Greek yogurt has been gaining steam in the U.S. food industry over the last decade.
So much so that sales have grown more than 2500 percent in the last five years and
reached $1.6 billion in retail sales. The health reasons backing the dairy product are
substantial, plus Greek yogurt has a thick, creamy texture making it a culinary treasure
for chefs, an ideal base for dips and spreads or eating on its own as well.
Greek yogurt has numerous health benefits. For starters, it’s loaded with protein. A
single 8-ounce serving contains upwards of 12 grams of protein, rivaling 2-3 ounce
servings of some meat products. The high protein content topples traditional yogurt and
keeps you full longer to curb cravings.
In addition, Greek yogurt is a great source of vitamins, including potassium,
phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12. One serving of Greek
yogurt contains 20 percent of the suggested daily value intake of Calcium, making it a
rival to traditional milk products.
Further, the straining process removes the liquid whey, not only giving it a creamier,
thicker texture but resulting in a lower lactose content as well.
Ways to include Greek yogurt in traditional recipes
It’s easy to implement Greek Yogurt into the menu at summer barbecues and backyard
parties. Some tried and true choices include Tzatziki and Greek yogurt dips. One of
my favorite dips to whip up combines Greek yogurt with crumbled Feta cheese, fresh
chopped tomatoes, green peppers and chopped jalapenos. It’s zesty, flavorful and
perfect for dipping vegetables or spreading on sandwiches, while maintaining a low fat
content.
Substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream is a great way to lighten up fat laden dips such
as spinach and artichoke dip. The consistency is similar so the dip is as expected, but
the fat content is much lower and protein is higher in Greek yogurt.
The thickness of Greek yogurt also makes a great base for marinades. It tenderizes the
meat and grills to a caramelized coating without tasting burnt. Try marinating chicken
breasts in a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and paprika for a
tangy, flavorful barbecue.
Greek yogurt also makes a light and refreshing parfait, perfect for summer nights. Try
alternating between layers of Greek yogurt, freshly cut berries and granola. Consider
drizzling honey on top for an extra hint of sugar as well. The result is a wholesome,
satisfying and sweet dessert that you won’t feel guilty indulging in.
Hop on the Greek yogurt bandwagon – the health benefits, delicious taste and texture
make the traditional Greek food more than just a fad.
About Grecian Delight:
Founded in 1974, Grecian Delight is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and
marketers of Mediterranean and ethnic-inspired foods for the foodservice and retail
markets. The company offers a full line of artisan flatbreads, signature sauces, spreads
and hummus, specialty meats, cheeses, appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Learn
more at www.greciandelight.com.
