Homemade & Premium Greek Yogurt In Chicago

Bowl of healthy Greek yogurt

The health benefits of yogurt have always been touted by health-conscious Americans. But these days, even those who once resisted yogurt are now embracing the Greek way. Few foods today pack as healthy a punch in such small serving sizes as Greek yogurt. The nutrients of Greek yogurt can help keep you fortified while also helping you lose weight. The richer texture of greek yogurt is also a big sell for lovers of the grecian brand.

Greek yogurt is made by separating out the liquid whey, explains Alissa Rumsey, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “This results in a thicker texture with fewer carbohydrates and sugar, and more protein than regular yogurt,” she says.

The Power of Protein

Protein is essential for good health. It is vital to cell growth, building muscle, and repairing tissue. As you age, you need more protein to keep your skin healthy and to fight off illness. Greek yogurt is a great way to boost your protein levels while avoiding heavy foods like meats. “Have it for breakfast and add in a handful of walnuts and blueberries,” Rumsey says. “Use it as a substitute for sour cream on top of chili or baked potatoes.”

Probiotics Help with Digestion

Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics. These are microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast. These normally live in your intestines, and having good microorganisms in your intestines helps keep you healthy, says Shane Griffin, a certified nutritional practitioner and founder of Whole Life Balance. “Without a healthy balance of good bacteria from probiotics, too much bad bacteria can build up and cause damage to our immune systems,” Griffin says.

Probiotics are great for the digestive system, and especially helpful to people who suffer from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, he adds.

Good source for workout recovery

Greek yogurt can be a healthy and satisfying treat after a tough workout. Not only will it tide you over until your next meal, but it actually contains protein that can repair damage done by exercise.

“Greek yogurt is rich in the amino acids which make up proteins, and proteins are the building blocks for regenerating muscle tissue and repairing fiber damage,” explains Griffin. Add a banana or some berries for a nutrition-packed post workout snack.

Find Homemade & Premium Brand Greek Yogurt at these fine restaurants and grocers throughout Chicagoland:

• Billy's Pancake House (Palatine)

Serving breakfast and lunch daily, this long standing restaurant offers up hearty omelets, gourmet pancakes, skillets, french toast, belgian waffles, blintzes, crepes and more. Lunch items include freshly ground burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, paninis, quesadillas and creative specials. The homemade Greek yogurt is served with honey, granola and daily topping.
440 W Northwest Highway • Palatine IL 60067 • (847) 358-0600
Visit the Billy's Pancake House website...

• Papagalino Cafe & Bakery (Niles)

This relaxing cafe and bakery is a great place to enjoy Mediterranean specialties including hummus, chopped salads, paninis, souvlaki, Greek meatballs, pitas and more. Greek yogurt is served with pure honey and walnuts (or fruit). The adjacent in-house bakery offers a wide assortment of tempting pies, pastries, cakes and sweets.
9014 N Milwaukee Ave • Niles IL 60714 • (847) 803-9260
Visit the Papagalino Cafe website...

• Dino's Cafe (Bloomingdale)

Home-style meals abound at this friendly pancake house where guests enjoy waffles, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, salads, wraps, char-broiled angus burgers and more. Try the Very Berry Yogurt (Greek Yogurt with fresh blueberry, fresh strawberry, bananas, granola and honey). Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
171 E Lake Street • Bloomingdale IL 60108 • (630) 924-6200
Visit the Dino's Cafe website...

• QP Greek Food With a Kick (Hoffman Estates)

Cozy and stylish Mediterranean restaurant serves Greek-style pork chops, broasted chicken, salads, feta pizza, meatballs, avgolemeno (egg lemon) soup, flaming saganaki and more. Try the homemade gyros, oven roasted potatoes and spanakopita (spinach pie). After your meal, enjoy QP's famous homemade Greek yogurt (with honey and walnuts, or daily topping). Daily specials, full bar, drive-thru and catering.
830 N Roselle Road • Hoffman Estates IL 60169 • (224) 353-6999
Visit the QP website...

• 95th Produce Market (Hickory Hills)

Established grocer offers a wide selection of fresh fruit, produce, meats, vegetables, seafood, bakery items and more, including products from Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Italy and Arabic countries. Dairy and cheese department features brand names like Deans, Tropicana, Life Way and Fage Greek yogurt. Other Grecian products include spinach pie, Greek coffee, kefalograviera cheese (saganaki), Kalamata black olives, makaronia and extra-virgin olive oil. Check their weekly ad for great specials!
7759 West 95th Street • Hickory Hills IL 60457 • (708) 598-1300
Visit the 95th Produce Market website...

• Spartan Brothers Imported Foods (Chicago)

Since 1967, this neighborhood food store has been offering fresh meats, extra-virgin olive oil, imported Greek cheese, roast lamb, pork, chicken and a wide selection of Mediterranean pastries. Try the local fresh baby lamb, Athenian sausage and homemade Greek yogurt.
7140 N Harlem Ave • Chicago IL 60631 • (773) 631-0088

Find homemade and other brands of quality Greek yogurt at these fine establishments throughout Chicagoland. Our favorite grocers offer homemade "Ya-Ourti" at Columbus Food Market in Des Plaines and Spartan Brothers (Touhy & Harlem) in Chicago. Other recommended sources include 95th Produce Market (Hickory Hills), Nature's Best (Westmont), Fiesta Market (Mount Prospect) and Village Market Place (Skokie).

You can also enjoy homemade Greek yogurt at some of our favorite restaurants including Plateia Mediterranean Kitchen (Des Plaines), Kefi Greek Cuisine (Palos Heights), Billy's Pancake House (Palatine), Mykonos Greek Restaurant (Niles) and Briki Cafe (Addison).

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