Calories in Greek Yogurt: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt to remove most of its whey, resulting in a thicker, creamier product with significantly more protein per serving. Plain nonfat Greek yogurt is especially popular among health-conscious consumers because of its high protein content and relatively low calorie count. Here is a complete breakdown of Greek yogurt nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Greek yogurt is also a good source of phosphorus, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. The straining process concentrates the protein but reduces some of the calcium compared to regular yogurt, though it still provides a meaningful amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do the calories in plain vs flavored Greek yogurt compare?

Plain nonfat Greek yogurt has about 100 calories per 170g container, while flavored varieties typically contain 130 to 180 calories for the same serving size due to added sugars. Flavored Greek yogurts can have 12 to 20 grams of sugar per container compared to only about 4 to 6 grams of natural sugar in the plain version. Choosing plain and adding fresh fruit is an easy way to control sugar intake while still enjoying flavor.

What is the difference between Greek yogurt and regular yogurt?

Greek yogurt is strained multiple times to remove liquid whey, which makes it thicker and more concentrated in protein — about 17 grams per 170g serving compared to roughly 8 to 9 grams in regular yogurt. This straining process also reduces the carbohydrate and sugar content, giving Greek yogurt fewer carbs per serving. Regular yogurt tends to have more calcium because some is lost during straining.

How much protein is in Greek yogurt?

A 170g container of plain nonfat Greek yogurt provides approximately 17 grams of protein, and a full cup (245 g) delivers about 25 grams. This makes it one of the highest-protein dairy foods available and roughly double the protein content of regular yogurt. The protein in Greek yogurt is primarily casein, which digests slowly and helps promote sustained fullness.

Is Greek yogurt good for weight loss?

Greek yogurt is an excellent food for weight loss due to its high protein content and relatively low calorie count. The 17 grams of protein in a 100-calorie nonfat serving helps promote satiety and preserve lean muscle mass during calorie restriction. Studies have shown that high-protein dairy foods like Greek yogurt can support fat loss when included as part of a reduced-calorie diet.

How does full-fat Greek yogurt compare to nonfat?

Full-fat (whole milk) Greek yogurt has about 165 calories per 170g container compared to 100 calories for the nonfat version, with the extra calories coming from 9 grams of fat including about 5 grams of saturated fat. The nonfat version has slightly more protein per serving (17 g vs 15 g) since a greater proportion of the weight is protein rather than fat. Both versions provide similar amounts of calcium, B vitamins, and probiotics, so the choice comes down to taste preference and dietary goals.