Yogurt: Fast food for all ages

What did Temur Vanacha, age 105, Kasteh Tanya, age 101, and Shadat Marcholia, age 103, all have in common? Well, besides their impressive old ages, they were all fans of yogurt, in particular “Dannon” yogurt. These three people were all part of an ad campaign for Dannon in 1977 that attributed their incredible longevity to their daily yogurt consumption.

In the past few decades, the benefits of yogurt have made it a popular choice among food consumers. According to Yoeli Steinberg of Gourmet Glatt in Cedarhurst, “I move more yogurt than any other grocery item on the shelves. It is the top selling item because it appeals to all age groups. There is a surge of variety offered; it has many health benefits, and it is not a seasonal product.” Especially in the days heading into Tisha B’av, yogurt is an extremely easy way to eat dairy and prepare for the upcoming fast. This year, when the T’sha B’av fast comes out motzei Shabbat, people need a food item that is easy to store and eat. They also need a cheap dairy product that they can buy in bulk for over a week. Yogurt is the perfect way to fit all of these needs. Not only is yogurt a delicious and nutritious snack that comes in a variety of flavors and types, but also it can be a way to make Tisha B’av much more manageable.

The various health benefits of yogurt make it an extremely popular choice among consumers in our increasingly health conscious society. Yogurt is made with many probiotic (good) bacteria that aid in digestion. Many of these bacteria provide their benefits by adjusting the microflora in the intestines. Yogurt eaters also get a dose of animal protein (about 9 grams for a 6 ounce serving of nonfat yogurt), along with several other nutrients. Yogurt can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and osteoporosis and helps people to feel fuller and not eat as much, aiding in weight loss.

Because of yogurt’s growing popularity, the market for this item has expanded and on the grocery aisles a consumer can find more than 20 different brands, types and flavors of the treat. Stonyfield Farms and Axelrod yogurt are popular nonfat brands that taste sweet and creamy. Blueberry, strawberry, and even flavors such as strawberry cheesecake, are delicious ways for consumers to enjoy these flavors in a healthy way. Greek Yogurt is another type that has made buzz in the past few years. Packing in around 15-20 grams of protein in a 6 ounce serving, Greek yogurt is an excellent way for people to get a large amount of protein with a small amount of calories. Oikos and Chobani are popular Greek yogurt brands that come in many flavors and styles, with ways to make them more tasty such as “fruit on the bottom.” The actual taste of plain Greek yogurt is tangy and bitter, however with a little bit of fresh fruit or sugar, it makes the perfect treat. Even ice cream producers, such as “Ben and Jerry’s” are getting in on the yogurt craze, making a new frozen yogurt made with the healthy Greek yogurt. One serving is only 130 calories, so it is a lower calorie way for people to eat frozen yogurt and get the creamy flavor that they enjoy. The marketing of yogurt to children is also a huge business. Sprinkles and powdered sugar make for fun and delicious yogurt toppings that children can enjoy.

The many types of yogurt offered on the shelves makes it appealing to all age groups-from a child who wants to eat sprinkles, to an older woman trying to watch her weight. It is the perfect treat for every person to enjoy. If you haven’t hopped on the yogurt bandwagon yet, you better get on. The perfect time to do it would be before or after Tisha B’av!!