to contain a certain percentage of milk fat. Instead, frozen yogurt contains dairy products, cultured milk, sweeteners, and flavoring materials.
Some yogurts contain a sweetener called guar gum. Guar gum comes from ground guar beans and is an additive that decreases the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Health benefits of frozen yogurt
Many frozen yogurt franchises advertise their products as healthy, nutritious snacks. Greek yogurt is exceptionally nutritious, especially when combined with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. However, frozen yogurt alone does not provide adequate protein for a well-balanced meal. Frozen yogurt with colorful sprinkles can be tempting, but it should not replace a whole serving of fruits and vegetables.
Many frozen yogurts contain live bacteria cultures or probiotics. These bacteria help to improve immune and digestive health. They can also improve the symptoms of conditions such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, depression, and allergies.
Is frozen yogurt dairy-free?
Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made from yogurt and sometimes contains other dairy products. It has many ingredients as ice cream, including live bacterial cultures. In addition, it's delicious and a healthy alternative for those with allergies. If you're a big fan of frozen yogurt, it's an excellent choice to try dairy-free options.
Many frozen yogurt chains have dairy-free versions. For example, TCBY and Pinkberry frequently offer dairy-free options. To find out if your favorite froyo shop offers a dairy-free version, visit their website or call ahead.
Is frozen yogurt a healthier alternative to ice cream?
The marketing for frozen yogurt often touts its lower fat and higher probiotic content as a healthier alternative to ice cream. However, the nutritional profile of frozen yogurt is a little more complicated. The key is knowing precisely what you're buying and knowing the ingredients. Ice cream contains milk and cream, while frozen yogurt is made from cultured milk and yogurt culture. In addition, frozen yogurt also contains various flavors and swirled-in ingredients.
Frozen yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are good bacteria that aid digestion. These bacteria are found in yogurt and fermented foods, such as cheese, so it's not a complete replacement for regular yogurt. However, freezing the yogurt makes the probiotics content of frozen yogurt vary. Also, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't have a standard definition of frozen yogurt. Nevertheless, it is possible to find brands with probiotics, and some brands even offer a seal of approval from organizations like the National Yogurt Association and the Organic Food Association.
