If you’re like me, yogurt is a regular in your fridge — for breakfast, a snack, or used in recipes. Lately, I noticed something I hadn’t paid much attention to before: grass-fed yogurt. It’s not always easy to find in every supermarket, at least not where I shop, but it made me want to learn more.
So what is grass-fed yogurt, and is it really better than regular yogurt? From nutrition to potential health perks, there are several reasons this less-common option might be worth trying. Let’s look at what makes grass-fed yogurt different and whether you should add it to your shopping list.
Grass-fed yogurt comes from cows that eat mainly grass instead of grain. That simple difference affects the quality of the milk and the nutrients in the yogurt.
The biggest change is in the nutrient profile. Milk from grass-fed cows tends to have more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), linked to heart and brain health. Regular yogurt, made from milk of grain-fed cows, usually has lower amounts of these nutrients.
There’s also an ethical and environmental angle. Grass-fed dairy often comes from cows that graze on pasture, which many people consider more humane and better for the environment.
Nutritionally, grass-fed yogurt generally contains higher levels of omega-3s, CLA, and vitamins like A and E. These nutrients can support heart health, help reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall wellbeing.
It won’t change your health overnight, but switching to grass-fed yogurt gives you extra nutrients and typically comes from a more natural farming approach. It’s a small swap with real benefits.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect:
I compared several grass-fed brands with a regular non-organic option to see how they measure up.
Grass-fed yogurts, especially Greek-style ones, often have more protein and healthy fats. But not all grass-fed yogurts are the same — the style (Greek vs. natural) matters a lot.
If protein is your goal, Greek-style grass-fed brands like Brown Cow Organics offer around 7.8 g per 100 g. Manor Farm Natural Yogurt, though not Greek, has about 7 g per 100 g, which beats Tesco Natural Yogurt at 5.2 g. On the other hand, Yeo Valley Natural Yogurt (at least 60% grass-fed) only has 4.2 g, less than Tesco’s regular yogurt. So grass-fed doesn’t always mean higher protein — the type of yogurt is important too.
You may have heard about A2 protein, which some say is easier to digest for people who have trouble with regular dairy. Not all grass-fed yogurts contain A2 beta-casein, but brands using milk from certain breeds or pasture-raised cows are more likely to. If you digest grass-fed yogurt better, A2 could be part of the reason, but you’ll need to check the label to be sure.
The sugars in plain yogurt come from lactose, the natural milk sugar. For example, Daylesford Organic Natural Yogurt has about 7.8 g of sugars per 100 g, while Greek-style Brown Cow Organics is a bit lower at 6.1 g. These are natural sugars — the key is to avoid added sugars found in flavored varieties.
Fat content varies too. Grass-fed options like Manor Farm Natural Yogurt can be richer, with about 8 g of fat per 100 g, giving a creamier texture. Lighter regular yogurts like Tesco Natural have around 3.8 g. Greek-style yogurts such as Brown Cow Organics tend to be higher in calories because they’re strained and more concentrated — Brown Cow is about 104 kcal per 100 g, while natural options like Yeo Valley are closer to 72 kcal.
It’s important to know the difference between organic and grass-fed yogurt — they’re not the same:
– Organic yogurt comes from cows raised without synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones, and their feed is organic. But that feed can include organic grains, so organic doesn’t always mean higher omega-3 or CLA.
– Grass-fed yogurt is defined by the cows’ diet: mainly grass. That diet brings higher omega-3s, CLA, and some other nutrients. Grass-fed products aren’t automatically organic unless they say so.
If you want both benefits, look for yogurt labeled organic and grass-fed. If you must pick one, grass-fed usually gives you more of the nutritional boosts tied to pasture diets.
In the UK, grass-fed yogurt is less common in regular supermarkets, but you can still find good options. Local farm shops and specialty stores often carry fully grass-fed yogurts from small producers. For convenience, some supermarket-friendly brands like Yeo Valley offer partially grass-fed options.
Grass-fed yogurt isn’t just a label — it can be a healthier and more sustainable choice. With higher levels of certain nutrients, richer healthy fats, and links to more natural farming, it’s a smart pick for people wanting to make more conscious food choices.
It may cost a bit more or be harder to find, but the benefits to your health and the environment can make it worth the extra effort. If fully grass-fed isn’t available, partially grass-fed options like Yeo Valley are a good compromise. Adding this nutrient-rich yogurt to your routine is a small change that can have meaningful benefits.