FAGE Total Yogurt 0%
February 11, 2009
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What it is: Authentic Greek yogurt
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Bonnie: My romance with the way of life in Greece began the first of the many times I’ve been there. Same with my first taste of tzaziki, a Greek garlicky cucumber yogurt dip, spread or sauce for roasted lamb.
I played with recipes, not getting the results I wanted until I thickened my yogurt to be more like that found in Greece.
To thicken yogurt, dump plain yogurt into a strainer — lined with cheesecloth or paper coffee filters — placed over a bowl; refrigerate for 1 to 6 hours to drain off the liquid (whey). The longer the yogurt drains, the thicker and more protein-rich it becomes. Consider saving the white-ish, nutrient-rich liquid from the bowl to add to soups, stews or any place you’d add water.
Then turn that thickened yogurt into tzaziki or other dips, dressing or sauces that use plain yogurt.
Here’s my tzaziki rendition from “The Weekend Kitchen” (Harmony, 1992) that I coauthored with Joanne Lamb Hayes.
Sprinkle a peeled, seeded and shredded cucumber with salt; let stand in a strainer about 10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture using your hands, then combine with 1 cup Greek (thickened) yogurt and 2 minced cloves garlic. Season with salt. Makes about 4 servings, if using on a souvlaki sandwich.
I always take the time to strain my yogurt when using in recipes as I like that thick texture. That’s why I like FAGE Greek yogurt — especially its 0% fat yogurt. The 2% also is delicious, but just way too rich and fat-laden for me.
And on a nutrition note, the straining of the yogurt concentrates its protein content and, because it’s lower in carbohydrates, it also contains less lactose.
Bryan: Though we’re currently reviewing the 0% plain Greek yogurt, I did want to point out that the FAGE line does offer a wider selection of flavors, with fruits such as cherry, peach and strawberry. Greek yogurt (basically a “strained yogurt” to reduce liquid content) is quite rich, and while I find the fruit combinations enjoyable, they truly are far too overwhelming for even the most decadent of my morning routines (when maybe a donut sneaks in there). While breakfast may not be a strong point in my mind for FAGE, the company certainly scores high points in other categories.
The honey pairing, served with creamy 2%, is an honorable mention for the best FAGE product. It can stand alone as a divinely luscious dessert for two, with the thick honey served in a spoon-sized dipping well, perfect for dipping sliced fruits, berries and possibly your finger.
True gold, though, must go to the plain FAGE Total 0% Greek yogurt. This product may not ring true for all readers of Bite of the Best, but if you are the type who enjoys adding a Greek zing to any of your foods, this is the best yogurt you can buy!
I am a huge fan of the gyro. For anyone who does not know, a gyro refers to a Mediterranean sandwich. Though there are many variations from town to town stretching from Greece to the Middle East (not to mention Europe and American street corners), the dish generally consists of a rotisserie-cooked meat, usually thinly sliced lamb or beef, lettuce, tomato, onions and the yogurt-based sauce called tzaziki.
I know a product is a winner with me when it alters one of my most commonly enjoyed dishes. I first tested my homemade tzaziki on a store-bought gyro from a grill across the street from my house. I usually enjoy their sauce, but FAGE turned this sandwich into something so much better, the creaminess of my sauce eclipsing anything I had been served from the restaurant. My second testing has to be from my kitchen. I am planning my gyro with grilled lamb chops, cooked to medium rare, cut into strips and tossed with diced heirloom tomatoes with a bit of Vidalia onion; all served on piping hot naan (Indian flat bread) with my homemade FAGE tzaziki. Ahhh, simple pleasures…
Eric: All yogurt is not created equal – so for all of you Yoplait and Dannon junkies, there is something more to consider the next time you’re walking towards the dairy case.
In my opinion, a good tasting yogurt should consist of two essential components: fat and flavor. If it’s missing either of those, then you’re probably not going to find a product worth eating. For these reasons, I have always been a fan of Dannon yogurt; it is simple in taste, low in fat-content and priced (usually) within reason. Random Fact: Dannon, the now-French company (also known as Danone), originated in 1919 in the city of Barcelona. The company was named after the founder’s son, Daniel
FAGE (pronounced Fa-yeh!) produces Greek inspired strained yogurts that range in fat content from O% (the topic of discussion) to a mind-blowing 20 grams of fat for a 7-ounce serving for their regular. FAGE yogurt is not the average yogurt. It is not the type of yogurt you would imagine taking to work with you as a snack, and it certainly wouldn’t be a lunch-box stuffer for your child to swap with in the cafeteria. What it is, is the type of yogurt to use when cooking, creating sauces and dips or as a supplement to your breakfast; it is nutritionally rich in protein and calcium.
