Fat free or full fat? Which wouold you choose while calorie counting?

Fat free or 2% has far less calories than the regular, so that is my choice.
Full fat Fage= 270 calories
2% Fage= 150 calories
0%= 100 calories

Although it appears the 0% container is 170 grams versus 200 for the other two, which I never noticed the container being smaller.

I tend to not like most fat free products and typically buy light versions of almost everything. Even when I am off plan I still do that. The only thing I like more at fat free is milk. I grew up on skim and to me anything else tastes too thick and is not as refreshing. Not that I drink much milk other than a splash in my coffee or a splash on some cereal. One thing I do have a hard time buying light is salad dressing. I do measure carefully so I don't go over a serving size but sometimes to me it is worth it to cut somewhere else so that I can enjoy the dressing I like on my salad.

Definitely no full fat dairy on a diet!

I like the full fat Fage. It tastes like dessert! I find it satisfies me much better than any other yogurt. If full fat isnt available, then I'll eat the 2%.

That's fine if that's your choice.. but it really depends on a few things. How many calories do you eat? How much fat do you eat? Do you need to get more fats in your diet? There are a lot more factors than "no full fat dairy on a diet".
*I don't mean this in a rude way of any kind* I'm just tired of the "good food" "bad food" mentality that we seem to have in this society.

IMO I keep full fat and non-fat around. If I need a few extra fat calories or just want something fatty and creamy then I pick the full fat. If I still want creamy but don't have the extra room for calories, I pick the non-fat. That way I can balance all of my nutrients. I do the same thing with cottage cheese. I have to say that I find the full fat cottage cheese MUCH more satisfying and enjoyable. Plus, I don't worry about cholesterol since most days I only end up having between 0-20% of my cholesterol, so if I go a little high one day, it's okay. But, that's just how I roll.

But, it's really up to you. The idea behind Calorie counting isn't to eliminate foods or food groups if you don't want to. Eat what you want that will take care of your body the best.

I do the 2% (4 days a week) and the full fat (1 day a week).
I did the non-fat version while on vacation as the store i was shopping at didnt' have fage and the closest subsitute was only non-fat.
It wasn't bad, but I still prefer the 2%.
It is just a personal choice. However, if you go with the lower fat (or non-fat) versions, you not only get less calories, but also more protein, which will help keep you fuller longer.

I disagree with the approach that any types of foods are offlimits - you just have to pick and choose and make better choices. So if the full fat version fits into your daily calories and doesn't throw off your overall balance of fat/protein/carbs, and you prefer it to the 2%/0% versions, go for it.

Good Luck. I look forward to my greek yogurt every morning.

Never thought about it. With Greek yogurt, it's so thick anyway I wouldn't think you'd notice much of a difference? Anyways, I get the nonfat "0%" Fage because that's what Costco sells. I eat it because of the protein content, add honey, and enjoy!

Sometimes in forums I hit post on something and immediately think "I see the pitch forks, the townspeople are coming"...this was one of those times. I know everyone has their own opinions in the diet community, and if you ask them, it's the best one.

For ME, high calorie tangy yogurt isn't a wise food choice when lower fat options are available.

The OP said "counting calories", so unless those calories are unlimited, idk if something so high in them is the best use of calories for the day.

I do non-fat because Greek yogurt is plenty creamy and satisfying so why bother with the extra calories and I would rather get my fats from nuts and oils and fish.

I eat Fage and The Greek Gods and have it with fresh fruit or honey or lemon curd (or a combo of the two) and it is my post workout "treat."

This is all a personal preference thing. Choose what fits your calorie budget and tastes best to you.

Wow. I didn't notice pitchforks in her response. My calories are definitely not unlimited (1400) but I would rather eat a smaller portion of something really tasty than a large portion of something that's just so-so. I cannot tolerate the taste of fat-free Greek yogurt. I wish I could (I've tried) but it's way too tart for me. But different strokes & all that

I didn't see pitch forks. I saw a politely stated varying opinion. In calorie counting everyone gets to decide what is "worth it" calorie wise for them. I find real butter, cheese, and sour cream to be worth it. I just have to limit it to smaller amounts and less frequency. I've never had full fat greek yogurt, only the 0 and 2% versions. The 0 is just as good to me as the 2, so I haven't tried the full fat....250 to 270 calories for yogurt is just not worth it to me.

Panacea - honestly I think you were looking for pitchforks, so you saw them.

The OP had an honest question and wanted, I'm guessing, a range of opinions and explanations from other 3FCers about how each "does" her Greek Yogurt.

Neither your response, or the reponse above, did much to shed a lot of light on the issue. You didn't even offer support for why you recommend that soemone never eat a full fat dairy product.

Sure, if you are counting calories, you are thinking about how many calories the food you eat has. And of course, something that this higher in fat than a lower fat counterpart is going to have more calories. I am guessing the OP was also aware of that. However, one of the benefits of counting calories (vs. an exclusion-type diet, like Atkins or South Beach) is that any food in proper balance/moderation, is acceptable, so long as the total calories for the relevant period is maintained.

I disagree with you that something that has fat it in is always a bad choice. The difference in calories between full fat (Fage) vs. 0% is at most (for their one serving with fruit packs) is about 150 calories. That is not a difference that is going to "break the bank" if you are counting calories - sure it means no whole wheat toast with dinner or no banana as an afternoon snack. On the other hand, for some of us, the fat calories help keep us feeling fuller longer so we don't need the banana.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, but I do find it unreasonable for you to respond the OP question with "No, never." and then be upset with others for expressing a view (with explanations for their reasoning) that is different than yours.

I understand and respect that would not choose full fat dairy for yourself and if asked for advice you would not recommend it to others. Please do the same for those who feel differently about the matter.

I have tried them all and noticed that the 0% or 2% Fage yogurt taste just as good as the full fat version with less calories so I opt for the lesser calories.

However it took some getting use to eating the 0% Chobani and Oikos brands but I like them now.


I usually mix in some vanilla protein powder in my yogurt, it sweetens, thickens it a bit and provides that extra protein!

I've had both 0% and 2% Fage and find little difference so I'd rather keep the calorie count low and the protein count high. The only Greek yogurt I like is Fage, which I actually enjoy plain (i.e., no sweetener). Does anyone else have a favorite? Fage is pretty darn expensive, although I saw a poster was able to buy it at Costco so I'll be checking for it the next time I'm there.

ETA: I see that the post above mine had a similar experience. And thanks for posting a couple other brands I could learn to like, especially if they're cheaper.