10 low-sugar ways to flavor plain yogurt for toddlers

Yogurt is one of the most nutrient packed foods for babies and toddlers (and beyond!) but it is also one of those foods that can be loaded with sugar and additives. When I worked as a dietitian for the school system, we served these cute little cups of yogurt branded by Trix cereal. They were BRIGHT pink and orange swirled and had about 14 grams of added sugar in each tiny cup not to mention they lacked the main benefit of eating yogurt to begin with - live active cultures.

Benefits of yogurt for babes and toddlers

The probiotics in fermented foods are a necessary part of any healthy diet, perhaps especially so for babies and little kiddos. The gut (aka large intestine) is working especially hard to colonize good bacteria between birth until around two years old (it continues to colonize after this as well). There are many factors that have a major impact on healthy bacteria colonization in this short time - vaginal birth vs cesarian, breast milk vs formula, the amount of skin to skin contact, even the presence of pets in your home (which contribute positively to a healthy gut!). Having a thriving gut microbiome can reduce the likelihood of the “atopic march” of eczema, allergies, and asthma, and is also linked with improved immune function among the many many other benefits.

For more on probiotics from food for little ones, check out this post all about homemade milk kefir.

Yogurt is fermented from milk which makes it a great source of calcium, vitamins A and D, protein, and fat. When it comes to babies and toddlers, both Greek and regular yogurt are great options. Greek is a more concentrated source of fat and protein which is particularly great for little tums.

I recommend starting with plain, whole milk yogurt and allowing little ones to learn to appreciate that tart flavor on it’s own. Once dairy, a big-8 allergen, has been introduced, yogurt is a great way to introduce other allergens such as almond and peanut butter. Yogurt can be mixed with pretty much any puree for those just getting started with solids and using purees, or try some of these options that we love in my own home:

Low-sugar ways to flavor plain, whole milk yogurt

1. Pumpkin puree and cinnamon

2. Date caramel (also delicious when combined with pumpkin puree and cinnamon)

3. A teaspoon or two of orange juice concentrate

4. Salsa and shredded cheddar cheese (add in some black beans or shredded chicken for a complete meal!)

5. Strawberry chia jam

6. Yogurt gummies

7. Homemade or store bought ranch seasoning mix

8. Pureed frozen cherries and vanilla

9. Peanut butter and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips

10. Cocoa powder and a drizzle of maple syrup (even when adding some sugar at home, it is likely far less than the amount added to commercially sweetened yogurt)

11. Molasses and cinnamon

12. Malted milk powder

Check out my new book, Whole Food Baby Food, for more ideas on flavoring yogurt at home!