I was originally skeptical when trying the 0% yogurt as it completely goes against my better judgment of what a good yogurt should consist of (it has no fat and, seemingly, no flavor), but I was pleasantly surprised by its texture and natural taste. The yogurt is creamy, but doesn’t have a rich, “heavy” taste. Mixed with a little honey, FAGE has now become a cornerstone of my fridge (only to be trumped when Dannon goes on sale).
65 Comments on “FAGE Total Yogurt 0%”
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I am so glad Greek yogurts are now more widely available. Fage has always been the gold-standard for Greek yogurt for me and I’m delighted that i can find it on the rare occasions that I make the very long trek to Trader Joe’s.
I love the 2 percent yogurt,and am crazy for the dangerously fat real stuff which I substitute when sour or whipped cream is needed. I actually prefer it to whipped cream to top fruit desserts. You can even mix it into whipped cream, by the way.
In truth it really is a variant of creme fraiche and works beautifully when cooking instead of it. I like it in beef stroganoff or mixed into mashed white or sweet potatoes with chives and parsley.
What I do is buy one of each or one of 2 percent and one zero fat.
This way I can mix them together according what I am making. Especially in smoothies.
Greek Gods also makes a very good and very expensive pomegranate yogurt. You can do the same by mixing some pomegranate juice in and sweetening or not, to taste.
I think flavoured commercial yogurts are so icky because of what happens to the fruit. And way too sweet.
Actually the best fruit flavored yogurt I ever had was the Dannon Prune Whip. Long discontinued and long missed.
Now is the time for someone to bring back yogurts made with dried rather than fresh fruit since it naturally holds up better on the shelf.
In the meantime I poach my own, prunes or apricots or pears– puree and freeze into little cubes and defrost one at a time into yogurt.
Applesauce and cinnamon are the laziest way out. Try sprinkling some crumbled up gingersnaps or molasses cookies into that.
Fage is AS GOOD as the yogurt made daily at the greek diner, by far the best yogurt I have had out of a container!
Hi I am new here.
i adore the FAGE line of yoghurts. my favorite is the cherry, but it packs a punch in the calorie department..eeek! on the other hand, the 0% fat variety has all the flavor and rich creaminess, minus the guilt. i add a touch of honey for a heavenly morning or afternoon snack. YAY!
I’m already on board with this yogurt but at 2%. Now I’ll try 0%, which I’ve avoided thinking it might be lacking. I love the honey combo. And to gala1, I too have expressed on this very site how much I miss prune whip yogurt — I also make my own now! Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Is this yogurt made from sheep’s milk or cow’s milk?
Thanks for all the positive feedback, everyone! My name is Stacy and I represent delicious FAGE Total yogurt.
NT – in response to your inquiry, FAGE Total is made of cow’s milk. Approximatley 4 lbs of raw milk are required to make just 1 lb of FAGE. That’s how it gets its ridiculously thick texture.
tiffney02019, welcome to the Bite of the Best community. Sorry to take so long to greet you … I was on the “ranch” (Rancho la Puerto) in Tecate, Mexico and was unable to access the sight as the internet service was a bit unusual, shall we say. I’m back stateside, and say WELCOME!! Do tootle around the site and check out all the information we offer — as well as the chance to win all sorts of goodies in our marketplace.
I’ve been recommending this yogurt for years … and for those who are used to the more commercially-sweetened yogurts, a teaspoon of honey or pinch of Splenda works just fine. Delicious.
I wish the company would make a 1% fat version….any chance of that happening?
I would love to try this but have never seen it in our local grocery stores.
Give us your zip code and someone from FAGE will let you know if — and where — you could find the yogurt in your area.
Sous: At this time, FAGE Total has no immediate plans for new varieties. But it is great for us to hear this feedback to keep in consideration for future. I’d love to hear about why you would like a 1% variety.
skatekey: Yes, please send along your location and I’ll see what we can find for you. FAGE Total is available in grocers nationwide, and at gourment and health food stores. If you have a Whole Foods or a Trader Joes in your area, those are great bets!
Could you also please tell me where to find FAGE in 92026 or 92027. Thanks.
Not sure if everyone saw, but FAGE Total was named one of America’s Healthiest Supermarket Foods. Check out the article at:
http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100232463&page=2
jardt: it may be a bit far, but you can scope out the Whole Foods in La Jolla. Location is:
8825 Villa La Jolla Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858.642.6700
You can also scope it out a TRader Joes in La Jolla or Escondido:
8657 Villa LaJolla Drive #210
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 858-546-8629
1885 So. Centre City Pkwy., Unit “A”
Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: 760-233-4020
Thanks but yes it is a bit far since I’m in Michigan & those are in Ca.!
SM, to discover where in Michigan you can buy FAGE, just post your zip code and Stacy will let you know where YOU can purchase it.
