Yogurt Bowls: 17 Mind-Blowing Ways to Transform Your Breakfast

Oh. My. Gosh. Is it really 6:48 AM already? I just finished making my coffee (third attempt because Charlie knocked over the first one and I forgot to put a filter in the second one) and I’m sitting here in my PJs thinking about breakfast. Again. The eternal morning question, right?

So yesterday I was rummaging through our fridge (which desperately needs cleaning btw, found some mystery tupperware from possibly February??) and I discovered that container of FAGE Total 5% Greek Yogurt that I bought last weekend during my “this is the week I’m gonna eat healthy” shopping trip. You know the one – where you spend wayyyy too much at Whole Foods and then half the produce goes bad anyway? Yeah. THAT trip.

But this yogurt! OMG. It’s actually amazzzzing. James says I’m just “going through another food phase” (says the man who puts hot sauce on LITERALLY everything including oatmeal once when he wasn’t paying attention lololol).

Anyways. I’ve been experimenting with yogurt bowls for like 2 weeks now, and I’m basicly obsessed. Emma came home from college last weekend (with three bags of laundry, of course) and even SHE said they were good. And this is coming from my daughter who suddenly decided she’s “plant-based” which I’m pretty sure just means she doesn’t want to eat my meatloaf anymore.

What the Heck IS a Yogurt Bowl Actually??

K so for those of you who haven’t fallen down the yogurt bowl rabbit hole yet (trust me, you will)… a yogurt bowl is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s yogurt. In a bowl. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE! It’s also like a canvas for all the yummy toppings and mix-ins that make breakfast actually worth getting out of bed for.

The base is obvs yogurt (I’m partial to that FAGE Total 5% Greek stuff because it’s sooooo creamy and doesn’t have that weird aftertaste that some Greek yogurts have). Then you just go wild with fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, honey, whatever your little heart desires!

Like yesterday I added those blueberries that were about 17.5 minutes away from going moldy (saved them just in time!) and some granola that Ryan left behind when he was home at Christmas (how is it still good??? mystery of the universe).

Why I’m Legit Obsessed with Yogurt Bowls Now

So here’s the dealio. I turned 47 last month (how did THAT happen???) and my doctor’s been on my case about protein and calcium and blahblahblah. Something about perimenopause and bone health that I proooobably should have paid more attention to instead of googling whether Paul Mescal is too young for me. (He is. By a lot. Sigh.)

Anyways, these yogurt bowls are actually solving like 8 different problems for me:

1. They’ve got protein! Like a TON of it. That FAGE yogurt has like 20g per cup which is apparently good?
2. No cooking required (after that pancake incident where I set off the smoke alarm and gave poor Charlie a nervous breakdown, James has “suggested” I stick to no-cook breakfasts)
3. I can make it in literally 3 minutes which is clutch on mornings when I’ve hit snooze 4 times
4. My jeans actually zipped up yesterday WITHOUT having to do that weird lying-on-the-bed maneuver
5. Something about probiotics that my gut supposedly loves
6. They keep me full till lunch so I’m not raiding the pantry at 10:27 AM looking for those chocolate covered pretzels I hid from myself
7. They’re weirdly satisfying? Like I don’t even miss my cinnamon toast which is saying A LOT
8. You can customize the heck out of them based on whatever random ingredients you have

Oh and I can eat them while standing at the kitchen counter scrolling through Instagram and pretending I don’t see all the dishes in the sink. #multitasking

How to Pick the Right Yogurt (Don’t Mess This Part Up!)

K so here’s where I messed up the first time. I grabbed one of those yogurts with the fruit already mixed in? The ones that claim to be “strawberry” but are actually just pink sugar goo? Big mistake. HUGE.

Those pre-flavored yogurts are basically dessert masquerading as breakfast. They’ve got like 8 million grams of sugar and barely any actual yogurt. Plus they taste fake AF.

What you ACTUALLY want is plain Greek yogurt. Full fat if you can handle it (which, let’s be real, my metabolism at 47 is not what it was at 27 but YOLO). The FAGE Total 5% Plain is seriously the jam. It’s got this rich, creamy texture that makes everything else seem watery and sad.

Here’s a little comparison I did because apparently I have nothing better to do with my time:

Wait is that even the right format for a table? Whatever, you get the point.

One time I tried to save money by buying the store brand and James said it tasted like “feet” so that was the end of that experiment.

