Aldi and Lidl Greek-style yoghurts have been named the best in a blind taste test by Which?, with both scoring 77% and costing less than half the price of the leading branded rival.
A panel of 64 yoghurt enthusiasts worked through nearly 100 tubs to establish which supermarket Greek-style yoghurt reigned supreme. Each participant was served a single scoop in a pot, with no indication of the brand they were sampling.
How the taste test worked
Alongside rating overall flavour, texture, appearance and aroma, the tasters also evaluated the creaminess, thickness and sharpness of each yoghurt.
The budget offerings from Aldi and Lidl shared the top spot, drawing level on both taste and value. Lidl's Milbona Greek Style Yoghurt, priced at £1.49 for a 1kg tub, achieved a score of 77%, with the majority of tasters praising its creaminess and depth of flavour.
Top scorers and prices
Aldi's Brooklea Greek Style Yoghurt likewise achieved 77%, retailing at 95p for a 500g pot. It can also be purchased in a 1kg format for £1.49 (15p per 100g), matching the price of the Lidl alternative. Enthusiasts commended it for possessing the 'perfect' thickness and creaminess, while its flavour and presentation proved highly popular.
Claiming third spot was Yeo Valley's Organic Greek Style natural yoghurt. Being a branded item, it carries a corresponding price tag, costing over twice that of the Aldi and Lidl alternatives at £2.25 for 450g.
Another supermarket product that fared well in the taste assessment was Sainsbury's Greek Style Natural Yogurt, attaining a score of 74% and priced at £1.15 for 500g.
In contrast, Tesco, M&S and Co-op all jointly finished in the bottom position, each recording 71%, with assessors noting they were deficient in creaminess.
Greek vs Greek-style yoghurt
As the designation suggests, Greek yoghurt is a variety of yoghurt originating from Greece. According to dairy experts at Arla, it is manufactured from Greek milk within Greece itself, while other nations produce Greek-style yoghurt modelled on the original. For a product to be designated as Greek yoghurt, it must have been produced there, utilising locally sourced ingredients.
Greek-style yoghurt describes a strained dairy product created through a process comparable to that employed for Greek yoghurt, typically involving the extraction of whey from standard yoghurt to achieve a thicker consistency. However, Greek-style alternatives may not adhere to the same production methods or possess an equivalent nutritional profile to authentic Greek yoghurt. Critically, they fail to meet the standards regarding ingredient provenance and place of manufacture.
