The #1 High-Protein Snack to Buy at Dollar General

I’m a snack person. Not in the “grab a bag of chips and call it lunch” kind of way, but in the “my energy crashes hard at 3 p.m. if I don’t have a protein-packed pick-me-up” way. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from DIY trail mix to overpriced health bars, but one reliable favorite keeps finding its way into my daily rotation: Greek yogurt. Specifically, Dannon Light + Fit Greek yogurt cups. These fruit- and dessert-flavored cups are creamy, satisfying and surprisingly affordable, especially when I shop for them at Dollar General.

I’m not just eating yogurt for the dessert vibes—though flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake and Toasted Marshmallow certainly help. I’m in it for the protein, the staying power and the steady blood sugar and mood support. If you’re someone who needs a snack in the middle of the day or simply loves finding a new sweet treat that’s also good for you, keep reading. I also chatted with a registered dietitian to get her take—and yes, she gave this snack her stamp of approval.

Why Greek Yogurt Makes a Regular Appearance in My Snack Rotation

It’s High in Protein

My appetite is wonky, so I need to get the most bang for my buck from my meals and snacks. Incorporating high-protein snacks offers many perks, especially when I’m trying to maintain energy and regulate my mood throughout the day. Protein helps keep you fuller for longer, which can prevent mindless snacking and overeating later on. This, in turn, helps with weight maintenance and loss, if that’s also important to you. To fuel the already well-stoked fire, Greek yogurt contains a higher proportion of casein protein, which digests more slowly, providing a sustained release of amino acids that can help support satiety and muscle protein synthesis. This makes it ideal for staying full and supporting muscle recovery between meals or overnight.

Each 5.3-ounce cup of Dannon Light + Fit Greek yogurt packs an impressive 12 grams of protein and just 80 calories. Dollar General also carries smaller, 4-ounce yogurt containers for just 90 cents. These contain 9 grams of protein and only 60 calories. A similarly sized serving of nonfat plain Greek yogurt has comparable benefits. While larger tubs are handy for cooking and baking, I like to keep these individual cups on hand when I need something quick, easy and satisfying. 

It’s a Nutritious Way to Satisfy Sweet Cravings

Since I have a big sweet tooth, I especially love the dessert-inspired flavors that Dannon offers, like Key Lime, Strawberry Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Toasted Marshmallow, which scratch that itch for a sweet treat. Courtney Pelitera, M.S., RD, is also on board, giving me all the high-fives for this high-protein snack pick. She even jokes that these yogurts bring her back to her college athlete days and remind her that she needs to hit up the dollar store more often. “The nutrition profile of these yogurt products is awesome,” she says. “They are low [in] calories, low in added sugars and high in protein.” While this makes them a good snack in general, Pelitera notes Dannon Light + Fit Greek yogurt may be especially helpful for folks trying to lose weight or manage blood sugar levels. 

It Provides Calcium and Probiotics 

Speaking of nutrition, these yogurt cups offer additional benefits that might not be immediately obvious. Calcium is typically synonymous with dairy, yet we often only focus on macros when looking for snacks. “Let’s not forget about our micronutrients. One of these yogurts contains 140 mg of calcium, 10% of the Daily Value. This is especially important for women, as adequate calcium intake can help to decrease [the] likelihood of osteoporosis over time,” emphasizes Pelitera. Like most yogurts, Dannon Light + Fit contains probiotics, which Pelitera notes help promote overall gut health and aid digestion.

It’s Low in Added Sugar

While these yogurt cups do contain sugar, it’s actually quite minimal, with just 1 gram of added sugar per 5.3-ounce serving. Pelitera also notes that even if the sugar content were higher, the protein content would help minimize the effect on your blood sugar levels. So what makes this yogurt so sweet? Dannon Light + Fit features a combination of natural sugar from strawberries and milk and added sweetness from fructose and sucralose.

It Pairs Well with Other Nutritious Foods

I often jazz up my yogurt cups with a drizzle of chocolate and chopped peanuts, a sprinkle of granola, a handful of Cheerios (because kids), fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter or some hemp seeds or nuts for added texture and nutrition. Pelitera agrees with this approach, saying, “This yogurt cup could easily be paired with a cereal or granola high in fiber.” She also recommends adding nuts or seeds for a boost of healthy fats.

Yes, You Can Eat Well from a Dollar Store

Dollar General might not be the first place you think of for healthy grocery shopping, but dollar stores have become one of my favorite under-the-radar spots to stock up on nutritious snacks. For one thing, the affordability factor cannot be overstated. When you’re watching your budget—and who isn’t these days?—paying premium prices for healthy snacks at specialty stores isn’t always feasible. At places like Dollar General, I can grab these protein-packed yogurt cups for just 90 cents to $1.25 each, less than what I’d pay at many grocery stores.

Many people don’t realize that dollar stores often carry a wide variety of nutritious options. I stock up on many of my favorite pantry items and anti-inflammatory gems, like freeze-dried fruit, tuna and salmon pouches, frozen berries, packaged nuts and more.  People automatically assume that convenience or packaged foods can’t possibly be healthy, but this just isn’t true, Pelitera says. Her advice? “Look at the nutrition label, especially for foods that might be [from] an unfamiliar brand.” For example, look for snacks that are lower in saturated fat and added sugar and higher in fiber and protein. She advises aiming for at least 2 to 3 grams of fiber and less than 10 grams of added sugar, depending on the snack.

Most importantly, you should seek out options you like to eat that will keep you full. This is best done “with protein and fiber,” Pelitera emphasizes: “Pairing snacks together that have both protein and fiber is ideal.” From Dollar General, she suggests canned tuna or cheese slices on whole-grain crackers as an example of a snack that meets these requirements.

The Bottom Line

Dannon Light + Fit Greek yogurt is packed with protein, low in sugar and provides probiotics to help keep you full, steady your energy and support gut health. Add to that the fact that you can pick up a cup for under $1.25 at Dollar General, and it becomes clear that this snack is a smart, everyday choice.

Whether you’re trying to manage blood sugar levels, squeeze more protein into your day or simply want something sweet that won’t leave you hungry an hour later, Dannon Light + Fit Greek yogurt checks all these boxes and more. As someone with a less-than-predictable appetite, I’ll be keeping these in my fridge for the long haul. If you haven’t made space for them in your snack lineup yet, this might be the time.