Top 10 Countries That Consume the Most Yogurt

Yogurt is loved around the world not just for its taste, but also for its health benefits and cultural importance. From thick Greek yogurt to probiotic-rich types found in Europe and Asia, yogurt is a common item on breakfast tables everywhere. But in some countries, yogurt is more than just food. It becomes a daily habit and cultural must-have.

This article shares the top 10 yogurt-consuming countries and explores why they love it so much. Yogurt is more than a snack—it’s often a lifestyle. Whether it’s because of old traditions, modern health trends, or cooking choices, yogurt finds a special place in people’s diets.

Keep reading to see how yogurt plays a tasty and healthy role in daily life around the world. Whether you’re a yogurt lover or just curious about food trends in other countries, you’ll find something interesting in this guide!

1. France

France has long been known as one of the world’s top yogurt lovers. Yogurt is a big part of the French diet. It’s enjoyed alone as a snack or added to many recipes. French people value yogurt for its live cultures that help with digestion and overall health.

French supermarkets are full of yogurt options—from plain types to creamy, fruit-filled, or fancy gourmet ones. People of all ages enjoy them. Yogurt is often eaten at breakfast, lunch, or as a dessert instead of sugary treats. Many prefer organic and locally-made yogurts, which help keep France’s yogurt culture strong.

2. Germany

Germany is another country where yogurt is extremely popular. Germans love dairy, and yogurt is part of their everyday meals. They enjoy its simple flavors, health perks, and the many ways to eat it, like with fruits, honey, or cereal.

German stores carry all kinds of yogurt: Greek, skyr, lactose-free, organic, and those packed with probiotics. As more people learn about gut health and protein-rich foods, yogurt sales go up. You’ll find it in office snacks, school meals, and gym diets. With high-quality dairy production, Germany keeps its yogurt fresh and widely available.

3. Greece

It’s no surprise that Greece, home of Greek yogurt, is high on the list. Yogurt has been part of Greek meals for centuries. In hot weather, it was valued for staying fresh longer and being nutritious and cooling.

Greek yogurt is known worldwide for being thick, creamy, and full of protein. In Greece, people enjoy it plain with honey and nuts, as a dip with meats, or mixed into sauces like tzatziki. Yogurt fits perfectly in Greece’s healthy Mediterranean diet. Its strong link to tradition and nutrition keeps it a daily favorite.

4. Turkey

Turkey also ranks high for yogurt consumption—and for good reason. Yogurt has been a part of Turkish life for centuries, with roots tracing back to nomadic tribes in Central Asia who fermented milk for storage.

Turkish food includes yogurt in many ways—on its own, in sauces, or as a drink called ayran. Homemade yogurt is common and often tangier than store-bought versions. Turkish people enjoy it for its taste and health benefits, especially calcium and probiotics that support bones and digestion. Yogurt is eaten with rice, kebabs, or soups and is loved across both cities and villages.

5. Russia

Yogurt consumption in Russia has steadily increased thanks to both tradition and modern health trends. Russians have long enjoyed fermented dairy like kefir and ryazhenka for gut health, and yogurt fits right in.

Yogurt in Russia is enjoyed plain or flavored, often with fruit, nuts, or honey. Stores sell drinkable yogurts and dessert-like ones with chocolate or fruit layers. Russia’s cold weather means people rely on dairy for nutrients like calcium and protein. With growing interest in healthy, functional foods, yogurt now plays a regular role in Russian diets.

6. United States

In the U.S., yogurt has gone from a health-nut item to an everyday food. More Americans are focused on health and eat yogurt for its calcium, protein, and probiotics. It’s now a common part of breakfast, snacks, and recipes.

Greek yogurt became huge in the early 2010s and still leads the market because of its texture and nutrition. Yogurt is used in smoothies, desserts, and sauces too. Plant-based options from almonds, soy, and coconuts have widened the appeal. With a focus on portion control and health, yogurt fits into almost every American lifestyle.

7. India

In India, yogurt—called “curd” or “dahi”—is part of daily life. It’s used in traditional foods like lassi, raita, and kadhi. People eat it plain or mixed with spices. Yogurt is popular for its cooling effects, especially in India’s warm climate.

It also helps balance spicy dishes and is known to aid digestion. Homemade yogurt is common in Indian homes and preferred over store-bought versions. In recent years, city dwellers have started buying Greek-style and low-fat yogurts too. This mix of old habits and new trends keeps India among the top yogurt-eating countries.

8. China

China’s yogurt market has grown fast in the last 20 years. In the past, dairy wasn’t common due to lactose intolerance, but new lactose-free and probiotic-rich yogurts have changed that.

Young people in Chinese cities now see yogurt as a fast, healthy snack for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. With more focus on well-being and a growing middle class, local and global yogurt brands are popular. Yogurt drinks, in particular, are a hit for their digestive and bone health benefits. As Chinese diets shift toward Western habits, yogurt sales keep rising.

9. United Kingdom

The U.K. is another big yogurt-eating country. Brits often enjoy yogurt with granola or fruit in the morning or blended into smoothies. Health and ease-of-use shape their food choices, and yogurt fits perfectly.

Grocery stores carry full-fat, Greek-style, skyr, and plant-based yogurts. Over the past decade, gut health has gained attention, leading to more probiotic-rich yogurts aimed at improving immunity and digestion. With busy schedules, single-serve yogurt packs are ideal for on-the-go eating. As people reduce sugar intake, healthier yogurt options continue to attract all age groups.

10. Brazil

In Brazil, yogurt is gaining popularity due to its warm weather, rising health awareness, and expanding middle class. People enjoy it as a light snack or mini-meal, especially for its refreshing and healthy feel.

Stores sell many kinds—from drinkable yogurts for kids to Greek yogurts for fitness fans. Mixing yogurt with tropical fruits like papaya, banana, or mango is common and delicious. Plant-based and vitamin-rich yogurts are also available. Brazil’s dairy industry has adapted to the demand by offering more choices. Yogurt is now part of daily life whether at work, school, or home.

FAQs

Last Thought

Yogurt isn’t just a food—it’s a part of life for many around the world. Whether it’s for its taste, health perks, or place in tradition, yogurt continues to win hearts globally. Each country adds its unique flavor and customs to yogurt, making it more than just a trend.

From creamy French cups to spiced Indian bowls, yogurt has become a staple in homes and stores alike. As more people choose healthier diets, yogurt’s popularity will only grow. No matter where you live, there’s always room in your day for a spoonful of this healthy and delicious treat.