Dairy & eggs

Yogurt, Greek, plain, whole milk

FDC 171304

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 40 · +5 vs Dairy & eggs median

Whole milk Greek yogurt scores 40 of 100, a Fair rating, ranking 17th of 60 in Dairy and eggs, above the category's median score of 35. Its strained, thicker curd concentrates protein to 18% DV, a good-tier figure for a dairy snack.

This is the tangy, spoonable yogurt eaten plain, stirred with fruit or honey, or used as a base for dips and sauces. Per 100 g it holds 9 g protein alongside 5 g fat and 4 g sugar, with no limits flagged in this listing, making it one of the more balanced entries in its category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around yogurt, greek, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 9 g · 37%Carb 4 g · 16%Fat 5 g · 46%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories97 kcal5%
Total fat5 g6%
Saturated fat2.4 g12%
Cholesterol13 mg4%
Sodium35 mg2%
Carbohydrate4 g1%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars4 g
Protein9 g18%
Potassium141 mg3%
Calcium100 mg8%
Iron0 mg0%
Magnesium11 mg3%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A2 µg0%
Vitamin E0.01 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171304

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein18% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the dairy & eggs median

Nutrient density40 vs 35 median
Protein / 100 g9 vs 9 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g35 vs 162 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cheese, port de salutDensity 41 vs 40Cheese, gruyereDensity 43 vs 40Milk, reduced fat, fluid, 2% milkfat, without added vitamin A and vitamin DDensity 43 vs 40

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt is strained to remove much of the whey, leaving a thick, tangy, spoonable yogurt with a denser texture than regular yogurt. Cooks eat it plain with honey and fruit, use it as a base for tzatziki and other savory dips, whisk it into salad dressings and marinades, or swap it in for sour cream on baked potatoes and in dollops over soups and chili. Its thickness also makes it useful as a marinade for chicken or lamb, since it clings to the meat and helps seasonings stick during grilling.

At 97 calories per serving with 9 g protein, 5 g fat, and just 4 g sugar, it covers 18% of the daily value for protein while staying low in sodium at 35 mg, a ratio that makes it a natural stand-in anywhere a recipe calls for cream, sour cream, or mayonnaise. Store it sealed and refrigerated, and stir back in any liquid whey that separates on top before eating. Its protein content per calorie makes it a straightforward way to build a breakfast bowl or savory sauce without adding much bulk, and a spoonful stirred into a hot sauce off the heat can thicken it without curdling if added gradually.

Frequently asked questions about yogurt, greek

How many calories are in Greek yogurt?

A serving has 97 calories, with 9 g of protein.

Is Greek yogurt a good source of protein?

Yes, it provides 18% of the daily value for protein while staying low in sugar at 4 g per serving.

What can you use Greek yogurt for in cooking?

It works as a base for tzatziki and dips, a swap for sour cream, or a topping for bowls, soups, and baked potatoes.

View the USDA source record