Forager Project cashew yogurt is a solid choice among plant-based yogurts, though how “healthy” it is depends on which product you pick. The unsweetened plain variety keeps things simple with no added sugar and organic ingredients, while the newer Greek-style line bumps protein up to 10 or 11 grams per serving. Where Forager falls short compared to dairy yogurt is protein in the standard line, but it compensates with a clean ingredient list and a notably wide range of probiotic strains.
What’s Actually in It
The unsweetened plain cashew and coconut yogurt has a short ingredient list: filtered water, organic cashews, organic corn starch, organic coconut cream, organic locust bean gum, agar, and live active cultures. That’s it. No added sugar, no artificial flavors, no preservatives. The base is cashew and coconut rather than soy or almond, which gives it a naturally creamy texture without heavy processing.
Three thickening agents do the work that milk proteins handle in dairy yogurt: corn starch, locust bean gum, and agar. All three are common in plant-based foods and generally well tolerated. Locust bean gum comes from carob seeds, agar from seaweed, and the corn starch is organic. None of these are controversial additives, and they’re used in small amounts to achieve a yogurt-like consistency.
Protein: The Weak Spot (and the Fix)
The biggest nutritional gap in standard Forager yogurt compared to dairy is protein. A typical 5.3-ounce cup of Greek yogurt delivers 12 to 17 grams of protein. Cashew-based yogurt naturally contains far less because nuts simply don’t pack the same protein density as strained milk.
Forager addressed this in 2025 with an expanded Greek-style line. These cups contain 10 grams of plant-based protein per 5-ounce serving, and the 24-ounce vanilla tub hits 11 grams per serving. The protein comes from a blend of organic cashews, coconut milk, and rice protein rather than pea protein, which is the more common choice in the dairy-free category. If protein matters to you, the Greek-style versions close the gap significantly. The standard cashew yogurt, however, is not a meaningful protein source on its own.
Probiotic Strains
This is where Forager genuinely stands out. The yogurt contains nine different live active cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Plantarum, B. Bifidum, B. Lactis, L. Acidophilus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus, and L. Bulgaricus. That’s a wider variety than most dairy yogurts, which typically include two to four strains.
Several of these strains have well-studied roles in gut health. L. Rhamnosus and L. Acidophilus are among the most researched probiotics for digestive support and immune function. B. Bifidum and B. Lactis support the balance of bacteria in the large intestine. Having more strains doesn’t automatically mean better results, since the total number of live organisms (CFU count) matters too, and Forager doesn’t publicize that number. Still, the strain diversity is a genuine advantage over many competitors.
Sugar in Flavored Varieties
The unsweetened plain contains zero added sugar, which puts it ahead of most flavored yogurts, dairy or otherwise. Flavored versions will contain added sugar, so if you’re watching your intake, the plain variety is the clear winner. You can always add your own fruit or a drizzle of honey and still end up with less sugar than a pre-flavored cup.
The Greek-style flavored cups (strawberry rhubarb, mango passion fruit, vanilla cinnamon, summer berry) prioritize protein but will carry some added sweetener. Check the label on individual flavors if sugar content is a priority for you.
How It Compares to Dairy Yogurt
Forager yogurt is not a direct nutritional swap for dairy yogurt. It’s lower in protein (unless you choose Greek-style), contains no naturally occurring calcium from milk, and has a different fat profile thanks to its coconut cream and cashew base. The fats are primarily from nuts and coconut, meaning more saturated fat from the coconut cream than you’d find in low-fat dairy yogurt.
On the other hand, it’s free of lactose, casein, and whey, making it suitable for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. It’s also free of cholesterol. For people avoiding dairy for digestive, ethical, or environmental reasons, Forager is one of the cleaner options available. The organic certification covers the primary ingredients, and the ingredient list is shorter and more recognizable than many competing plant-based yogurts that rely on protein isolates, gums, and flavoring blends.
Who Benefits Most
Forager yogurt makes the most sense for people who want a dairy-free yogurt with minimal processing and real probiotic content. If you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply prefer plant-based eating, the unsweetened plain is a genuinely healthy option with no added sugar and a diverse set of live cultures. Pair it with nuts, seeds, or granola to round out the protein and fiber.
If you’re comparing it head-to-head with plain Greek yogurt purely on macronutrients, dairy wins on protein per calorie. But nutrition isn’t only about macros. The quality of ingredients, the absence of added sugars, and the probiotic diversity all factor into whether a food supports your health over time. On those measures, Forager holds up well.