What is the difference between regular yogurt and Greek yogurt?
USDA data show plain whole-milk Greek yogurt has about 8.8 g of protein per 100 g, versus 3.8 g in plain whole-milk regular yogurt, and less lactose (2.6 g versus 3.3 g). Fat is about the same (4.4 g versus 4.5 g). Sugars are 3.2 g versus 4.1 g per 100 g.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
How do Greek and regular yogurt compare?
These are USDA FoodData Central values per 100 g for plain, whole-milk yogurt.
| Per 100 g | Regular, plain, whole milk | Greek, plain, whole milk |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3.82 g | 8.78 g |
| Total fat | 4.48 g | 4.39 g |
| Total sugars | 4.09 g | 3.25 g |
| Lactose | 3.35 g | 2.61 g |
USDA lists a 170 g portion for each, so multiply these figures by 1.7 for that portion (our calculation).
Which has more protein?
Greek yogurt. Its protein per 100 g is more than double that of regular yogurt in these entries. For plain nonfat Greek yogurt USDA lists 10.3 g protein, 0.37 g fat and 61 kcal per 100 g.
Which has less sugar and lactose?
Greek yogurt in these entries has less of both. That does not make it lactose-free. The NIDDK says yogurt is lower in lactose than many other milk products and that many people with lactose intolerance can have about 12 g of lactose without symptoms.
Why the numbers differ
We did not find a USDA or FDA page explaining how the two are made, so we only compare the listed values. Brands vary, and flavored yogurts add sugar. Read the Nutrition Facts label on the product you buy.
People also ask
What is the difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt?
Per 100 g of plain whole-milk yogurt, USDA lists 8.78 g protein for Greek versus 3.82 g for regular, with similar fat and lower sugar and lactose in Greek.
Does Greek yogurt have less sugar than regular yogurt?
In the USDA entries for plain whole-milk yogurt, yes: 3.25 g versus 4.09 g total sugars per 100 g. Flavored products can differ, so check the label.
Is Greek yogurt lower in lactose?
USDA lists 2.61 g lactose per 100 g for plain whole-milk Greek yogurt and 3.35 g for regular. It still contains lactose, so ask a doctor or dietitian if you are intolerant.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
