Have you tried Greek yogurt yet?

If you are not a big fan of conventional yogurt, you may want to consider trying Greek yogurt. It’s fast becoming mainstream with Americans due to its texture and unique health benefits.

Greek yogurt’s most notable difference is its rich, creamy texture. Greek yogurt gets its extra creaminess from the straining process that removes the whey (liquid) from the yogurt. Because of the thick, creamy texture, it is a suitable substitute for dips and sauces. It is also a great alternative in baking and cooking because it does not separate when heated.

The health benefits of Greek yogurt are numerous. For starters, Greek yogurt typically has double the protein of regular yogurt, making it a healthy low-fat protein alternative. Greek yogurt is a healthy choice for diabetics, as it is lower in sugar and carbohydrates than regular yogurt. It’s also lower in sodium and contains more live and active cultures, which is important for digestive health.

What’s the best way to eat Greek yogurt? Some simple suggestions include: using fat-free plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for recipes, vegetable dips or with baked potatoes; mixing in smoothies for a high-protein snack or breakfast; combining with dried fruit, nuts and a drizzle of honey.

Greek Party Dip

1 package of dry Ranch dip mix

1 (16 oz) plain flavored Greek yogurt

1 red bell pepper, washed and cut into long slices

1 bag baby carrots

1 head broccoli, washed and chopped into individual florets

Mix dry dip mix with yogurt. Refrigerate dip for at least 2 hours prior to serving. Serve dip with assorted vegetables such as pepper, carrots and broccoli.

Jennifer Dunavan MS, RD, LMNT is a registered dietitian with Fremont’s Hy-Vee Food Store.