Oikos: Stonyfield

Oikos Greek yogurt is available in two varieties: organic, which is produced by Stonyfield, and conventional, produced by Dannon. Groupe Danone, a multinational organization based in Paris that deals primarily with dairy processing, bottled water and baby food, owns both Stonyfield and Dannon.

Stonyfield was founded in 1983 and is now the number one organic yogurt producer and the number five yogurt company in the United States.  All dairy products produced by Stonyfield are certified organic, including Oikos Greek yogurt, which the company began manufacturing in 2007.   

The Facts:

• Stonyfield yogurt products are produced in their Yogurt Works facility located in Londonderry, New Hampshire
• Stonyfield sources its milk through Organic Valley/Coulee Region Organic Produce Pool (CROPP) concentrated in the Northeast
• Organic Valley/CROPP is dairy cooperative of more than 1,300 family farmers with high standards for organic and humane agricultural practices  
• Organic Valley/CROPP farmers adhere to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards 
• Stonyfield actively supports small family farms
• Stonyfield ships and receives most of their products by truck and emphasizes their commitment to only ship full truckloads whenever possible to avoid unnecessary fuel costs and pollution
• In 2009, the company began shipping a portion of their products by train in refrigerated cars, a much more energy efficient mode of transportation than traditional trucking 
• Stonyfield Oikos single serving cups cost between $1.99 and $2.19 in supermarkets

The Grenons of Grenons' Family farm, a supplier for Stonyfield

The Taste:  Stonyfield nonfat, plain Oikos is very creamy but not as thick as Chobani, which has a sour cream-like texture. The yogurt has a definite tangy taste that is perceived as slightly cheesey on the palate. I enjoy the tang of Greek yogurt, however the taste is a departure from the flavor of more conventional, loose yogurt. The plain flavor has a slightly bitter after taste. I like the deep, pronounced tang of Stonyfield Oikos but wish the yogurt was a bit thicker.                                                                                                                                                  The Bottom Line:   Stonyfield has created a market for organic dairy from family farms that would otherwise not exist in the Northeast. This socially and economically responsible company produces a high quality Greek yogurt while promoting sustainable farming practices. This emphasis on community health in conjunction with their delicious final product will surely make my grocery trips much less stressful as I will likely reach for Stonyfield Oikos when a craving for Greek yogurt strikes.                                                                                                                                                 

Taste: A-                                                                                                                      Manufacture and Milk Sourcing: A+