Copycat Chobani Yogurt Drink

Is it worth making your own version of a Chobani yogurt drink? I wanted to find out. With both cost and convenience in mind—especially with rising grocery prices—I set out to see if making it at home was truly worth the effort. Ina Garten is known for asking whether something is worth making from scratch, so consider this your dietitian’s take on homemade vs. store-bought.

Let’s be honest, if you’ve ever grabbed a yogurt drink for a quick breakfast or snack, you know how convenient they can be. Literally twist the cap, drink, and enjoy. Additionally, we all know time is money. Taking a closer look at the homemade version vs the Chobani store bought version was quite eye opening to me. If you have a membership to Costco, they will be cheaper and run about ~$1.63/bottle. Whereas in the local grocery store here in Miami, they retail for $2.49. Having said that, the cost of Greek yogurt has substantially increased in this last year, and I could not believe how much a container of yogurt cost! If you’re not buying them when they’re BOGO, this homemade version is not any more cost effective than buying the drink already pre-made! Hard to believe I know!

What Is a Yogurt Drink?

Yogurt drinks are simply yogurt that’s been thinned out with liquid (like milk) and blended until smooth and sippable. They’re an easy way to get protein on the go and can be customized with different fruits and flavors. The Chobani yogurt drink has 14 grams of carbohydrates from the yogurt, milk, and some fruit. They limit the total carbohydrate as they use both Stevia and monk fruit to sweeten the beverage. The Chobani yogurt drink has 20 grams of protein. In the homemade version I created I used actual fruit to allow for natural sweetness (so no alternative sweeteners).

My copycat Chobani yogurt drink’s total carbs depend on which fruit you choose to make this with; however, it falls right around 20 grams of total carbohydrate and also lands at 20 grams of protein. It will depend on a personal choice if you decide to use alternative sweeteners (as Chobani’s drinks do), but I tried to create a version without and opt for the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Ingredients: Copycat Chobani Yogurt Drink

• ¾ cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt – The base of the drink, providing creaminess and a good source of protein
• ½ milk dairy – Helps thin the yogurt to a drinkable consistency. I used a dairy milk to allow for the protein. If opting for a non-dairy milk, use one that does have some protein if protein is what you’re aiming for in consuming this beverage.
• ¾ cup frozen or fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, or mango) – Adds natural sweetness and flavor
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor

How to Make a Copycat Chobani Yogurt Drink

1. Add Ingredients to Blender (or using an immersion blender): Combine the Greek yogurt, milk, fruit, and vanilla extract in a blender.
2. Blend Until Smooth Blend until fully smooth and creamy, with no chunks remaining.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add more milk as needed to reach your desired thickness. With some fruit you may need to add a little more milk to thin it out, however, I found with right around 1/2 cup of milk and 3/4 cup of fruit (strawberries and blueberries) it worked perfect.
4. Serve or Store: Pour into a glass or bottle and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Cost vs. Convenience

Making this at home can often be more cost-effective—especially if you’re already buying larger containers of Greek yogurt. That said, convenience matters too. If yogurt isn’t on sale or you’re short on time, store-bought options like Chobani yogurt drinks can be a practical grab-and-go choice. It really comes down to finding the balance that works best for your routine, budget, and schedule.

That said, when I actually broke down the numbers, it wasn’t quite as cost-effective as I expected—especially without a sale. At one store, the most affordable Greek yogurt was $4.59 for five servings (¾ cup each), which comes out to about $0.91 per serving before even adding fruit. A higher-end option was $7.59 for the same number of servings, bringing it to about $1.51 per serving just for the yogurt alone. When you factor everything in, the cost adds up quickly. While it’s hard to put a price on convenience, having something ready to grab can be incredibly valuable. So, while store-bought versions may seem pricey at first glance, they might actually be worth keeping on hand for those moments when you need something quick and easy. And if you have someone that has a Costco membership, add this to your list to have them grab for you!

A Note on Protein (and Fiber, Too)

Protein is having a moment—and for good reason. It plays an important role in satiety, muscle health, and overall nutrition, and recipes like this can help you meet your daily needs in a convenient way. That said, it’s also important not to overlook fiber. While this drink can contribute to your protein intake, pairing it with fiber-rich foods throughout the day—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—helps support digestion, blood sugar balance, and overall health.

Tips for the Best Yogurt Drink

• Use a good-quality yogurt – It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. When the yogurt is buy one get one free, that’s the time to make it!
• Blend well – For that smooth, drinkable consistency. I prefer the beverage to have no pieces of fruit, and this is similar to the Chobani version as well.
• Adjust to taste – If you decide to use an alternative sweetener to add sweetness, that is a personal choice. And if you decide to add actual natural sugar, i.e., maple syrup, or honey, that will increase the total carbohydrate amount. In that case it may make for a pre-workout snack vs a post-workout snack. Just something to consider.
• Great for meal prep – Make ahead and store for a quick grab-and-go option. I wanted to see if it tasted just as good on day one as it did on day 2 and I have to say it wasn’t bad. Now day 3, it did not taste as good. My recommendation is to not make more than you need for two days at a time. Also, shake well before drinking, as separation may occur.

Final Thoughts

This copycat yogurt drink is a simple way to create a convenient, protein-packed option at home. Whether you make it yourself or grab one on the go, it’s all about finding what works best for your lifestyle. My recommendation is to have it in your back pocket and make homemade if the Greek yogurt is on sale. And if it’s not, buying store bought is a great alternative!

Other Protein Snacks

• Roasted Chickpeas
• Peanut Butter Bites
• Homemade Trail Mix
• Almond Butter Energy Bites

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