My Go-To Yogurt Bowl Recipe That Even I Can’t Mess Up

Ok so here’s what I’ve been making almost every morning (except Tuesday when I overslept because I stayed up till 1:38 AM finishing that true crime podcast about the lady who maybe poisoned her husband with antifreeze):

Whatcha Need:

• 1 cup of FAGE Total 5% Greek Yogurt (or whatever plain Greek yogurt you can find, I won’t judge… much)
• A handful of whatever berries aren’t growing science experiments in your fridge
• Like 1/4 cup granola (I like the kind with clusters because they’re more satisfying to crunch)
• A glob of almond butter (I never measure this, just kinda eyeball it)
• A drizzle of honey (unless you’re trying to be all no-sugar in which case maybe some monkfruit drops?)
• Chia seeds if you’re feeling fancy and have actually remembered to buy them
• Maybe some crushed walnuts if your dental work can handle it

How to Make It (Even Though It’s Seriously So Easy I Feel Dumb Writing Instructions):

1. Plop the yogurt in a bowl. I like using those blue ceramic ones I got at Target during their summer sale that James said we didnt need but LOOK WHO’S USING THEM NOW JAMES.
2. Dump your berries on top. I usually do blueberries because they last the longest in the fridge, but strawberries are good too if you remembered to wash them before they got all mushy.
3. Sprinkle granola. But like, be careful because one time I wasn’t paying attention and added wayyy too much and suddenly my “healthy breakfast” had the calorie count of a Big Mac. Not that I’ve ever eaten a Big Mac for breakfast. (Ok there was that one time on the way to Emma’s soccer tournament but we were RUNNING LATE.)
4. Add a big ol’ spoonful of almond butter. Or peanut butter. Or sun butter if you’re allergic to nuts like my neighbor Susan who told me ALL about her nut allergy for 45 minutes at the block party last summer.
5. Drizzle with honey. My mom sent me this fancy lavender honey from some farmers market and it’s reeeeeally good but regular honey works too.
6. Chuck on some chia seeds and/or crushed walnuts if you want.
7. Eat it before someone in your house asks you where something is that is LITERALLY right in front of their face.

That’s it! Super easy, right? Honest to god even when I’m half asleep I can handle this.

17 Crazy Delicious Topping Ideas That’ll Make Your Tastebuds Dance

Alright so sometimes I get bored with the same ol’ same ol’, ya know? Here are some toppings I’ve tried that are actually pretty delish:

1. Fresh mango chunks (when they’re on sale, otherwise who can afford those things??)
2. Banana slices (bonus: use up those spotty bananas before they reach the “only good for banana bread” stage)
3. That fancy grain-free chocolate granola that costs way too much but is sooooo worth it
4. A spoonful of pumpkin puree + pumpkin pie spice (tastes like fall in a bowl!)
5. Crushed pecans (from the big bag I bought for Christmas baking and then shoved in the freezer)
6. Fresh peaches in summer (Georgia ones are best but I’ll take what I can get in Portland)
7. Defrosted frozen cherries (they make this amazing juice that swirls into the yogurt)
8. Hemp hearts (that I bought during my “superfood” phase of 2022)
9. Cocoa nibs (warning: these are NOT as chocolatey as they look, learned that the hard way)
10. Cinnamon + teensy bit of maple syrup
11. Shredded coconut (the unsweetened kind that doesn’t taste like sunscreen)
12. Sliced kiwi (if you’re not too lazy to peel them, which I usually am)
13. Apple chunks sprinkled with cinnamon (very fall vibes)
14. Pomegranate seeds (when I’m feeling fancy and don’t mind staining EVERYTHING)
15. A spoonful of homemade jam (from that time I thought I was gonna be a “jam person”)
16. Grated dark chocolate (just a little, for those PMS mornings)
17. Leftover roasted sweet potato chunks with cinnamon (sounds weird but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it)

The best part is you can just use whatever random bits of fruit and nuts you have lying around. Last Tuesday I litterally added the last 3 raspberries, some stale Honey Nut Cheerios, and a spoonful of cookie butter to my yogurt. It was… interesting.

