Nutritionist Reveals Hidden Dangers of Store-Bought Yogurts

Certified family nutritionist Yulia Popova explained in an interview with NEWS.ru why store-bought yogurts, despite their reputation as a healthy snack, can seriously harm health.

According to the expert, the yogurt base itself—a dairy product with lactic acid bacteria—is not dangerous. The main problem lies in the high amounts of added sugar, artificial flavorings, and thickeners found in many industrial products.

“The product itself is not to blame. The main enemy is added sugar. Its excess in the body turns into triglycerides—harmful fats that contribute to cholesterol growth,” Popova explained.

She also noted that fructose, which is part of added sugar, is directly linked to the development of fatty liver disease. Additionally, the combination of sweeteners with other artificial additives can disrupt intestinal microflora, causing bloating and dysbiosis.

The expert emphasized that a long shelf life for yogurts indicates the presence of preservatives and a decrease in the number of live beneficial bacteria, which reduces the product's health benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to choose yogurts with a minimal shelf life of no more than two weeks.

Dangers of Excessive Consumption

Dietitian Larisa Mikhaleva adds that excessive consumption of such yogurts can lead to obesity, the development of fatty liver disease, increased cholesterol, and gastrointestinal issues. Artificial additives often cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

She recommends paying attention to the fat content of the product: yogurts with a fat content above 3.2% are considered quite fatty, and excessive consumption of them is undesirable.

Selection Recommendations

• Choose natural yogurts with minimal sugar and no artificial additives.
• Check the expiration date—a short shelf life indicates the absence of preservatives.
• Consider the fat content of the product, avoiding overly fatty options.
• If possible, prepare homemade yogurt, which is easy to do and allows for control over the ingredients.

Thus, to maintain health, it is important to read the ingredients of store-bought yogurt carefully and avoid products with excessive sugar and chemical additives.