Berry happy: In our book, there’s no better way to start the day than with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. Voskos Greek Yogurt adds probiotics as well. Photo © Paul Binet | Fotolia.
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KAREN HOCHMAN is the yogurt-loving Editorial Director of THE NIBBLE.
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September 2009
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Voskos Greek Yogurt
Probiotic Yogurt Like Sour Cream
CAPSULE REPORT: Voskos Greek Yogurt is another welcome brand of Greek-style yogurt that is bound to please those who prefer their yogurt more like sour cream and less on the tart and tangy side. Packed with probiotic cultures, it will help those who have digestive problems. In 0% nonfat, 2% lowfat and whole milk plain yogurt, plus four delicious nonfat flavors and two organic flavors, the line is certified kosher, all natural, rBGH-free and gluten-free.
Greek Yogurt Overview
Most people know that yogurt is good for you. It’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates and calories (plain yogurt, that is—the sugar-laden flavors add their share of carbs and calories).
We love all yogurt, but thank our stars for Greek yogurt. Not to dis the European-, French- and Swiss-style yogurts of our youth (see our Yogurt Glossary for the difference), but we’ll choose Greek-style yogurt anytime.
Using a triple-straining process that removes more of the water content, Greek yogurt is a thicker, creamier product with the consistency of sour cream. The removal of water also means that there is more protein in Greek yogurt than in other styles.
Another bonus for people who don’t like tart yogurt: Greek yogurt is generally also sweeter—meaning less tart and tangy—than European-, French- and Swiss-style yogurts.
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A 16-ounce container of plain yogurt, available in whole milk (“original”), lowfat and nonfat. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE. |
You can find Greek-style yogurt in 0% (fat free), 2% milk and whole milk versions, the latter of which can be up to 8% butterfat, compared to 5% for other whole milk yogurts (due to the concentration of solids from the triple straining). Even the 0% versions are so thick and creamy that Greek Yogurt affords a wonderful way to save on fat calories while still enjoying a very full-flavored yogurt on fruit or granola, in dips, as a substitute for sour cream on baked potatoes, as a soup garnish and in dozens of ways you’ll find appealing.
About Voskos Greek Yogurt
Voskos, the Greek word for shepherd, stakes claim to being the first Greek-style yogurt to be made, and sold nationally in, the United States. We thank our local Whole Foods Market for introducing the brand to us.
The company, based in California, offers a full family of yogurt:
- Plain in whole milk (“original”), Lowfat (2%) and Nonfat (0%) in 8-ounce
and 16-ounce containers
- Nonfat 5.3-ounce cups in Exotic Fig, Greek Honey, Honey Vanilla Bean, Wild
Blueberry and Wild Strawberry
- Organic nonfat 8-ounce cups in Plain, Greek Honey and Vanilla Bean
The company prides itself on using the best quality, hormone-free milk from local dairies. The yogurts are made with probiotic live and active cultures.* The live and active cultures aid in lactose digestion by producing the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose. Thus, probiotic yogurt is more easily tolerated by lactose-intolerant people.
*Probiotic bacteria, which are live and active cultures, occur naturally in the digestive tract, where they help promote a healthy balance, good digestion and overall intestinal vitality. Not all live and active cultures are probiotic; probiotic action requires a concentration of cultures, the numbers of which are not yet understood; but it is in the millions. The other issue to be aware of is, how many of the live cultures survive the trip down the digestive tract into the stomach, where they can do their job.
How They Taste
This is top-quality yogurt: Every variety is a delight. Taste the plain flavors against major commercial brands and you can taste the goodness of the milk.
For those who like their yogurt flavored, these custard-style yogurts (fruit mixed in, not at the bottom) hit the spot:
- Exotic Fig Yogurt is a charmer. There’s not much fig yogurt out there; the only other one we’ve had, from The Greek Gods, is made with whole milk and has many more calories.
- Greek Honey Yogurt is another welcome flavor. The honey is delightfully floral.
- Honey Vanilla Bean Yogurt is perhaps the best vanilla yogurt we’ve tasted. Full vanilla flavor and specks of vanilla beans enable this variety to pass for dessert. We served it in mini tart shells one evening, and it was a hit.
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Six-ounce cartons of 0% nonfat yogurt are available in Greek Honey, Wild Blueberry and Wild Strawberry. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE. |
- Wild Blueberry Yogurt is like creamy blueberry pudding.
- Wild Strawberry Yogurt has heaps of berry flavor. Along with its creaminess, it’s our reigning favorite strawberry yogurt.
Check out the recipes on the website!
VOSKOS GREEK YOGURT
Plain & Flavored
Certified kosher (dairy)
Gluten-Free
USDA Organic
- 16-Ounce Container
- 8-Ounce Container
- 5.3-Ounce Cup
Available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide, many health food stores and finer supermarkets. Find a store locator on the website.
For more information, visit
Voskos.com.
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The Voskos family. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE. |
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