Tried and Approved Food for You*

Quark

Thanks to one of our support group leaders for introducing me to Quark (also pronounced kvark). You’ve never heard of it? Well, me neither until Kristin brought it to my attention.

If you like yogurt you might want to give Quark a try. It is new to us but northern Europeans have been eating it for years. It looks like yogurt and has the same texture but is really a fresh, soft, spoonable cheese. I found the taste to be mild and pleasant, similar to cottage cheese but without curds or salt, and less tangy than yogurt. For me, it is a nice change from my usual yogurt. It still has the live cultures like yogurt. Calorie for calorie it is higher in protein than Greek yogurt with 14 grams of protein for 80 calories.

Because it is a newer product not all stores carry Quark. The brand I found in the Reno/Sparks area is Elli, stocked at Safeway in Sparks and Whole Foods. This brand is sweetened with stevia and the sugar alcohol erythritol and claims to be non-GMO. It comes in several flavors or plain. You can use the plain in savory or sweet dishes as you would sour cream or add your own fruit.

*Program Dietitian Vicki Bovee taste tests and reviews products on the market to help you meet your nutrition and weight management goals with healthier foods.