Looking for the best organic baby yogurt for your little one? We did the research! Here are the yogurt brands we'd recommend.
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Looking for the best organic baby yogurt for your little one? We did the research! Here are the yogurt brands we'd recommend.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Many parents think yogurt isn’t good for their babies because cow’s milk isn’t recommended before 12 months. However, there’s a key difference between the two dairy products.
You see, the live cultures in yogurt break down the lactose and protein in milk, making it much easier for little stomachs to digest. For this reason, many pediatricians say you can introduce yogurt to your baby as early as 6 months. In fact, it makes a good first food, thanks to its high levels of probiotics, calcium, protein and vitamins!
Look for organic, whole milk plain yogurt. Why? For one thing, many flavored options are extremely high in sugar, which isn’t ideal for anyone.
Another key consideration is whether the yogurt is organic. Non-organic dairy products may come from cows that have been given growth hormones or antibiotics. Plus, research has shown that organic dairy products have higher levels of nutrients.
“Research has shown that the milk of cows with access to pasture has a higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acids—an anti-carcinogenic compound—omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E,” Andre Brito, PhD, of the University of New Hampshire’s Dairy Nutrition Research Center, explains to Taste for Life.
Finally, whole milk yogurt is often best for young children, as the dietary fats are beneficial to their growth. With these criteria in mind, we set out to find the best organic yogurt for babies.
After reviewing the organic baby yogurts at the grocery store, one brand stands out from the rest: Stonyfield Organic YoBaby whole milk yogurts ($4 for six 4-ounce cups). Here’s what makes this product a winner.
Buy Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Yogurt in Apple and Blueberry here.
While Stonyfield is our favorite, there are a number of other great organic yogurt brands out there, including:
Greek yogurt is another option for your baby, but keep in mind that little ones may not like the tangy taste of plain Greek yogurt. If you go this route, it helps to mix in a bit of fruit puree, such as strawberry or banana.
In general, you’ll want to choose whole milk yogurt for your baby instead of low-fat options. Babies need more fat than older children or adults, as it plays a key role in brain development that happens before age 2.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that fats not be restricted in a baby’s first year, as they’re an important source of calories, essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. So stick to whole milk yogurt for the time being!