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Is Greek Yogurt High In Acidity? And Bad For Acid Reflux?

Dairy products like Greek yogurt are popular for their health benefits. Many flavorful yogurts have become available in commercial grocery stores.

Greek yogurt has been gaining in popularity for some time because it is a thicker and creamier version of typical store-bought yogurt. 

Since people choose Greek yogurt for health reasons it is good to know if this type of yogurt is okay for people with digestive issues.

Acidic foods can cause problems for some people who suffer from GERD or other digestion complications. That is why it is worthwhile to explore if Greek yogurt actually is acidic.

Is Greek Yogurt Acidic?

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt, like other dairy products, is acidic. It does have alkaline properties after being consumed, but it is around the range on the pH scale that is considered to be acidic.

You’re going to want to be careful with your consumption of this food if you have digestive disorders that cause a sensitivity to acids, such as acid reflux or GERD. 

RELATED: Is Mayonnaise Acidic? And Bad For Acid Reflux?

What Is pH?

This is a scientific term that means “power of hydrogen” and it is used to measure acidic, neutral, and alkaline properties of food on a scale of 0 to 14. Greek yogurt ranges from 4.8 to 5 on this scale.

7 is neutral, so the numeric value for Greek yogurt is in the slightly acidic to moderate acid range.

Regular yogurt that is not Greek style is more acidic than Greek yogurt. Typical plain yogurt ranges from 4 to 4.4 on the pH scale. This makes it more sour and a bit more acidic than Greek yogurt.

Greek Yogurt And GERD

Greek Yogurt

People who suffer from acid reflux (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other common gastrointestinal disorders need to be careful about what they eat.

It is often asked whether Greek yogurt is a good thing to eat because of concerns about acidity. While Greek yogurt may be acidic, it can be safe for some people with digestive issues to eat.

Even though Greek yogurt is acidic, the effect of acid reflux seems to be reduced by the alkalizing properties of cultured yogurt. Choosing yogurt with no sugar is preferable, as sugar can be irritating.

Some studies suggest that Greek yogurt may reduce heartburn and the symptoms of GERD.

However, it’s in your best interest to talk it over with your doctor so you can save yourself discomfort and put your worries to rest on whether or not it’s a good idea for you to eat yogurt. 

The nutritive effects of probiotics from the fermentation process has a healing effect on the intestines.

Many people with GERD and other digestive issues are able to safely enjoy Greek yogurt and even regular yogurt that is a little more acidic.

Probiotics are microorganisms that form when milk is cultured and fermented. The microorganisms promote intestinal health and help with digestion.

What Other Issues Can Greek Yogurt Cause Or Aggravate? 

If you have digestive issues, greek yogurt can possibly make it worsen. Eating greek yogurt on a regular basis is not a good idea for someone who already has IBS or any issue with diarrhea or constipation. 

If you have an issue with a hormonal imbalance, Greek yogurt isn’t so great for you since it contains natural hormones. You might have some troubles with your hormones due to this matter. 

Greek yogurt features the natural sugar called lactose, as well as a protein that’s known as whey. You may experience inflammation problems as a result of ingesting the yogurt, especially if you already have a sensitivity to sugar and whey.

You’ll want to monitor and likely avoid eating this yogurt if you have an allergy to whey. 

You might deal with acne, eczema, and other histamine issues due to the homogenized and pasteurized milk that’s used in this yogurt.

If you are already prone to skin issues, it’s in your best interest to avoid eating Greek yogurt. People who are sensitive to milk can also have gastrointestinal problems. 

Greek Yogurt vs. Other Yogurts

There are many types of yogurts on the market that have different textures, flavors, and ways they are made. Fage Greek yogurt, lactose free, and plain nonfat Greek yogurt are all about the same acidity ranging from 4.6 to 5 pH.

Flavored vanilla Greek yogurt tends to be less acidic than regular Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt cultured with soy seems to be the most acidic of all the Greek yogurts.

You can find out the most accurate information about what each type of yogurt contains by speaking to a nutritionist, especially one who knows the details of your specific medical history. 

Added Acidity

If you are on a low acid diet, Greek yogurt may be a good food you can eat that does not upset the stomach. However, many yogurts, Greek included, may have additives or are produced with ingredients that increase the acidity.

It is important to check labels and know the ingredients in the yogurt you purchase to avoid potential digestive distress.

Factors that can change the acidity in Greek yogurt include:

  • Sugar – Plain Greek yogurt is the best choice for lower acidity. Many commercial made yogurts use sugar, fruit, or artificial sweeteners to enhance flavors. Unfortunately sugar adds considerable acidity to the yogurt which can be bad for those with GERD
  • Dairy – Milk is considered a somewhat acidic food and this can contribute to the overall acidity of the yogurt. Some non-dairy alternative yogurts might be less acidic for you to eat. 
  • Fat – Lower fat Greek yogurt tends to be less acidic than high fat yogurt. Fat, like other ingredients, can add more acid to yogurt.

RELATED: Are Bell Peppers Acidic? And Bad For Acid Reflux?

How To Enjoy Greek Yogurt With Accommodations 

Greek Yogurt

You can go for the yogurt that’s less sour if you have acid reflux or GERD, according to Dr. Liji Thomas MD.

(https://www.news-medical.net/health/Foods-for-Heartburn.aspx#:~:text=Yogurt%20that%20is%20not%20too,see%20how%20acidic%20they%20are.)

