Quick Answer
Chick-fil-A uses low-fat vanilla yogurt in their yogurt parfaits. The yogurt is made by Dannon and is one of their low-fat vanilla yogurt options like Dannon Light & Fit. Chick-fil-A combines the yogurt with fresh strawberries and blueberries along with granola clusters to create their yogurt parfait menu item.
Ingredients in Chick Fil A’s Yogurt Parfait
The main ingredients in a Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait are:
- Low-fat vanilla yogurt – This is the creamy yogurt base. It is low in fat and calories.
- Fresh strawberries – Sliced fresh strawberries add natural sweetness.
- Blueberries – Plump, juicy blueberries complement the strawberries.
- Granola – Crunchy oat and nut granola clusters add texture.
The granola is made in-house at Chick-fil-A. It contains oats, brown sugar, honey, and sliced almonds.
The fruit and granola add flavor, nutrients, and visual appeal to the low-fat yogurt. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes this yogurt parfait a fan favorite menu item.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait (6 oz serving):
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Added Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 6g |
As you can see, the yogurt parfait is a relatively low-calorie, low-fat option. It provides protein from the yogurt as well as important nutrients from the fresh fruit and fiber from the granola.
Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt Options
While Chick-fil-A has not confirmed the exact brand and variety of low-fat vanilla yogurt used in their parfaits, it is likely one of the following options by Dannon:
- Dannon Light & Fit Greek Nonfat Yogurt, Vanilla
- Dannon Light & Fit Smooth Vanilla Nonfat Yogurt
- Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt
All of these Dannon yogurts are low in fat and calories. They range from 80-100 calories per serving with 0-3 grams of fat. They provide an indulgent, creamy base with a sweet vanilla flavor.
Nutrition Comparison
Here is a nutrition comparison of the potential Dannon yogurt options:
| Yogurt Type | Calories | Total Fat | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dannon Light & Fit Greek Nonfat Vanilla | 80 | 0g | 7g | 12g |
| Dannon Light & Fit Smooth Vanilla | 100 | 0g | 18g | 5g |
| Dannon Light & Fit Vanilla | 90 | 3g | 15g | 5g |
As you can see, the stats are all very similar with subtle differences in sugar content, protein, and fat. Any of these would provide the right nutrition profile for Chick-fil-A’s parfait.
Making Your Own Copycat Recipe
You can recreate the taste of Chick-fil-A’s yogurt parfait at home with just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 (5.3 oz) container low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tbsp granola
Instructions:
- Slice the strawberries and rinse along with the blueberries.
- Fill the bottom of a parfait glass or bowl with a layer of granola.
- Add a layer of yogurt on top of the granola.
- Top with a layer of mixed berries.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Get creative and make substitutions if you like. Try different fresh fruits like raspberries, peaches, or mango. Switch up the granola for a crunchy oat or nut topping. Let your tastes guide you and enjoy a nutritious parfait any time.
How Long Do They Last?
Chick-fil-A yogurt parfaits are made fresh in-store daily. Their ingredients have limited shelf life for maximum freshness and flavor.
If you were to purchase a Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait, it would likely stay fresh for:
– 1-2 days when refrigerated.
The fresh cut fruit will start to lose quality and the granola will begin softening over time. For best results, try to enjoy your Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait within 24 hours of purchase.
When making yogurt parfaits at home, keep in mind:
– Yogurt: lasts 1-2 weeks past sell-by date when refrigerated
– Strawberries: lasts 2-3 days when refrigerated
– Blueberries: lasts 3-5 days when refrigerated
– Granola: lasts 2-3 months sealed at room temperature
Proper storage is important for maximizing the shelf life. Keep yogurt parfaits well sealed in the fridge and use fresh ingredients when possible.
Tips for the Perfect Parfait
Here are some helpful tips for making picture-perfect yogurt parfaits at home:
– Use Greek yogurt for an ultra-thick, creamy base. The higher protein keeps you full longer too.
– Slice soft fruits like strawberries and peaches to maximize the surface area.
– Toss blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries gently to avoid crushing.
– Layer the ingredients evenly and neatly for pretty presentation.
