Choosing yogurt becomes easier when you decide where it will go. A thick spoonable yogurt may suit a bowl with fruit, while a thinner one may be convenient in a sauce or smoothie. A large plain tub can serve several jobs, but only if you actually enjoy using it that way.
Start with flavor and texture, then compare the label. Look at serving size before comparing protein, added sugars or other nutrients important to you. A small single-serving cup and a large tub can make the numbers look different simply because the stated amounts are different.
Plain yogurt gives you room to add the flavor yourself. That can be useful if you want fruit at breakfast and herbs with dinner. A flavored yogurt can also be a convenient choice. There is no need to turn the comparison into a contest between a perfectly assembled bowl and a packaged food you enjoy.
Think through the size of the tub
Estimate how many times you will use the yogurt before buying a larger container. A lower price per ounce does not save money if much of it is discarded. Follow the storage and use guidance on the package, and use clean utensils when serving from a shared tub.
If you choose a plant-based yogurt alternative, compare its actual Nutrition Facts and ingredients rather than assuming it matches dairy yogurt. The protein and other nutrients can vary with the base ingredient and formulation. Check allergen information for the specific product as well.
For cooking, consider whether the recipe expects a particular thickness or style. A sweet vanilla product will change a savory sauce in a way that a plain one will not. Making that distinction before opening the tub prevents an avoidable disappointment at the stove.
Keep toppings as a separate choice. You might enjoy fruit, oats, nuts or seeds that are appropriate for your dietary needs. Add what suits the meal instead of assuming every bowl needs several decorative layers. A simple combination is easier to repeat and easier to shop for.
After a week, notice which uses actually happened. If the yogurt was mostly eaten straight from individual cups, a large multipurpose tub may have been an imagined economy. Buy for the meals you make, while leaving room to try a new use when it sounds appealing rather than obligatory.
