ACTIVIA LOWFAT YOGURT, BLACK CHERRY, MIXED BERRY scores 33/100 (Poor) due to its significant added sugar content and ultra-processed classification.
This ACTIVIA yogurt scores 33/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to a significant penalty.
Classified as NOVA 4, this product is considered ultra-processed.
Compared to plain yogurt, this SKU has considerably more added sugar and less protein.
Consider this yogurt as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.
Scores +0 points above the dairy category average (33/100 across 5088 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
3.54g
7% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.1g
14% of Daily Value
Sodium
49.03mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.1g)-7
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 33
ACTIVIA LOWFAT YOGURT, BLACK CHERRY, MIXED BERRY receives a FoodScore of 33 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary drivers for this score are the added sugar content and its classification as an ultra-processed food. Each 100g serving contains 7.1g of added sugar, primarily from cane sugar, which incurs a substantial penalty in the FoodScore algorithm. This amount is considerable, especially when compared to a generic plain whole-milk or nonfat yogurt, which typically contains no added sugar. The product's NOVA 4 classification, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, also contributes a significant penalty. While it provides 3.54g of protein and 10% DV for calcium per 100g, these positive attributes are outweighed by the penalties. The presence of various stabilizers and flavorings, such as modified food starch, Kosher gelatin, and agar agar, further supports its ultra-processed designation.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in activia lowfat yogurt, black cherry, mixed berry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Live and Active Cultures
This ACTIVIA yogurt contains live and active probiotic B. lactis DN 173-010/CNCM I-2494 along with other cultures like L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. These cultures are beneficial for gut microbiota diversity and can contribute to digestive wellness. Including foods with live cultures in your diet can support a healthy digestive system, though individual responses may vary. The presence of these specific strains is a key feature of ACTIVIA products.
Provides Calcium and Protein
Each 100g serving of this yogurt provides 123.89mg of calcium, contributing 10% of the Daily Value, and 3.54g of protein. Calcium is essential for bone health and various bodily functions, while protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and satiety. While not a high-protein food, it can contribute to your daily intake of these important macronutrients and micronutrients, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Convenient Snack Option
ACTIVIA LOWFAT YOGURT offers a convenient and ready-to-eat snack option. Its individual serving size makes it easy to incorporate into busy schedules or pack for on-the-go consumption. For individuals seeking a quick source of dairy with live cultures, this product can fit into a dietary pattern, provided the added sugar content is considered within the overall daily intake.
ACTIVIA LOWFAT YOGURT, BLACK CHERRY, MIXED BERRY scores 33/100 (Poor) due to its significant added sugar content and ultra-processed classification.
How to eat it
This ACTIVIA yogurt is typically consumed as a single-serving snack or as part of breakfast. It's often eaten directly from the cup, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or quick breaks. The common pitfall is overlooking the added sugar when considering it a 'healthy' choice.
To reduce overall added sugar intake, consider pairing this yogurt with unsweetened fruit or nuts instead of other sweetened items.
Use half a cup of this yogurt as a flavorful base for a smoothie, blending it with plain yogurt or unsweetened milk to dilute the added sugar.
If aiming for higher protein, combine this yogurt with a scoop of unflavored protein powder or a handful of almonds.
Be mindful of portion sizes; while a single cup is a serving, consuming multiple sweetened yogurts daily can lead to excessive added sugar intake.
Things to keep in mind
Consumers should be aware of the added sugar content in ACTIVIA LOWFAT YOGURT, BLACK CHERRY, MIXED BERRY. With 7.1g of added sugar per 100g, individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should factor this into their daily carbohydrate and sugar intake. The ingredient list includes Kosher gelatin, which may be a concern for vegetarians or vegans. While generally safe, the presence of modified food starch and other stabilizers contributes to its ultra-processed classification. For individuals with dairy allergies, this product contains milk. There are no specific warnings for cross-contamination with common allergens like nuts or soy on the provided label information.
ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt provides some beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein, along with live and active cultures. However, its FoodScore of 33/100 is classified as 'Poor' primarily due to its 7.1g of added sugar per 100g and its classification as an ultra-processed food. While it offers certain benefits, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile, especially the sugar content, when evaluating its place in a healthy diet.
How does ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt compare to plain yogurt?
Compared to a generic plain whole-milk or nonfat yogurt, ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt, Black Cherry, Mixed Berry has significantly more added sugar (7.1g vs. typically 0g). Plain yogurts also often contain more protein per serving. While ACTIVIA offers specific probiotic strains, plain yogurts generally provide a more neutral base without the added sugars and are less processed, making them a more versatile and often nutritionally superior choice for daily consumption. For example, a plain Greek yogurt like FAGE Total 0% Milkfat typically has much higher protein and no added sugar.
What is 'cane sugar' in this yogurt?
Cane sugar is a common type of added sugar derived from sugarcane. In this ACTIVIA yogurt, it is a primary source of the 7.1g of added sugar per 100g. While chemically similar to other sugars, its presence contributes to the product's overall sugar load, which is a key factor in its FoodScore rating. It's important to differentiate naturally occurring sugars in milk and fruit from added sugars like cane sugar.
What is a reasonable portion size for this yogurt?
The declared serving size for ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt is 1 cup. This portion provides 80 calories and 7.1g of added sugar. Sticking to this single serving size is advisable to manage your intake of added sugars. Consuming multiple servings could quickly lead to exceeding recommended daily limits for added sugar, impacting your overall dietary goals.
Can I eat ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt every day?
While ACTIVIA Lowfat Yogurt contains live cultures and some nutrients, its high added sugar content makes it less ideal for daily consumption if you are mindful of your sugar intake. For regular consumption, opting for plain, unsweetened yogurts and adding your own fruit or flavorings allows for better control over sugar levels. This product is better suited as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.