A study suggests that fruit yogurts sometimes have too high sugar content.

The popularity of fruit yogurts can be questioned despite the growing interest in healthy eating. Many consumers view fruit yogurts as a healthy alternative to desserts, but in reality, they often do not provide the expected nutritional content. A recent survey conducted by the Conscious Consumers Association (TVE) highlights that most fruit yogurts available on the market are more akin to sweets than nutritious food.

During the research, 16 different fruit yogurts were examined, and the results were surprising. Only two products were found to be truly good, as the amount of fruit in them exceeded that of added sugar. The association emphasized that the taste and color of the products should not be achieved through artificial flavors and colorings, but should come from real fruit.

The quality of fruit yogurts varies widely, meaning that while some products contain a significant amount of fruit, others contain only negligible amounts. The level of added sugar is often alarmingly high, which can be a warning sign for consumers.

The composition and quality of fruit yogurts

The ingredients and quality of fruit yogurts show significant variations. Among the products we examined, some contained 9-12 grams of fruit, while others contained only 2 grams. The amount of fruit thus greatly influences the nutritional value of the product, which is an important aspect for consumers.

The sugar content is also a key factor. In some yogurts, the ratio of added sugar and fructose-glucose syrup was alarmingly high, reaching 6-12 grams. It is not always clear to consumers that the sugar content listed on the product labels includes both lactose and added sugars, making it difficult to assess the true values.

When evaluating the quality of fruit yogurts, it is essential to consider the real fruit content, the amount of added sugar, and the presence of additives. Additives—such as flavors, stabilizers, colorings, and preservatives—diminish the natural character of the products, so conscious consumers should pay attention to these factors.

The best and worst fruit yogurts

Among the fruit yogurts rated as the best in the survey conducted by TVE are the Cserpes strawberry yogurt and the Spar Natur Bio strawberry fruit yogurt. These products stand out in the market as their real fruit content exceeds that of added sugar. Additionally, the Cserpes yogurt contained no artificial additives, while the Spar product included only natural ingredients.

In contrast, the worst-rated product was the Danone Light and Delicious strawberry fruit yogurt, which contains significant amounts of added sugar and additives alongside fruit concentrate. There is a wide spectrum of quality among Danone products, ranging from the best to the worst category. This highlights that in the case of fruit yogurts, not only the amount of fruit but also the quality of the ingredients plays a key role.

The Hungarian yogurt produced by Alföldi Tej Kft. also received mixed reviews. Although it contained more fruit than the lowest quality product, it lost significant points due to additives and high sugar content. For such products, it is important for consumers to make conscious choices, taking all ingredients into account.

Consumer awareness and the future

Conscious consumer behavior is exceptionally important when purchasing fruit yogurts. Consumers should carefully review product labels and pay attention to the amount of fruit, sugar content, and the presence of additives. Using real fruits and prioritizing natural ingredients can help make more nutritious and healthier choices.

For conscious consumers, understanding the quality of products is becoming increasingly important. With the expanding variety on the market, consumer needs are also changing. Due to the growing interest in healthy lifestyles, manufacturers will have to consider consumer expectations and increasingly focus on natural, healthy ingredients in the future.

Thus, the quality and ingredients of fruit yogurts depend not only on consumer awareness but also on the responsibility of manufacturers. With the right information, consumers will be able to make informed decisions, contributing to the preservation of their health.