Live yoghurt has become a staple in many British households, prized not just for its creamy texture and tangy flavour but for its rich content of gut-friendly bacteria. As families increasingly seek out wholesome, minimally processed foods, plain, full-fat live yoghurt stands out as a nutritional powerhouse. But with so many options on supermarket shelves, which ones truly deliver on taste, quality, and health benefits?
What Makes Live Yoghurt Special?
Live yoghurt is distinguished by its active bacterial cultures, which include strains such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus. These cultures are responsible for fermenting the milk, resulting in yoghurt's characteristic tang and improved digestibility. They are also key to its association with gut health, as these probiotics can support a balanced microbiome. For many consumers, avoiding sweetened or flavoured varieties in favour of plain, full-fat options helps minimise sugar intake and processed ingredients.
Our Top Picks for Supermarket Live Yoghurt
After extensive tasting, we've ranked the best supermarket natural yoghurts based on flavour, texture, value, and ingredient quality. Here are the standout choices:
Best Overall: Yeo Valley Organic Whole Milk Natural Yoghurt
Priced at £2 for 450g at Morrisons and Sainsbury's (44p per 100g), this organic option earns four stars. It boasts a creamy yet pourable texture with a sweet-forward profile balanced by subtle acidity. Made from organic British milk and live cultures, it offers a silky mouthfeel and represents excellent value for an organic product.
Best Bargain: Morrisons Natural Yoghurt
At just £1.10 for 500g (22p per 100g), this three-star pick is thick, creamy, and well-balanced, with a gentle underlying acidity. Sourced from British milk and containing live cultures, it's a reliable and affordable choice for everyday consumption.
Other Notable Contenders
- Duchy Organic Natural Greek-Style Yoghurt: £2 for 450g at Waitrose (44p per 100g), rated four stars. This rich, indulgent option features a fresh acidity and is made from organic British milk.
- Onken Set Natural Yoghurt: £1.50 for 450g at Waitrose (33p per 100g), four stars. Thick and clean-tasting, with less sharpness, it's fortified with vitamin D and contains live cultures.
- St Helen's Farm Goat's Milk Natural Yoghurt: From £2.40 for 450g at Sainsbury's (53p per 100g), four stars. A digestible alternative with a sour twang, it's creamy and award-winning.
- Pakeeza Live Set Natural Yoghurt: From £1.99 for 900g at Iceland (22p per 100g), three stars. Very thick with complex sour notes, made from British milk.
- Asda Natural Yoghurt: £1.08 for 500g (22p per 100g), two stars. Light and clean with a classic sour edge, it's a simple, value-driven option.
- Tesco Natural Yoghurt: £1.15 for 500g (23p per 100g), two stars. Smooth and mild with a neutral flavour, offering good value.
Why Provenance and Organic Matter
While most tested yoghurts use British milk, transparency around farming practices and welfare standards remains limited. Opting for organic varieties, like Yeo Valley or Duchy, can provide clearer insights into quality and sustainability. Organic certification often signals higher standards in animal welfare and environmental care, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious shoppers.
In summary, whether you prioritise gut health, taste, or budget, there's a live yoghurt to suit every need. From the creamy indulgence of goat's milk options to the everyday reliability of bargain picks, these supermarket finds prove that wholesome eating can be both delicious and accessible.
