A low protein yogurt composition is provided comprising water, at least one dairy ingredient and a crosslinked waxy starch, wherein the crosslinked waxy starch is crosslinked with phosphate groups and has a peak Brabender viscosity of from about 600 to about 1500 Brabender units, and the cross-linked waxy starch is present in an amount sufficient to add viscosity to the yogurt. The crosslinked waxy starch can also be stabilized by acetylation to obtain longer shelf life.
