Cocobella Dairy Free Natural Coconut Yoghurt
Cocobella Dairy Free Natural Coconut Yoghurt: independently scored 3.5/10 on Protein Score and 8.5/10 on Clean Score by ProteinScore.
1.2g protein per serve · 162 cal · 2.4g sugar · 19mg sodium · 125g serve.
Overview
As a plant-based yoghurt, this tub from Cocobella is built around coconut milk, delivering a texture that will feel familiar to dairy-free shoppers. What it doesn't deliver is protein, landing far from the density of a Greek or even a standard dairy yoghurt. It's a different proposition entirely, focused on being a clean, low-sugar base rather than a macro-led performer. Compared with the brand's Coconut Yoghurt tub Strawberry, this natural version has the same low protein but cuts the sugar by more than half. It's a trade-off worth noting for anyone watching their sugar intake. The brand does offer other protein-fortified coconut yoghurts in its range, which serve a completely different need for recovery or satiety. Looking at the numbers, the gap to the category is clear. With just 0.9g of protein per 100g, it sits well below the 7.4g category average for yoghurts we track. On the flip side, its 2g of sugar per 100g is significantly lower than the 5.7g average, and its eight ingredients make for a shorter list than the typical tub in the chiller. We see this tub as a blank canvas. It's for the household that needs a reliable dairy-free option for smoothies, curries, or as a simple base for granola and fruit. If you're buying yoghurt for its protein content, you'll want to walk right past this one.
Protein Score: 3.5/10
Stacked against the brand's own 'Protein' coconut yoghurts, which contain over six times the protein, this natural tub's purpose becomes clear. At just 0.9g of protein per 100g, it's not designed for performance, earning a 3/10. That figure puts it well below the 6-10g benchmark for Greek yoghurt and the 4-6g for standard dairy yoghurt. The protein-per-calorie metric tells the full story: just 0.7g of protein for every 100 calories consumed. This is low, confirming the product is a fat and carbohydrate source with trace protein, not a tool for hitting your daily protein target or managing hunger through satiety. For a plant-based shopper, this isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it requires a mental adjustment. This isn't a one-to-one swap for a high-protein dairy yoghurt. It's a base ingredient that brings a creamy, dairy-free texture to a meal, while the protein needs to be added from another source.
Clean Score: 8.5/10
The use of a single plant-based stabiliser, agar, is the main trade-off here for a consistently smooth, scoopable texture that prevents the coconut milk from separating in the tub. With a short list of just eight ingredients, it scores 8.7/10 for its clean profile, clearing the category average. This score reflects a product free from artificial sweeteners, colours, and preservatives. While it does contain a small amount of added sugar via tapioca syrup, the total sugar content remains very low. The ingredient list is straightforward and easy to understand, which is a key selling point in a category that can be crowded with gums and thickeners. The practical result is a minimally processed yoghurt alternative that will appeal to ingredient-conscious shoppers. If you prioritise a simple, recognisable ingredient list in the chiller aisle, this tub is one of the better options available, particularly for those avoiding dairy.
Wins
- Very low sugar at just 2.4g per 125g serve.
- A simple list of just eight ingredients.
- Plant-based and dairy-free coconut milk base.
Watch outs
- Just 0.9g of protein per 100g is extremely low.
- Not a source of protein for satiety or recovery.
- Contains added sugar from tapioca syrup.
Ingredients
Coconut yoghurt (water, coconut milk, native starch, tapioca syrup, carob bean extract, agar, yoghurt cultures and probiotics), Yoghurt Cultures & Probiotics (vegan): Bifidobacterium, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. paracasei, S. thermophilus.
8 ingredients.
Frequently asked questions
- How does this compare to Greek yoghurt for protein?
- It is significantly lower in protein. This coconut yoghurt contains just 0.9g of protein per 100g, whereas a typical plain Greek yoghurt has between 6g and 10g. This is because it's made from a coconut milk base, which is naturally low in protein, unlike strained dairy milk. We think of this as a dairy-free alternative, not a protein-equivalent swap. If protein is your goal, you'd be better off with a traditional Greek or skyr yoghurt.
- Is the sugar in this yoghurt added or natural?
- It contains a small amount of added sugar. The total sugar is very low at 2g per 100g, but the ingredient list includes tapioca syrup, which is a form of added sugar. Unlike dairy yoghurts that contain naturally occurring lactose, any sugar in a coconut base is typically added for taste or texture. In this case, the amount is minimal. We'd say it's a low-sugar product, but not entirely free from added sugars.
- Does Cocobella coconut yoghurt have live cultures?
- Yes, it contains live cultures. The ingredient list confirms the presence of 'yoghurt cultures and probiotics', which are added during production to ferment the coconut milk. While the specific strains of bacteria are not named on the pack, their inclusion means it's a cultured product similar to dairy-based yoghurts. If you're looking for a dairy-free product that still includes live cultures, this tub fits the bill.
- Where can I buy this coconut yoghurt?
- Cocobella's yoghurts are widely distributed in Australian supermarkets. This 500g natural tub is typically stocked in the chilled dairy-free section at major retailers like Coles and Woolworths. Availability can vary by store location, so it's always a good idea to check the retailer's website. The product may also be available directly from the brand's own website.
- What does the base taste like - tangy, sweet, or neutral?
- It has a mild, relatively neutral flavour with a slight tang from the cultures and a distinct coconut character. Because it's very low in sugar (2g per 100g), it is not sweet at all, unlike many flavoured yoghurts. The texture is smooth and creamy due to the coconut milk base and added stabilisers. We think it works best as a blank canvas for adding your own fruit, granola, or other toppings.