Live natural yoghurt is a staple in my household, and for good reason! It's a nutritious and versatile food that my family absolutely loves. My six-year-old, in particular, is a huge fan, consuming over a kilo of it every week. She enjoys it for breakfast with porridge and sometimes adds a touch of blackstrap molasses for an extra kick. In the evenings, she indulges in a bowl of yoghurt topped with frozen berries, a perfect sweet treat before bedtime.
But what exactly is live yoghurt, and why is it so beneficial? Live yoghurt contains active bacterial cultures, primarily strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus. These cultures are responsible for fermenting the milk, giving live yoghurt its unique tangy taste, smooth texture, and improved digestibility. It's these cultures that make live yoghurt a popular choice for promoting gut health.
When it comes to choosing the best live yoghurt, I prioritize clear provenance and quality. While most of the yoghurts in this test group are made from British milk, I believe organic options offer a clearer story about the farming practices, animal welfare, and overall standards.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the best supermarket live yoghurts:
Best Overall:
Yeo Valley Organic Whole Milk Natural Yoghurt
This yoghurt is a real treat! It has a creamy texture with a loose consistency, making it easy to pour. The taste is perfectly balanced, with a sweet forward note and a pleasant acidity. Made with organic British milk and live cultures, it's silky smooth and offers excellent value for an organic option.
Best Bargain:
Morrisons Natural Yoghurt
A great everyday choice, Morrisons' natural yoghurt is thick, creamy, and well-balanced in terms of flavor. It has a gentle acidity that complements the sweetness. Made with British milk and live cultures, it's a dependable and affordable option.
Other Notable Mentions:
Duchy Organic Natural Greek-Style Yoghurt: Indulgently thick and creamy, this yoghurt has a rich mouthfeel. It's sweet yet fresh, with a lively acidity. Made with organic British milk, it's definitely worth the price.
Onken Set Natural Yoghurt: Reminiscent of fromage frais, this yoghurt is set in the pot, giving it a thick and creamy texture. It has a clean taste with a milder acidity compared to others. Fortified with vitamin D and containing live bacterial cultures, it's a versatile choice.
St Helen's Farm Goat's Milk Natural Yoghurt: For those who find cow's milk difficult to digest, this goat's milk yoghurt is a fantastic alternative. It's extra thick and creamy with a pronounced sour twang. Deeply satisfying and genuinely delicious, it's a three-star Great Taste Award winner.
Pakeeza Live Set Natural Yoghurt: A clean set yoghurt with a proper body and structure, Pakeeza's offering has complex sour notes balanced by a subtle sweetness. Made with British milk and set with live cultures, it's a great choice.
Asda Natural Yoghurt: Light and clean, Asda's yoghurt has a smooth and thick consistency. It has a classic sour edge with an underlying sweetness. Made in the UK with live bacterial cultures, it's simple, reliable, and excellent value.
Tesco Natural Yoghurt: Mild and smooth, Tesco's yoghurt has a relatively neutral flavor and a looser consistency. Made with British milk, it's very good value.
And there you have it! A guide to the best supermarket live yoghurts. But here's where it gets controversial: which one is your favorite, and why? Do you agree with these ratings, or do you have a different take on the matter? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a friendly debate and share our yoghurt preferences!
