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Dairy and Dairy Alternative Snacks That Completely Won Over Our Taste Testers
From creamy dairy favorites to inventive plant-based picks, discover the standout winners of Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards in the dairy and dairy-free category.
The dairy aisle is no longer just about milk and yogurt—it has become one of the most exciting areas of the grocery store. From creamy skyr and protein-packed yogurt smoothies to plant-based cups crafted from nuts and seeds, this year’s innovations are raising the bar on both flavor and nutrition quality.
To find the standouts, our judges and taste testers sampled dozens of dairy and dairy-free contenders, evaluating everything from texture and taste to ingredients and originality. These winners of the Good Housekeeping 2026 Snack Awards impressed across the board, delivering rich flavor, satisfying texture, and smart nutrition. Whether you’re loyal to classic dairy or exploring plant-based alternatives, these picks deserve a spot on your grocery list.
Siggi’s now offers convenient pouches made with high-quality yogurt and real fruit. The mess-free packs contain no artificial flavors or added sweeteners and deliver 11 g of protein per serving.
TEST RESULTS: GH culinary pro Susan Choung praised the blueberry pomegranate variety for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. She also noted that the portable pouch makes it a convenient option for busy days. It also emerged as a favorite among taste testers, who praised its satisfying texture and flavor.
Think of this Icelandic Provisions skyr as banana pudding’s healthier cousin. Thick, yogurt-like skyr is blended with rich salted caramel and real ripe banana for a creamy spoonful.
TEST RESULTS: Taste testers absolutely adored this silky, luscious treat, giving it top scores for flavor and texture across all snacks we reviewed. “So lovely! Thick, luscious yogurt that hugs the spoon, with a balanced not-too-sweet flavor,” pro chef Alejandra Ramos added.
The adorable cheese snack known for its iconic red wax seal is getting a welcome upgrade in 2026. Babybel PRO delivers 5 g of protein along with 1 billion live and active probiotics for a more nourishing bite, while still retaining the brand’s signature creamy texture.
TEST RESULTS: Our testers unanimously said it was perfect for snacks and lunches on the go. Registered dietitian and judge Valerie Agyeman praised the snack’s nutritional upgrade: “The creamy, satisfying cheese makes it a convenient and tasty way to add protein and gut-supporting probiotics to your day, whether on its own or paired with fruit, crackers, or veggies.”
With 20 g of complete protein and a boost of vitamin B12, this yogurt drink from Chobani is a fruity lactose-free sip made with simple ingredients and live and active cultures to promote a happy gut.
TEST RESULTS: Taste testers described it as filling, with one noting "its taste is just as good, if not better, than other higher sugar options.” Our dietitians also appreciate that it’s made with real fruit and gets its protein from natural dairy rather than protein isolates or whey powders; they called it an excellent post-workout option.
Artisan-quality cheese meets convenience in these grab-and-go snack sticks from Cabot Creamery, ideal for lunch bags, travel, or quick snacks. The Pepper Jack variety blends creamy Monterey Jack with red and green jalapeños, while the Seriously Sharp Cheddar delivers the brand’s signature bold, complex cheddar flavor in a convenient snackable form.
TEST RESULTS: GH Senior Food Editor Susan Choung praised both varieties, saying, “Exactly what great cheddar should be—creamy, bold, and pleasantly sharp. And the pepper came through on the Pepper Jack without being too harsh or aggressive.” She also loved the pull-tab packaging, calling it “genius” for enjoying high-quality cheese on the go.
You won’t miss the dairy in these creamy cups from Forager Project; cashew and coconut are layered with mango and passion fruit notes, and each has 10 g of plant-based protein and live probiotics.
TEST RESULTS: Our at-home testers highlighted the silky texture and refreshing flavor. “It’s absolutely delicious, and comes in clutch for providing a mix of macros,” said one tester. “I enjoyed it, and it’s also a winner for my toddler with multiple food allergies—it’s definitely going to be a staple in our fridge.”
Packed with protein and baked to crunchy perfection, Moon Cheese is made from 100% real cheese and nothing else. The snack packs are ideal for lunchboxes or a quick midday protein boost.
TEST RESULTS: Food influencer Yumna Jawad praised the simplicity of the snack, saying, “It tastes like really high-quality cheese, just crunchy. Very satisfying for on-the-go snacking.” Testers also found it to be a great travel snack, with one noting, “I enjoyed these more than I thought I would—they are delicious!”
Irresistibly creamy and delightful, Painterland Sisters’ skyr is made with organic, pasture-raised milk from the sisters’ family farm. Packed with 16 grams of protein and billions of probiotics, it delivers a velvety texture and bright raspberry flavor.
TEST RESULTS: Chef and TV personality Alejandra Ramos praised the yogurt’s “lovely” texture, which performed exceptionally well in comparative taste tests. Taste testers also found it both delicious and satisfying, noting that each serving felt filling and kept them satisfied with every bite.
This best-in-class string cheese from Organic Valley is crafted from USDA-certified organic milk sourced from small family farms. Each individually packaged serving delivers 7 grams of protein in a fun, perfectly portioned snack.
TEST RESULTS: Food Influencer Yumna Jawad called it “better than any other string cheese I’ve had,” while GH culinary pro Susan Choung added, “The quality of the organic milk really comes through, making this simple snack feel wholesome and delicious.” Across age groups, taste testers consistently favored it over other string cheese we sampled.
Creamy and tangy with real fruit throughout, Maple Hill Creamery Strawberry Kefir is made with 100% grass-fed organic dairy and real organic strawberries you can actually see in each pour.
TEST RESULTS: GH food and nutrition pros praised its creamy texture and pure strawberry taste without any added natural or artificial flavors, noting that the fruitiness still allowed the kefir’s signature cultured tang to come through. Taste testers loved being able to see speckles of real strawberries in their glass, too.
Reimagining fresh, spreadable cheese, Lifeway Farmer’s Cheese is a cultured, reduced-fat option with a gentle cottage cheese–like flavor and a cream cheese–style texture that’s smooth and spreadable.
TEST RESULTS: GH dietitians highlighted its live and active probiotic cultures, 15 g of protein, and calcium content. Taste testers found it extremely versatile, and especially liked that it offers strong nutrition without the excess sodium found in traditional cottage cheese.
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Our 2026 Best Snack Awards Are Here!