Healthy Fats and Stuff (Or How I Pretend to Know About Nutrition)

So apparently there’s this whole thing about “macros” that my Peloton instructor keeps talking about? I downloaded an app to track them once and deleted it 6 hours later because WHO HAS TIME FOR THAT. But I do know that having some healthy fats in your breakfast is supposed to be good for you, which is why I add things like:

• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, whatever’s not rancid in my pantry)
• Seeds (chia, flax, hemp, sunflower, pumpkin)
• Nut butters (almond is my fave but sometimes I sneak James’ peanut butter when mine runs out)
• Coconut (the flaked kind, not like… an actual coconut)
• Avocado (YES in yogurt! don’t @ me until you’ve tried it with a little lime and honey)

Adding these keeps me full wayyy longer than just yogurt and fruit alone. One time I forgot to add any fats and was scrounging for snacks by 9:45 AM, digging through my purse lookin for forgotten mints or something.

Also, I’ve been trying to keep most of my yogurt bowls around 300-350 calories because that one time I tracked calories for 3 days in January, that seemed like a good breakfast amount? IDK, nutrition is confusing. All I know is when I eat these regularly, my energy is better and my jeans fit and I’m not faceplanting into a box of cinnamon Life cereal at 10 AM.

How I Got My Picky Family to Actually Eat This Stuff

Ok so James was easy. He’ll eat literally anything if I put enough granola on top. Men are simple creatures.

Ryan (my 19-year-old who changes college majors more often than I change my sheets) was trickier. But I discovered that if I call it “protein packed post-workout fuel” instead of “yogurt bowl” he’s suddenly interested. Also adding chocolate chips helps. He’s home for spring break right now and I caught him making one at midnight last night.

Emma was the real challenge with her whole “plant-based” situation. But I found this coconut yogurt at New Seasons (cost approximately one million dollars) and she’ll eat that with granola and fruit. She calls it her “aesthetic breakfast” and takes pictures of it for Instagram. Whatever works, I guess.

Even Charlie (our golden retriever who cost us $1,347 at the vet last month for eating a sock) likes yogurt. Though he only gets the tiniest spoonful as a treat because dog + dairy = backyard disasters that I don’t want to deal with.

The “I Don’t Have Time for Breakfast” Solution

So some mornings are just… a lot. Like yesterday when I woke up to 47 work emails (why do people send emails at 3 AM??), Charlie had somehow gotten into the bathroom trash, and Ryan texted that he needed his birth certificate ASAP for some reason he wouldn’t explain.

On those mornings, I still manage to throw together a yogurt bowl because it literally takes 90 seconds. But if you’re reeeeeally pressed for time, here’s my secret: make it the night before! MAGIC.

Just layer everything in a mason jar (I use those ones left over from when I thought I was gonna be a “canning person” in 2019):

• Yogurt on the bottom
• Fruit in the middle
• Granola/nuts on top (so they don’t get soggy)

Then in the morning, just grab and go! You can eat it in the car while sitting in traffic and contemplating your life choices. Ask me how I know.

Can We Talk About How Expensive Groceries Are Now??

Holy inflation, Batman! Has anyone else noticed that groceries cost approximately 8 trillion dollars these days? I nearly fainted when I saw berries were $6.99 a pint last week. SIX NINETY NINE! For what? Tiny fruits that go moldy if you look at them wrong?

This is why I’ve gotten strategic with my yogurt bowl ingredients:

• Buy plain yogurt in the big tub instead of individual containers
• Use frozen berries when fresh are too $$$$ (bonus: they last forever)
• Make my own granola when I’m feeling ambitious (happened exactly once last year)
• Buy nuts from the bulk section so I can get just a little bit
• Use seasonal fruit (peaches in summer, apples in fall, oranges in winter)
• Banana is always the cheapest fruit option when all else fails

One time I calculated that my basic yogurt bowl costs about $2.75 to make at home vs the $11.50 they charge at that hipster cafe near Emma’s apartment. HIGHWAY ROBBERY I tell you.

Yogurt Bowls: Not Just for Breakfast Anymore!

Can I make a confession? Sometimes I eat yogurt bowls for dinner. There. I said it.

Usually its on nights when James is working late and the kids aren’t home and I can’t be bothered to cook for just myself. Or when it’s so hot that turning on any appliance seems like cruel and unusual punishment (our A/C is from approximately 1987 and makes concerning noises).

But also… sometimes I just want yogurt for dinner! Sue me! I’m a grown woman who can eat whatever she wants for dinner. Even if that dinner is eaten while standing in front of the open fridge door.

