Chobani Greek Yogurt: Review and Free Giveaway Contest

 

Look what I got in the mail; Chobani Greek Yogurt!! Ok, so I actually got these about 2 weeks ago, but who’s keeping track? Don’t answer that….

I already had 2 of these....

The happy and friendly people at Chobani graciously sent me these large containers of Plain, Non-Fat Chobani to sample and review.  I requested plain as I like to control the sugar added to yogurt, and you can use it in sweet or savory applications. Or, as Kelly and I like to do, just eat it right out of the container. At only 140 calories for a cup of the plain, non-fat, you could eat half of a 32 oz container for a mere 280 protein packed calories. Sweeten with NuNaturals Vanilla Liquid stevia for an easy dessert!

Chobani has quickly become the leading Greek yogurt brand across America and is the official sponsor and provider for the U.S. Olympic Team through 2014. Of course, I’ve already been enjoying their yogurt before this news since it is affordable and offers the thick, creamy consistency I love.

Many yogurt brands claim their yogurt is “Greek” by adding thickeners and other artificial ingredients to obtain the look and consistency, but Chobani only uses what’s needed for real Greek yogurt. Here’s a quote directly from their FAQ section:

“You won’t find any thickeners, gelatins or stabilizers in Chobani. Instead we use a centuries-old straining technique to remove excess liquid. This is why Chobani is so thick, creamy and packed with two times more protein than regular yogurts.”

With their quality products, Chobani provides quality customer service since they know the consumer (us) are the backbone to a successful company. I have experienced their excellent service several times, and I am never let down by their response. Go ahead; contact Chobani just to say hi or offer praise, someone will happily respond within no time.

Since I have had Chobani before, I already knew about its superior taste and consistency (just a little tangy, very thick, and super creamy), so I decided to cook with what I received. Here are several recipes/ideas (new and old) I created using what Chobani sent me.

Sweet or Savory Chobani Protein Corn Bread

Ingredients

3/4 cup applesauce or pumpkin puree

1/2 cup Chobani plain non-fat Greek yogurt

1 large egg and 4 large egg whites (I have used 12oz of pureed Mori-Nu Silken Tofu for a great vegetarian substitute)

1 cup whole grain spelt (or other whole grain) flour

1 cup whole grain corn flour

1/4 cup all-natural stevia sweetened vanilla soy or whey protein

1/2 cup all-natural unflavored soy or whey protein

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

12-oz can Zevia Ginger Ale (Sweet) or 12-oz bottle of favorite beer (Savory)*

 

*Since I obviously had enough yogurt, I made both versions.  I Added a tsp of cinnamon to the sweet bread mixture; for savory bread, I used all unflavored protein powder and added cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, and paprika.

Directions

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan or a 12 muffin baking pan with non-stick spray

-In a large bowl, beat eggs with a whisk, add all other wet ingredients and whisk to blend

-In another bowl, mix the flour, protein powder, salt, and baking soda together.

-Add dry ingredients to the liquid mixture and mix just until combined.

-Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or when a toothpick comes out clean.

Other use - The savory batter is also great in casseroles either combined with other ingredients or poured on top after everything else is placed in your baking dish.

Icing that's ok to lick off the top!!

Chobani Greek Yogurt Icing

 With 2 cups plain, non-fat Chobani Greek Yogurt, add one of the following ingredients for desired flavor:

- 1/2 cup peanut flour for peanut butter icing

- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (preferably stevia sweetened) and 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder (preferably stevia sweetened) and 6 drops NuNaturals Cocoa Bean Extract

- 1 very ripe mashed banana and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger and nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cloves

This is so good you’ll want to eat the icing as is, and since it’s healthy, you can have your cake icing and eat it too.......guilt-free!

Sweet n’Spicy Chip Dip

Take 6 oz low fat cottage cheese (pureed if you don’t want chunks), ¼ cup plain non-fat Chobani Greek yogurt, ¼ cup salsa, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon horseradish (optional), 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, Salt and pepper to taste. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let chill for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.

Serve with sliced fruit and veggies for dipping or spread on toast for a quick, portable snack. I like to make a sandwich with this spread and sliced apples for something different but very satisfying.

Low-cal Guacamole

Take prepared guac (homemade or storebought) and add a small jar of salsa and mix thoroughly. The salsa will add to the amount of dip you have and provide more for everyone to enjoy. This way you can serve more if you have company, or just eat more yourself; it will be a big hit either way!

Use Chobani for this easy Peanut Butter Dip N’Dots recipe I posted last week. Does my mixing container look familiar?

For more great recipes and ideas, check out Chobani’s Kitchen website for healthy dinners and desserts.

Are you ready to cook with Chobani Greek Yogurt or just want to grab a spoon and eat it right out of the container? Kelley loves the plain non-fat with Annies Chocolate Bunny Grahams used for dipping, and I usually steal a few bunnies for myself.....delish!

Chobani has been kind enough to offer a sample case of their number one Greek yogurt in the U.S. to one lucky reader of my blog.

Disclaimer: Although Chobani provided the yogurt for review, I was not compensated for this review and the views and opinions are all my own.

Sorry, this contest has ended.  Thank you for stopping by and please visit often; there will be more giveaways coming soon!

 

1. Comment telling me your favorite Chobani flavor or which one you’d like to try.

2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet the following – “I’m entering to win @Chobani Greek yogurt from @I_Love_Cayenne! Enter for your chance to win - http://bit.ly/Hbrk2U"

3. Visit Chobani on Facebook and “LIKE” their page. If you already “Like” Chobani, leave a comment letting me know.

4. “LIKE” Just Add Cayenne of Facebook. If you already “Like” Just Add Cayenne, leave a comment letting me know.

5. Help support Just Add Cayenne and subscribe to my blog. Just post a comment if you are already subscribed.

Congratulations, Irina, you won the Chobani Giveaway!  Please contact me via e-mail to provide contact information to where you would like your yogurt shipped.

If I do not receive a response withing 2 days, I will randomly pick another contestant to win.
Everyone is a winner when they request coupons directly from Chobani by submitting your info here, don't wait, do it and you'll be happy you did!

I love contests that are easy to enter, and I’m more than delighted to offer such a great product to one lucky viewer. Good luck!