Availability and types
Hazelnut yogurt is a plant-based alternative to conventional milk yogurt that is made from hazelnuts. The hazelnuts themselves grow on hazel bushes and are cultivated primarily in certain regions of the world. Large growing areas include, for example, the Turkey, Italy (especially the Piedmont region), Spain and parts of the USA. If you think of it as a comparison: Turkey is to hazelnuts what Italy is to good cheese — many nuts ripen and are harvested there.
The availability of hazelnut yogurt depends on how popular it is and how easy hazelnuts are to obtain. Many supermarkets and health-food stores carry hazelnut yogurt, especially in cities and regions where many people buy plant-based foods. Online shops and larger supermarket chains often offer a wider selection, so you can compare different brands and varieties. In small villages or shops with limited selection, hazelnut yogurt can sometimes be harder to find.
There are various types and variants of hazelnut yogurt that differ in taste, consistency and ingredients. Here are the main types, simply explained:
- Plain hazelnut yogurt: This tastes mildly of hazelnut and is usually plain, i.e. without added sugar or fruit pieces. It is good if you like the true hazelnut flavor or want to add your own touches, such as honey, fruit or muesli.
- Sweetened hazelnut yogurt: This contains added sugar or other sweeteners. It tastes a bit sweeter and is often popular with children, but can contain more calories than the unsweetened variant.
- Flavored hazelnut yogurt: Flavors or pieces have been added here, for example chocolate, vanilla or caramel. This makes the yogurt especially tasty like a dessert.
- With fruit addition: Some varieties have fruit puree or pieces, such as raspberry or apple. This gives the yogurt a fruity note and makes it a bit more colorful.
- Protein-enriched hazelnut yogurt: For people who want more protein, there are variants with added plant protein (for example from peas). This is particularly interesting for sporty people or adults, but often less important for children.
- Low-fat or reduced-fat variants: Some brands offer slightly lower-fat versions. They sometimes taste a bit thinner than the regular variant, but have fewer calories.
- Organic hazelnut yogurt: Organic products come from ecological farming. This means the hazelnuts were grown without certain chemicals. Many people like organic because it is often perceived as more natural.
- Homemade or artisanal hazelnut yogurt: In some health-food stores or farmers' markets there is yogurt produced in smaller quantities. It can have a more intense nutty flavor and fewer additives.
If you buy or want to try hazelnut yogurt, check the label: it will state whether sugar has been added, whether it is vegan or organic and which ingredients are included. This is particularly important if you have allergies or need to watch your sugar intake. Overall, hazelnut yogurt is a tasty and versatile alternative available in many forms — from very simple to quite sweet or with extra protein — which you can choose according to taste and availability.