My favorite dinner yogurt bowl is a bit more savory:

• Plain Greek yogurt
• Cucumber chunks
• Cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• A sprinkle of za’atar (that spice blend I bought for one recipe and now need to use up)
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Squeeze of lemon
• Salt and pepper

It’s like a deconstructed tzatziki situation and it’s delish when it’s too hot to cook. Plus it takes 4 minutes to make which is approximately how long my attention span lasts at 6:30pm.

More Totally Amazing Breakfast Recipes You Might Love

If you’re into this whole “eating breakfast” thing (which apparently is good for you?), here are some other recipes on my blog that might float your boat:

• Healthy Spinach Egg Muffins – for when you’re feeling all meal-prep-y
• Protein Waffles Recipe – Ryan’s fave when he’s in his gym phase
• Healthy Breakfast Recipe – my go-to guide for mornings
• Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal – for when you actually have time to turn on the oven

Oh, and if you want to see some seriously gorgeous yogurt bowl inspiration (way prettier than my haphazard creations), check out these amazing Greek yogurt breakfast bowls that make mine look like they were assembled by a raccoon.

Final Thoughts from a Yogurt Bowl Convert

Look, I’m not saying yogurt bowls will change your life. (But they might?)

All I know is that after 47 years on this planet, I’ve tried approximately 5,897 different breakfast options, and this is the one that’s actually stuck for more than a week. It doesn’t make me feel like I need a nap at 10am, it keeps the hangry monster away until lunch, and it’s actually pretty darn tasty.

Plus, there’s something weirdly satisfying about creating a little breakfast masterpiece each morning. Even if that masterpiece gets inhaled in 3 minutes while I’m checking emails and trying to find matching socks.

So there ya have it. My complete brain dump about yogurt bowls. If you try them, let me know in the comments! And if you have any amazing topping combos I haven’t tried, PLEASE share because I’m always looking for ways to keep breakfast exciting (which, let’s be honest, is not an easy task).

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go make tomorrow’s grocery list because we’re out of yogurt again and James used the last of my almond butter for some protein shake concoction that smelled like feet.

Till next time!

• Lisa

P.S. Did I mention Charlie somehow got into the pantry last week and ate an ENTIRE bag of granola? $78 at the emergency vet and a very messy backyard situation later, we now have childproof locks on the pantry door. #dogmomproblems

FAQ

What makes a good yogurt bowl?

A good yogurt bowl starts with plain Greek yogurt (like FAGE Total 5%) for protein, then add fresh fruits for sweetness, nuts or seeds for healthy fats, and maybe a bit of granola for crunch. The magic is in balancing textures and flavors while keeping it nutritious.

How many calories are in a typical yogurt bowl?

A basic yogurt bowl with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup berries, 1 tablespoon nuts, and 1/4 cup granola contains about 300-350 calories. You can adjust portions to fit your needs—less granola means fewer calories, more protein means more filling.

Can I make yogurt bowls ahead of time?

Yes! Layer ingredients in a mason jar with yogurt on bottom, fruit in middle, and dry ingredients on top to prevent sogginess. These overnight yogurt parfaits stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.

What are the best toppings for yogurt bowls?

The best yogurt bowl toppings include fresh berries, sliced bananas, granola, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (chia, flax), nut butters, honey or maple syrup, and coconut flakes. For something different, try cinnamon, cocoa nibs, or even a small amount of dark chocolate.

Is Greek yogurt better than regular yogurt for breakfast bowls?

Greek yogurt is generally better for breakfast bowls because it contains about twice the protein (20g vs. 8g per cup) and less sugar than regular yogurt. The thicker texture also holds toppings better and creates a more satisfying bowl.

How can I make yogurt bowls kid-friendly?

Make yogurt bowls kid-friendly by letting children choose their own toppings, using colorful fruits arranged in fun patterns, adding a small amount of chocolate chips or honey for sweetness, and using cookie cutters to shape fruits like melon or apples.

Can I use non-dairy yogurt alternatives?

Absolutely! Coconut, almond, cashew, or soy-based yogurts work great for those avoiding dairy. Look for versions with added protein and minimal added sugar to maintain nutritional benefits similar to Greek yogurt.

What’s the difference between a yogurt bowl and a smoothie bowl?

A yogurt bowl uses yogurt as the base with toppings added, while a smoothie bowl has a blended base of frozen fruits, yogurt, and other ingredients. Yogurt bowls are quicker to make, have more protein, and offer more distinct textures between the base and toppings.