Every year, more and more people switch to a plant-based diet. Some do so for personal health, others for environmental concerns, and others for animal welfare.
Fortunately, finding delicious animal-free alternatives is no longer a struggle! When you switch, you quickly discover a new world of plant-based products. Plant-based yogurt is just one example of a healthy, tasty, dairy-free product you can enjoy today.
Plant-based yogurts are delicious, nutritious, and versatile products. They're perfect for anyone who is following a vegan diet, struggling with lactose intolerance, or looking to live a healthier life by omitting dairy. Numerous plant-based yogurts have appeared on grocery store shelves in recent years to satisfy this growing demand.
However, Yoso is no stranger to this trend, as we released our very first plant-based yogurt back in 2007. In this article, we will guide you through the most popular types of plant-based yogurts and their many health benefits.
6 Main Types of Plant-Based Yogurts
1. Coconut Yogurt
Coconut yogurt is one of the most popular plant-based yogurt available today. This type is naturally low in sugar, high in healthy fats, and rich in antioxidants. We love coconut yogurt for its creamy texture and rich taste.
Yoso carries two varieties: Unsweetened Plain Coconut Yogurt and Vanilla Coconut Yogurt. Our coconut yogurts contain organic coconut flesh and dairy-free bacterial culture. Every mouthful has a delicious flavour, smooth texture, and healthy prebiotics.
2. Oat Yogurt
Oats have taken over the world of dairy-free alternatives. You've undoubtedly seen oat milk at your favourite cafe, but oat milk is just the beginning. Plant-based yogurt is now made from delicious oats.
One of the main advantages of oats is their low water usage. Oat crops do not require as much water as almonds, cashews, or cows. They also help replenish soil fertility by adding nitrogen back to the soil.
Oat-based products are popular because they are free of nuts, soy, and lactose. They're also cholesterol free and rich in soluble fibre called beta-glucans.
Choose Yoso Plain Unsweetened and Vanilla Oat Yoghurts.
3. Soy Yogurt
Soy was the original dairy substitute and is still very popular today. It's rich in protein, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. Soy products like soy yogurt have many impressive benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and preventing certain kinds of cancer.
At Yoso, we use certified organic soybeans grown in southwestern Ontario to create our delicious Soy yogurt. These products are full of probiotics, protein, and fantastic flavours.
4. Cashew Yogurt
Cashews are an ideal base for plant-based yogurts. They are naturally sweet and high in fat, which leads to an effortlessly rich and creamy product.
Plus, cashews are great for your health. High in protein, rich in unsaturated fats, and nutritionally dense with plenty of calcium, iron, and dietary fibre in every nut.
5. Almond Yogurt
Almonds are another common ingredient in plant-based yogurts. Many studies have found that almond yogurt is the healthiest plant-based yogurt available. This product is a nutritional powerhouse.
It's rich in fibre, protein, calcium, and other beneficial vitamins and minerals. Plus, almond yogurt is low in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar.
Yoso has combined the benefits of cashews and almonds with our Almond and Cashew Plant-Based Yogurt. We exclusively use organic, unblanched whole almonds and cashews to create this fantastic product.
6. Hemp Yogurt
Hemp seeds (hemp hearts) have become a significant ingredient in the health food industry. And it's no surprise, given the health benefits of this tiny seed! Made from hemp contain protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals.
That said, hemp yogurt is less common than other plant-based varieties.
Benefits of Plant-Based Yogurt
Full of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Yogurt is part of a healthy diet because it contains live bacterial culture. These bacteria are called probiotics, which are essential for optimal digestive health. Probiotics are good microorganisms that keep your gut healthy and prevent digestive disorders.
However, yogurt is also rich in prebiotics. Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that feed the good bacteria in your gut, thus contributing to your overall gut health.
Yoso Plant-Based Yogurts contain probiotics and prebiotics from a live dairy-free bacterial culture.
High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants combat free radicals, preventing inflammation, cell damage, and other health issues. Plant-based foods, like plant-based yogurts, are high in antioxidants. This nutrient makes them a great addition to your healthy, balanced diet!
Source of Healthy Fats
Unsaturated fats are vital for overall health. These healthy fats can help lower high blood pressure, decrease bad cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, the fats found in plant-based yogurts can improve bone health.
Contains Protein
Some plant-based yogurts are high in protein. For instance, it's great to start your day with soy, hemp, or tree nut yogurt because of the high protein content. Coconut yogurt, however, is not a particularly high source of protein (although it has many other amazing benefits).
For every 100 grams, Yoso Soy Yogurt has 4 grams of protein, and Yoso Almond and Cashew Plant-Based Yogurt has almost 2 grams.
Rich in Fibre
As with protein, the amount of fibre varies depending on the type of plant-based yogurt. However, all plant-based yogurts still contain more fibre than dairy ones.
Whereas dairy yogurt contains no dietary fibre, most Yoso Plant Based Yogurts have between 2 and 4 grams per 175-gram serving.
Incredibly Versatile
Plant-based yogurts are highly versatile products. You can use plant-based yogurt in cooking and baking, like dairy yogurt.
Since most plant-based yogurts have high-fat content, they add a rich texture and creaminess to any recipe. This fact is excellent news for vegetarian and vegan cooking!
Lactose-Free
Vegans are not the only ones enjoying today's delicious variety of plant-based yogurts. Anyone who struggles with lactose benefits from the availability of dairy-free products.
Since plant-based yogurts are made from plants and use a dairy-free bacterial culture, they are perfect for people who are lactose intolerant.
Are Plant-Based Yogurts Healthy?
Yes, plant-based yogurts are very healthy!
Plant-based yogurts are both nutritious and delicious. Plus, they're a fantastic alternative to dairy yogurts. Dairy yogurts are high in calories, contain unhealthy saturated fats, and have zero dietary fibre. Moreover, plant-based yogurts are better for animal welfare and have a smaller environmental footprint.
When you choose a plant-based yogurt, you benefit from the high content of healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants, and live bacterial cultures. Yoso has unsweetened versions of our plant-based yogurt products if you're concerned about sugar intake. For example, our Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt is a popular choice.
Yoso Plant-Based Yogurt
At Yoso, we are experts in delicious plant-based foods. We pride ourselves on being industry leaders, constantly innovating and creating fresh plant-based food products.
In 2010, we released the first Unsweetened Plant-Based Coconut Yogurt in Canada. Rich, creamy, and flavoured, it remains a favourite to this day.
To learn more about plant-based yogurts from Yoso, visit our website or contact us here.