This means that Greek yogurt should be a healthier alternative for you to eat if you suffer from these medical conditions. There are probiotics in yogurt that should balance out your stomach’s bacteria and actually soothe stomach discomfort. 

There’s also plain yogurt, which should be a better choice for your needs. Ones that don’t have added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other additives in them should be a safe bet.

You can discuss the options with a nutrition expert to get an idea of which varieties of yogurt should be more good for your digestion. 

You should keep a diary that details if you have heartburn, stomach discomfort, or some other gastrointestinal problem after you’ve eaten yogurt and other foods.

This will provide you with a continuous record of how you’ve reacted to certain things, as well as see if there have been any patterns when it comes to your acid reflux or GERD flare-ups.

You can bring this diary with you to future appointments with your gastro-specialist doctor to allow them to have a picture of what sets off problems and further testing that should be done.  

If you take medicine to help with acid reflux, you might be able to eat yogurt shortly after.

Be sure to discuss what complications there are with your treatment plan and if you want to avoid eating yogurt entirely while you are taking that particular medication.

The last thing you’ll want is to have severe pain and find out that it could have been prevented with adequate information about the medicine(s) you’re taking. 

3 Greek Yogurt Recipes To Try

Greek yogurt is one of the most popular dairy products. It’s high in demand because of its thickness and creamy texture than the other yogurt available on the market.

Although yogurt is pretty popular in different recipes, it has a substance that makes it acidic. That’s one of the reasons one must consider the hazardous effect before consuming it.

However, although yogurt can affect people with GERD and heartburn negatively, people still love to have it. So, we have picked three pretty popular recipes.

Greek Yogurt Recipes

RecipeCaloriesPreparation Time
Greek Yogurt Pancakes80 Per Serving15 Minutes
Skirt Steak Salad With Cilantro-Lime Dressing527 Per Serving1 Hour
Greek Yogurt Cheesecake187 Per Serving8 Hours

1. Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Pancake is now everyone’s favorite breakfast. All families love the greek yogurt pancakes because being gluten-free and refined. In addition, Greek yogurt is an accessible resource of protein with no amount of fat.

These pancakes are not only a breakfast dish but also perfect for brunch or dinner. However, the pancakes are a complete package of taste on their own, but if you want, you can try fruits, bacon, ham, and breakfast potatoes as the sides.

Calories: 80 Per Serving

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

RELATED: Is Coconut Water Acidic

2. Skirt Steak Salad With Cilantro-Lime Dressing

If you are a fan of Mexican cuisine, then skirt steak salad with cilantro lime dressing. Although the salad has a high-calorie count, it will still be a great choice because of its nutritious value.

The steak salad is nutritious enough to fulfill all your needs, and one could have this salad as the whole meal. The jalapeno dressing, baby arugula, and chips not only enhance its taste but make it enticing too.

Calories: 527 Per Serving

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

3. Greek Yogurt Cheesecake

If you love the classic cheesecake dessert, then it’s time to try a healthier version of this cake made with yogurt. Whether it is a party, thanksgiving, or a Christmas celebration, this cake will surely reach the expectation of cake lovers.

Instead of choosing the regular products, in this Recipe, you will find some significant changes to make it low-fat with fewer calories.

There are a few optional ingredients, and you may swap them as per your preference. But the room temperature products are a must for a proper texture.

You may also choose to garnish the cheesecake with your favorite fruits or something else your choice to make it more appealing and tasty.

Calories: 187 Per Serving

Preparation Time: 8 Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay For You To Eat Greek Yogurt Daily?

Yes, it is okay to eat Greek yogurt every day, in moderation. If you consume it daily, it can be beneficial to digestive health, but consuming too much can possibly have the opposite effect.

It is best to keep daily consumption to 1-2 cups within a period of a day so that you can monitor any issues that come up and prevent an upset stomach. 

Does Greek Yogurt Have More Protein Than Regular Yogurt?

Greek yogurt has a considerably higher amount of protein than regular yogurt. Typical non fat plain Greek yogurt has 24 grams of protein in an 8 oz. serving while non fat plain regular yogurt has 16 grams of protein in an 8 oz. serving.

Why Is Greek Yogurt Thicker Than Other Yogurts?

The reason Greek yogurt is thicker than other yogurt is because of the culture process used. It is strained and components like the whey are removed.

Protein content, carbs, and calories are affected by the process giving Greek yogurt a different nutritional makeup than regular yogurt. Full fat versions of both kinds of yogurt changes overall fat and calories.

Does Greek Yogurt Spoil Quickly?

Dairy is a perishable food and Greek yogurt is made from milk, so it does not have a lengthy shelf life after it is opened. Greek yogurt should be refrigerated and consumed within 7 days after you open it.

It’s important to note that yogurt can last longer than plain milk though, because it is a fermented food.

Is Greek Yogurt High In Acidity? And Bad For Acid Reflux?

Discover how acidic Greek yogurt is and how bad it is for acid reflux, and choose your next Greek yogurt recipe wisely.

Directions

  • Pick a recipe from the list above
  • Click the recipe name and visit the website
  • Collect the ingredients and cook the food
  • Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

Jess Smith
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Thursday 9th of February 2023

I agree with your point of view, your article has given me a lot of help and benefited me a lot. Thanks. Hope you continue to write such excellent articles.