Say What?! + What's In Your Yogurt?

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Who is responsible for taking healthy items and turning them into processed junk food?  You guessed it, the food industry.  The Cornucopia Institute came out with a revealing report (an investigation that took 2 years!) showing what is found in yogurt, and exposing the companies that are supplying this crap.  When you think of yogurt, you think- healthy, delicious, fruity- but, conventional yogurt usually comes from milk produced by cows that have been fed GMO grains, and whom are unable to graze in open pasture.  On top of that, chemical de-foamers, artificial sweteners, HFCS and sugar are added in.  Don't forget about carragenan, the gut-harmful ingredient, linked to cancer. 

Not only are there terrible ingredients lurking in this "health" food, but companies like General Mills (Yoplait), Groupe Danone (Dannon), Walmart, and PepsiCo market this towards children. Kids are automatically drawn to the colors, flavors and packaging.  Cornucopia was shocked by their findings and filed a formal complaint with the FDA, asking them to investigate some yogurts on the market because they don’t appear to even meet the legal definition of yogurt!

Here is the link to their official score card.  Check it out, and see how your favorite yogurt measures up. 

“What is most egregious about our findings,” said Mark A. Kastel, Codirector of The Cornucopia Institute, “is the marketing employed by many of the largest agribusinesses selling junk food masquerading as health food, mostly aimed at moms, who are hoping to provide their children an alternative, a more nutritious snack. In some cases, they might as well be serving their children soda pop or a candy bar with a glass of milk on the side.”

Let's take a closer look at some of the top yogurt on the market. 

Good news though!  There are healthy yogurt choices, you just need to know what to choose.  In my home, the only dairy we eat is the occasional sour cream, butter and a few cheeses.  I can't live without cheeese!!  No matter what, we always use organic dairy products.  Check out how your dairy products measure up here.  My family wasn't too hyped about trying almond milk yogurt, but they were surprised to see how great it tastes!  J loves his with granola and blueberries :)

Here are some top picks, that are easily found online or in your local grocery store.  Whole Foods also carries Traderspoint Creamery, and I hear that one is delish!

Maple Hill organic Creamery (Grass-Fed Organic Plain Kefir)

Stonyfield Farm Organic Plain Cream Top Yogurt, 32 Ounce -- 6 per case.

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Wanna make your own yogurt?  Check out this starter pack on Amazon. 

Cultures for Health Vegan Yogurt Starter Culture, Non-Dairy, Organic, Non-GMO, Probiotic Blend, Use In Yogurt Maker With Coconut Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk, Includes 4 Packets Of Starter

Know a parent still dishing out Go-gurt and Danimals?  Is your "healthy" yogurt misleading?  Please share this information with your friends and family!

xoxo Christina