We have shared a lot of low-carb cheesecake recipes over the years. People adore cheesecake. It’s a decadent, indulgent treat that folks want to enjoy. Providing low-carb versions of it helps everyone enjoy it safely, regardless of their blood sugar concerns. We never claim those recipes are healthy. They are desserts, and should be treated as an occasional treat, not a beneficial food.
A new “two-ingredient cheesecake” from Japan has gone viral for its health claims and ease of preparation. The new trendy dessert is made from putting cookies in a container of Greek yogurt and setting it in the fridge for five to 12 hours. It’s akin to an icebox cake and creates a light, fluffy dessert with a texture reminiscent of cheesecake.
It’s usually made with Biscoff cookies or Oreos. People praise it for its high protein content and claim it is a healthy dessert.
“This is definitely one of those snacks that can help satisfy a sweet craving, but I love that it has Greek yogurt in it because of the protein, making it a more balanced treat for people,” said dietitian Shelley Balls.
“It's not going to skyrocket blood sugar levels because it has that protein,” she said. “And the other bonus of that is it also has those probiotics in that Greek yogurt, so it can actually help with gut health.”
However, not all dieticians are convinced.
“Using Greek yogurt or skyr adds protein, which you don’t typically get from traditional cheesecake,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Keri Gans. “The protein in Greek yogurt or skyr can help slow digestion and reduce a sharp spike, but it won’t fully offset the effects of added sugars."
Cookies are made with refined sugar and simple carbs. While the protein can help offset that, it doesn’t negate it to the point of making it healthy.
“If you’re adding a lot of cookies or sugary toppings, the overall sugar load could still cause a noticeable rise in blood sugar,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker. “Pairing it with some fiber, like fruit or chia seeds, and healthy fats, like a drizzle of nut butter, can further help stabilize blood sugar levels.”
These reviewers aren’t trying to demonize two-ingredient cheesecake. It is a good alternative to normal cheesecake. And it can hit the spot. However, they are saying that calling it healthy isn’t wholly accurate, and eating it for a daily breakfast is not a smart option. Two-ingredient cheesecake should be treated as a dessert and enjoyed occasionally, just like other sweets!
