Light yogurt sales fell 8.5% in the year ending in September 2016, dropping $200 million from roughly $1.2 billion to $1 billion, according to Nielsen data.
Wider yogurt industry sales declined 1.5%, the fourth consecutive year of falling sales.
The decline in light yogurt can be traced to a growing demand for natural, protein-rich foods that fill up health-conscious consumers, instead of simply low-calorie and low-fat options. That's been a huge help for Greek yogurt, which appeals to customers seeking a filling option packed with protein.
On the flip side of the rise of protein and organic options is the fall of sugar.
Low fat-diets were the norm in the US in the '80s and '90s. As food makers worked to cut fat from products, they began replacing it with another ingredient: sugar. As a result, "light" yogurts were often packed with sugar, yet advertised as low-fat, healthy choices.