• Alyssa Fontaine, RD
• Jul 28, 2025

Best Yogurt for Babies (Canada)

Baby-led weaning can be an exciting milestone, but it can be confusing for many parents. One food that often comes up as a go-to option is yogurt. However, you may have questions and be overwhelmed by the different options. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of yogurt, some housekeeping around it, and options available at your local Canadian grocers.

Why is Yogurt Beneficial for Babies?

Once your baby reaches the milestone of starting solids, typically around 6 months, yogurt can be an ideal first food. Its smooth, creamy texture is easy to swallow and generally well tolerated.
Here are some key components in yogurt that support your baby’s growth and development:

Healthy Fats

• Babies need a high-fat diet for brain development and overall growth.

Protein

• For muscle and tissue development.

Vitamin B12

• For brain function and red blood cell production.

Calcium and Vitamin D

• To build strong bones and teeth.

Probiotics

• Support a healthy gut, which improves digestion and boosts the immune system.

Yogurt and Allergies

Yogurt falls under the category of dairy, which is a top allergen for babies. Remember to introduce allergenic foods one at a time and wait a few days in between to watch for any reactions. The early introduction of top allergenic foods can reduce food allergies in infants who are more at risk.

What to Look For:

Full-Fat Yogurt

Look for yogurts where none of the fat has been removed, this means more than 3.25%. While you may eat lower-fat yogurt, that is not the case for your infant as fat is essential for them.

Plain and No Added Sugars

Get simple yogurt with no flavours since added sugars have no nutritional value. Constant exposure to added sugars can lead little ones to have a sweet tooth and make it harder to accept vegetables and other foods important for their health.

Vitamin D Fortification

Some yogurts are vitamin D fortified, which means vitamin D is added back after it may have been lost during processing. Vitamin D is typically harder to get, especially in the northern hemisphere, where half the year we aren’t under the sun enough to produce it. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, and both are key for strong bones.

Live Cultures

Some yogurts are heat-treated and lose their beneficial bacteria. To ensure the yogurt you’re buying has these useful bacteria, look for keywords such as:

• Contains live/active cultures
• Probiotic yogurt
• Made with live bacterial cultures

Ingredients

You may notice that full-fat yogurt can be made with whole milk or with a combination of cream and skim milk. Skim milk is 0% fat, and adding cream controls how much fat goes back in. This combination requires more processing compared to yogurt made from whole milk. Nutritionally, there isn’t a major difference. It’s up to your personal preference.

Dairy Yogurt Choices for Your Little One

1. Olympic 3.5% 

2. Liberté 10%

3. Astro Original Balkan Style 6%

4. Baladi Halal 3.9%

5. Oikos 11%

Plant-Based Yogurt Options

For dairy-free families, there are great vegan yogurt options for your baby. However, vegan options may have less fat, protein and vitamin D fortification. It is important to know that coconut based yogurt is higher in fat compared to almond, oat and soy-based yogurts. 

Here are some great suggestions:

1. Silk Coconut-Based, Plain

• Made with added Vitamin D, B12, and active bacterial cultures 

2. Maison Riviera Coconut based, Plain

• Made with added vitamins A, D, B12, calcium and pea protein 

3. President’s Choice Coconut Based, Plain

• Made with active cultures

4. Maison Riviera Oat Based, Plain 

• Made with added vitamin A, D, B12, and bacterial cultures

5. Yoggu! Coconut Based, Plain 

• Made with active bacteria cultures

Conclusion

Although not limited to the options listed in this article, plain, unsweetened, full fat yogurt can be a steady nutritious staple for your little one. It helps support their brain growth, creating a healthy gut and a stronger immune system. All these benefits are packed in a smooth, creamy, delicious bite!