There is a Trader Joes in Ann Arbor MI where my daughter lices about an hour & a half from me…I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
Thanks,
Sue
SM – apologies for any confusion. The CA specific stores were for another inquiry posted. Happy to let you know stores to check out if you can provide your zip.
Love, love, love Fage 0! I buy mine at Super Target and Market Street in north Texas (Fort Worth/Dallas area. I don’t know about Super Targets in other parts of the country, but I know they have it in Denver, CO Super Target.
If you mix the Fage Non-fat with the Fage 2% you can approximate what may work out to 1%.
I do this because I do not care for the way the non-fat tastes and want to minimize milk-fat that I don’t always need in the 2%, especially when I am cooking it into something. It’s the perfect compromise.
I generally substitute Fage for anything that calls for sour cream –and sometimes heavy cream or half and half in soups – then I thin it out with some 1% milk to am ore liquid mix.
I always have wondered why Fage hasn’t come out with a 1% variety.
It’s not a flavor–it’s how to live lighter in an overweight culture.
Pun intended.
And yes you can use that as a slogan — if you pay me for using my slogan.
I’ll just end up spending it at the grocery, anyway.
-gala1
Hi Bonnie – I love the greek style yogurt mixed with the elements cereal from Roman Meal! Hope all is well with you.
I have started eating Fage for lunch every day as I do not eat enough protein (I’m a vegetarian). I mix it with a little no-sugar added jam. Alas, I have found that I have become lactose intolerant so I down the yoghurt with 2 Lactaid capsules. Ah, the wonders of getting older…..
Gina – I also have sensitivities to lactose, so I have to keep in moderation. The great thing is that since Greek yogurts are lower in carbohydrates in comparison to traditional yogurts, it means they also have less lactose.
Specific to FAGE Total, during production, the yogurt is strained to remove most of the whey from the yogurt. Four liters of milk produce one liter of FAGE yogurt (as compared to other brands of yogurt where the ratio is one to one -thats why is so thick!). FAGE Total has only naturally occurring lactose.
See link below for additional info:
http://www.fageusa.com/#/about/how/
Great product. You can make it sweet, savory or use it plain like sour cream
I am looking to buy Fage and can not find a store selling it.
Thank You
Ilene
Ilene, please provide your zip code so we can have the manufacturer assist you!
I live in the Detroit, Michigan, area. My ZIP code is 48135. Stacy, please let me know if any stores in the area carry the FAGE yogurt. Thanks!
Uwe
Uwe – glad to hear you are excited to try FAGE Total! You can try the following locations in your area:
Kroger
5866 Middlebelt
Garden City, MI 48135
(734) 522-2870
Trader Joes – Ann Arbor
2398 East Stadium Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Trading Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 734-975-2455
Whole Foods – West Bloomfield
14.1 miles north
7350 Orchard Lake Rd
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Phone: 248.538.4600
Fax: 248.538.4601
Whole Foods – Troy
16.8 miles northeast
2880 West Maple Rd
Troy, MI 48084
Phone: 248.649.9600
Fax: 248.649.1141
I am sorry you have sent me addresses that is not even close to Florida.
I live at 954 s.w 114 terrace in Davie florida 33325 I would like to order if I can.
Hi i-Keys — apologies for the confusion, as the last stores listed were specific to a request from someone outside of Detroit. Regarding where you live in Floridia, you can try:
Whole Foods
7720 Peters Rd
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 954.236.0600
(5 miles east)
very intresting
Is there any way to get some coupons for Fage yogurt? I love the stuff, but find it a bit expensive.
Hi Judy – Unfortunatley FAGE does not have coupons available, but I encourage you to check your local grocer for any in-store offers they may have available. Trader Joe’s also has great rates on FAGE Total if you are looking to save a few pennies.
Thanks for this info! I always wondered why Fage had so much more protein than other yogurts…even other Greek yogurts…and this explained it.
I love Fage 0%. I eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. I add fresh or frozen cherries or blueberries if I’m looking for something a little sweeter, but you get used to the less sugary taste of the plain yogurt pretty quickly (especially if you are already used to plain “regular” yogurt). The richness is so satisfying, I don’t feel like it’s fat free or low in sugar. I am a vegetarian who can’t eat soy(!!), and Fage helps me keep a good protein balance in my diet. LOVE the stuff. Anyway, thanks for the info. Great site!
Where can I purchase Fage greek yogurt???? I would like to purchase a carton of this….I can not find it locally…..Holland, Mi Thanks so much….I tried this by accident and am so impressed with the quality, and creaminess……M…mmmmmmm……
I found a large container of 0% Fage at Costco. It’s a great deal.
is fage total 0% without any sugar content ? i ahve been trying to find the sugar content on the web but cant seem to find any infomation about it can someone help please?
thanks
re: Garry Wakefield — FAGE Total’s unique ingredient list includes only live cultures and milk… there is no added sugar. If you are consuming FAGE Total with a flavored sidecar, there will be some naturally occuring sugar content from the fruit/honey.
