When the two-ingredient Japanese “cheesecake” recipe went viral, it felt like everyone was sprinting to the grocery store for a tub of their favorite Greek yogurt. Of course, this thick, strained yogurt has been popular in the dairy aisle for years: It’s a beloved breakfast and a go-to base for all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. From breakfast bowls and smoothies to marinades and creamy salad dressings, it can be one of the most versatile ingredients in the refrigerator. We tasted seven Greek yogurts side by side to find the best picks to add to your next grocery list.
How we selected the Greek yogurts
For this taste test, we selected seven of the most popular Greek yogurts available nationwide. We prioritized plain, whole, or full-fat Greek yogurts and did not consider low-fat or nonfat versions. We did not include flavored Greek yogurts like vanilla or strawberry.
How we tested
Food & Wine / Andee Gosnell
We poured each Greek yogurt into individual bowls to conceal the brands from our testers and keep the tasting fair. After sampling each one on spoons, testers rated its flavor and texture on a scale of one to five. For flavor, we evaluated the intensity of the tang, milkiness, and salt balance; for texture, we looked at thickness, creaminess, and overall body. Each yogurt also received an overall score that reflected our preferences and how likely we’d be to buy it again.
Finally, we averaged the results to determine the best Greek yogurts on the market. Out of this test, there were a lot of great Greek yogurts, but the three below earned our stamp of approval as top-quality tubs.
Best overall: Fage Total 5% Milkfat
Food & Wine / FAGE USA Dairy Industry, Inc.
Fage’s Greek yogurt was a delight to eat on its own, and ranked among the thickest yogurts in our lineup. Its tang read bright rather than sharp, giving the yogurt a fresh, lively lift. That acidity was rounded out by milky, crème fraîche–like notes and a creamy texture that tasted, and felt, luxurious. “I like this one. No strange grassy notes — just the flavor of rich cream,” said F&W Recipe Tester & Developer Anna Theoktisto.
Founded in 1926 as the Filippou family’s dairy shop in Athens, Fage began exporting its packaged Greek yogurt to the United States in the 1990s. Fage uses Grade A pasteurized skim milk and cream.
Grab a tub of this pick for a luscious garlic-and-herb dip, tandoori-style marinades — where the spice paste needs to cling to the meat — or for no-bake cheesecake for firmer slices.
Most versatile: Chobani Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt
Food & Wine / Chobani, LLC.
Chobani is a household name in the Greek yogurt world for a reason. “Good balance of tang, and it tastes like what I think people consider a ‘classic’ Greek yogurt,” noted F&W Recipe Tester & Developer Amanda Holestin.
Labeled “triple-strained” on the package, Chobani wasn’t quite as thick as Fage. However, its slightly loose texture might make it more versatile. F&W Recipe Tester & Developer Isabelle Easter called it an all-purpose pick: “It feels like an everyday yogurt. I’d recommend it if you need something thick enough for smoothie bowls or tzatziki — and the mild tang would make it a great option for baking,” she said.
For baking, we recommend trying it in our Jam Doughnut Muffins or a warmly spiced cardamom yogurt cake.
Best substitute for sour cream: Trader Joe’s Plain Thick & Creamy Greek Yogurt Made with Whole Milk
Food & Wine / Trader Joe’s
If you’re out of sour cream and scrambling for a stand-in — or you simply prefer the swap — this is the tub to snag. It delivered the lively tang we expected, but was softened by a faint, milk-sweet note that kept it from reading harsh or astringent. “There’s a tang, but it’s not sour, and it feels thick yet light,” said Theoktisto.
The texture was wonderfully creamy without feeling overly rich or weighty, making it a perfect substitute for sour cream in an herbaceous dressing like Green Goddess or dolloped over loaded baked potatoes.
The full list of contenders, from highest to lowest
Fage Total 5% MilkfatChobani Whole Milk Plain Greek YogurtTrader Joe’s Plain Thick & Creamy Greek Yogurt Made with Whole Milk,Wallaby Organic Plain Aussie Greek Style Whole Milk Yogurt365 Organic Plain Greek Yogurt Cabot Creamery Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Stonyfield Organic Plain Whole Milk Greek Yogurt
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