According to recent statistics, yogurt consumption is at an all time high and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With this in mind, it is now more important than ever to check the quality of what you may consume as a “healthy” snack.
When it comes to consuming dairy products, the phrase “you are what you eat” couldn’t be more literal… especially for the cows.
Despite all the glitz and glam of labels like “low fat”, “greek style” and “live & active cultures”; the truth is, if the yogurt you are consuming is not certified organic and grass-fed, you are most likely falling prey to flashy, distracting marketing.
Because, even when choosing the most plain and basic yogurt, it is undeniable that there is a vast difference between yogurt produced by a grass-fed cow and yogurt produced by a conventional cow.
… And those differences go far beyond the label.
| Organic Grassfed Yogurt | VS | Conventional Yogurt |
| Cows less likely to develop metabolic disorders & infectious diseases | Cows more likely to develop metabolic disorders & infectious diseases | |
| Pasture Raised | Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) | |
| Diet consists of naturally occurring grass (containing no synthetic chemical residues) | Diet consists of GMO corn/soy (contains synthetic chemical residue) | |
| No growth hormones administered | Growth hormones administered (synthetic rbGH) | |
| High levels of beneficial fat CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) | Low levels of beneficial fat CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) | |
| Favorable Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acid ratio (2:1) | Unfavorable Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acid ratio (4:1) | |
| High levels of antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin) | Little to no levels of antioxidants | |
| High levels of beta-carotenes and tocopherols (Vitamin A & E) | Low levels of beta-carotenes and tocopherols | |
| High levels of fat soluble vitamins (D & K) | Low levels of fat soluble vitamins | |
| No chemical processing aids | Chemical processing aids |
… And this chart is just the tip of the iceberg.
Go Organic & Grass-fed
The best way to enjoy yogurt and to get the most nutritional bang for your buck, is to choose grass-fed, organic yogurt. Not only will you be supporting ethical dairy operations, but you will also be consuming dairy that is undeniably healthier for you.
Studies have even shown that unpasteurized, grass-fed yogurt contains a higher probiotic content, with just as much or more live culture strains than conventional brands that advertise their Live & Active Cultures certification. Probiotics are vital in maintaining the good bacteria in your gut and promoting a strong immune system.
The truth is that a cows diet does indeed affect its health, its milk and eventually you.
When cows eat the diet that they were intended to eat, the results speak for themselves. Studies have consistently shown that those who consume pasture raised animal products have a lower risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
Organic Opulence’s Pick
There are a number of options when it comes to high quality, widely available, organic/grass-fed yogurt. To find out how your dairy is rated and to discover the best brands available, check out The Cornucopia Institute’s Scorecard here.
Energizing Probiotic/Prebiotic Yogurt Bowl Recipe
1 Serving of Trader’s Point Grassfed Yogurt
Blueberries, Banana, Raspberries
Gluten Free Granola from Purely Elizabeth
Coconut Flakes, Cacao Nibs, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds
Raw Manuka Honey from Wedderspoon
Ashwagandha Powder from Sun Potion
For more information regarding the topics discussed in this article, feel free to visit the following resources:
Culture Wars: A Report by The Cornucopia Institute
DOG, TIERAONA LOW. FORTIFY YOUR LIFE: YOUR GUIDE TO VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND MORE. WASHINGTON, DC, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 2016
Perspective on the safety and effectiveness of conjugated linoleic acid
Transcriptomic Profiling of Spleen in Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Angus Cattle
A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef
Pasture feeding conventional cows removes differences between organic and conventionally produced milk