Thank you Stacy its nice to know that total 0% yogurt is sugar free …..my wife is diabetic so thats a great help!
thanks
I have traveled to greece a few times. Their Yogurt is so much better than the watery tart stuff we have in the states. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw an ad for it in Bon Appetite. The problem is that I have yet to see any of it here in Southern VIrginia. Stacey Help me out….Where can I find FAGE in The Newport News Hampton area? Anywhere in Hampton roads for that matter!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
Sorry, I forgot to include my zipcode!! 23605
Can you tell me where I can find Fage in the Tucson, AZ area? 85741
Thank you!!!
Although greek yougart tastes great, in Europe we also use it for sunburn. Rub it on thick and let it dry. It works. Really. No need to wash it off.
I live in Logan Utah. My zipcode is 84341. Is there anywhere near that I can purchase Fage yogurt?
All,
If you are having trouble locating a supermarket that carries FAGE in your area, you can also order online through shopping sites like Amazon and Fresh Direct:
amazon.
http://www.freshdirect.com/
Enjoy,
Stacy
I need to preface this rating by telling you that up until 1 month ago, I HATED yogurt. I tried it 100’s of times when my kids were growing up … it tasted like bad milk and I wound up spending on thrown away containers enough to feed a small third world country. My kids loved it but not me. Then my daughter got me to try a spoonful of Fage Greek yogurt … I thought I died and went to heaven! It was fabulous!! The texture was decadent and the taste was wonderful — not at all like bad milk. You have to try this brand. You will not be sorry.
Stacey
It is the best yogurt – just like Greece. I am surprised there are no coupons available – the price is high, and the money is getting tight! Any hope for a FAGE stimulus package??!!
Niko
Ilene,
The closest location to you would be the Whole Foods Plantation, which is about 5 miles east of where you are.
7720 Peters Rd
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 954.236.0600
Fax: 954.236.0656
I have recently found Fage 0% yogurt in the large 32oz. container at Costco. The price is great. I just hope they keep carrying it.
I discovered plain FAGE Total 0% Greek yogurt 2 weeks ago.
It is wonderful and I have had some every day since.
I am on a 1,500 calorie a day food plan and this works great for breakfast or as a snack to take to work. I eat it plain but often mix in fresh berries; sometimes almonds or a little honey and/or some all fruit preserves.
And, I use it in place of sour cream on my baked potato.
I think that most brands of yogurt today have so many additives and added sugars. Fage is FABULOUS!
To all of you who asked for coupons… I thought you’d like to know that — this month only — FAGE coupons are being offered in our marketplace (the colored-mosaic area on the right). Do take a chance to win! Remember, you must be registered for the site to do so.
I never liked yogurt until I tried this product. Now I can’t get enough.
This stuff is GREAT!!!
Glad you like it. We do too. Just wanted you to know that you have an opportunity to win coupons for FREE FAGE in our marketplace. (You need to be a registered user of the site to do so.) Just click on the image in the marketplace, then click on take a chance….
Fage yogurt is the best yogurt I have tasted to date…can’t go without it for lunch! I will try to incorporate it into my cooking especially substituting it for sour cream. The natural flavor is unbeatable!! Yes, I do agree with others that the price is high, but remember, you get what you pay for. However, we do look forward to coupons…it’s the American way.
Carol P.
I love it! By far the best yoghurt I’ve ever tasted. I love the creamy taste and can’t beleive it has 20 gms of protein. It is the best way to start your day which will sustain you longer. It is little pricey as out family cosume it everyday. Wish the coupouns are easily available!
Happy FAGEEEEEEEing!
I love it! By far the best yoghurt I’ve ever tasted. I love the creamy taste and can’t beleive it has 20 gms of protein. It is the best way to start your day which will sustain you longer. It is little pricey as our family cosumes it everyday. Wish the coupouns are easily available!
Happy FAGEEEEEEEing!
I haven’t eaten any other yogurt but Fage since it was first introduced.
It’s without a doubt, the best yogurt out there.
And, because most of the whey is strained out, the side benefit is less carbs!
I am interested in trying this product and very excited about it. Is there anyway, I can get some coupons for this product.
So sorry Tamara. Those FAGE coupons were offered as a prize a couple months ago. Stay tuned to the site – as giveaways change monthly!
I found this product @ Wegman’s, Whole Foods & at a Super WalMart…yes… a Super Walmart. THeir price was the best!
South NJ Gal;
Thank you so much for this information. I will be going to Super Walmart. Hopefully they have this in IN.
Thanks again