Chocolate & Strawberry Yogurt Bark
Danielle Gaffen, MS, RDN, LD
- Last Updated
This simple yogurt bark is not only easy-to-prepare but creates a tasty and healthful dessert or snack for people with IBD.
Here’s why it’s a great recipe for people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, even during an IBD flare, as it contains:
- Contains protein: a nutrient that IBD warriors may need more of, especially during a flare and/or while on corticosteroids like prednisone
- Contains 10% of daily calcium recommendations. Calcium is a nutrient that IBD warriors may need to be mindful of, especially if taking medications that are harsh on bones, like corticosteroids.
- Contains only 1 gram of fiber per serving, so is appropriate for people who may temporarily need a lower fiber diet.
- Contains only 5 grams of dietary fat per serving, a macro that may be helpful to temporarily limit to reduce cramping, urgency, or loose stool during a flare.
- Is lower in lactose compared to other dairy products, as people with lactose intolerance may benefit from reducing lactose-containing foods during a flare to prevent additional cramping, diarrhea, and loose stool.
- Contains anti-inflammatory nutrients and prebiotics.
This recipe is also gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, soy-free, oil-free, and vegetarian!
Nutritional Benefits at a Glance:
Let’s take a look at the nutrition benefits of the 4 key ingredients in this yogurt bark.
Yogurt
- One serving of this recipe contains 6 grams of protein and 111 milligrams of calcium, which can help IBD warriors meet their increased protein and calcium needs during an IBD flare.
- This recipe calls for Greek yogurt, which like other strained yogurts, contain more protein and less lactose compared to other dairy products. For reference, 1 serving of our Greek yogurt bark recipe = 1.23 g of lactose, whereas 1 cup of milk contains 12.47 grams of lactose.
- However, if you’re like my husband with Crohn’s disease who’s unable to tolerate any dairy/lactose, the Greek yogurt in this recipe can be substituted for coconut yogurt.
- While we’re not paid or sponsored by any food or brand company, here are a few of our favorite IBD-friendly plain coconut yogurts to use:
- GT’s Cocoyo Living Coconut Yogurt, Pure flavor
- The Coconut Cult Probiotic Coconut Yogurt, Original flavor
- Cocojune Cultured Coconut yogurt, Pure Coconut flavor
- While we’re not paid or sponsored by any food or brand company, here are a few of our favorite IBD-friendly plain coconut yogurts to use:
Strawberries
Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. They’re also rich in antioxidants which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Even though this recipe contains strawberries, one serving of this recipe only contains 1 gram of fiber, making it suitable for IBD warriors who are following a lower fiber diet.
Granola
Granola, made with whole oats, contains healthy grains with prebiotic benefits. Whole oats contain beta-glucan, which has been linked to healthy gut bacteria.
Even though this recipe contains granola, one serving of this recipe only contains 1 gram of fiber, making it suitable for IBD warriors who are following a lower fiber diet.
While any granola that you tolerate and like can work, here are a few of our favorites (we are not paid or sponsored by any food company or brand):
- One Degree Organic Foods Sprouted Oat Honey Hemp Granola
- Udi’s Gluten Free Au Naturel Granola, honey
- Back to Nature Gluten-Free Classic Granola
Chocolate
The chocolate in the yogurt bark contains minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, common nutrient deficiencies IBD warriors may experience.
While we’re not paid or sponsored by any food or brand company, here are a couple of our favorite IBD-friendly dark chocolate bar brands:
- Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Bar
- Theo Pure 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
- Hu Simple Dark Chocolate Bar
Can you use aluminum foil for yogurt bark?
Although not used in our recipe, aluminum foil can be used to hold the yogurt bark in place for even freezing.
Can you freeze Greek yogurt?
Freezing Greek yogurt is a way to extend yogurt’s shelf-life. For example, the shelf life of our recipe is 1 month in a freezer. However, something to consider when freezing Greek yogurt is a change in texture may occur, which can result in a thinner and grainer texture.
How long does it take yogurt to freeze?
How long the yogurt takes to freeze is dependent on the amount of yogurt used. The larger the amount of yogurt, the longer it will take to freeze. In this recipe, 2.5 cups of yogurt (which yields 10 servings) will take about 8 hours to freeze.
Preparing the Frozen Yogurt Bark
The Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in this recipe can be stirred together in a bowl and poured onto a prepared baking sheet. Top yogurt mixture with desired toppings and set in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Break it up and enjoy!
Chocolate & Strawberry Yogurt Bark
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Mixing Spoon
- parchment paper
- Freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Strawberries
- 1 cup Granola
- 3/4 oz Dark Chocolate chopped
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir the yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together in a bowl. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and evenly spread it out.
- Top with granola, strawberries, and dark chocolate.Set in the freezer overnight. Break apart and enjoy!
Notes
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Best served immediately from the freezer.
- One serving is equal to approximately 1/4 cup.
- Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Add peanut butter to the yogurt.
Nutrition
Looking for other IBD-friendly recipes? Here are a few to consider:
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