– Chill glasses or jars ahead of time so layers hold their shape.
– Top with crunchy, toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.
– Sweeten with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
– Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.
– Use jam or preserves to help fruit and granola adhere if needed.
– Mix and match fruits depending on seasonal availability for variety.
With the right combination of flavors and textures, you can create a photogenic parfait at home that looks and tastes gourmet. The options are endless for customizing to your tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Chick-fil-A’s yogurt parfaits:
What type of granola does Chick-fil-A use?
Chick-fil-A makes their own proprietary granola in-house for their parfaits. It contains rolled oats, brown sugar, honey, and sliced almonds. The exact recipe is a company secret though!
Are Chick-fil-A yogurt parfaits gluten-free?
No, the granola contains gluten from the oats, so Chick-fil-A yogurt parfaits are not gluten-free. People with gluten intolerance should avoid them.
Can you buy just the yogurt or granola from Chick-fil-A’s parfaits?
Unfortunately no. Chick-fil-A does not sell their yogurt, granola, or other parfait ingredients separately for retail purchase. You can only get them as part of the full parfait menu item.
Is the yogurt Greek yogurt?
Chick-fil-A has not confirmed if they use traditional or Greek yogurt. However, both Dannon Lowfat yogurt and Light & Fit Greek yogurt are potential options. The Greek yogurt would create a thicker, richer texture.
How long will a Chick-fil-A yogurt parfait last unrefrigerated?
Chick-fil-A parfaits are made fresh for same-day service. Without refrigeration, the fresh dairy and cut fruit will spoil within 2 hours. For food safety, discarded uneaten portions after this timeframe.
Nutritional Benefits of Yogurt
Yogurt provides many nutritional benefits that make it a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet:
- Protein – Yogurt provides high quality protein to help build muscle, control hunger and supply nutrients.
- Calcium – The calcium in yogurt supports bone health, nerve signaling, and heart function.
- Vitamin B12 – Essential for red blood cell formation and neurological health. Mainly found in animal products.
- Potassium – Nutrient that can help lower blood pressure by balancing fluids and minerals in cells.
- Live cultures – Probiotics in yogurt support digestion and gut health.
When choosing yogurt, opt for lowfat or nonfat varieties without excessive added sugars. Pair yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola to add fiber, antioxidants, and variety to the nutritional package. Yogurt makes for a satiating snack or light breakfast to start your day.
The History of Yogurt
Yogurt has an extensive history spanning thousands of years:
6000 BCE – Earliest evidence of yogurt origins in Mesopotamia, likely discovered accidentally from storing milk in animal skins.
500 BCE – Historical records note use of yogurt in ancient Persia. King Franji was said to enjoy a yogurt drink flavored with mint and garlic.
1st century CE – Records from Pliny the Elder detail early yogurt use in Mediterranean and Middle East.
700s-1200s – Yogurt consumption spreads throughout the Middle East and India spurred by Persian, Turkish, and Arabic influences.
Late 1800s – Yogurt arrives in Europe and begins gaining popularity when Nobel laureate Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov attaches health benefits to consuming yogurt.
Early 1900s – Danone and other commercial manufacturers help popularize yogurt in Europe and America as refrigeration advances.
1960s – Fruit-flavored yogurts increase popularity in the United States.
Today – Yogurt sales continue to thrive with new innovations like Greek yogurt and dairy alternatives like soy or coconut yogurt.
The tangy, thick taste of yogurt is now beloved worldwide thanks to thousands of years of culture and innovation. It continues evolving with creative new flavors and varieties to suit modern tastes and nutrition needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chick-fil-A uses a lowfat vanilla yogurt made by Dannon for their signature yogurt parfaits. Combining the creamy yogurt with fresh berries and crunchy granola creates a quintessential yogurt parfait experience. The ingredients and exact preparation are secret recipes, but you can recreate the flavors easily at home. Yogurt parfaits make for a convenient, portable breakfast or snack that provides important nutrients thanks to yogurt’s many health benefits that have been enjoyed for millennia. Be sure to consume Chick-fil-A parfaits promptly and store homemade versions properly in the fridge to enjoy every creamy, fruity bite.