A low protein yogurt composition is provided comprising water, at least onedairy ingredientand a crosslinked waxy starch, wherein the crosslinked waxy starch iscrosslinked withphosphate groups and has a peak Brabender viscosity of from about 600 to about1500Brabender units, and the cross-linked waxy starch is present in an amountsufficient to addviscosity to the yogurt. The crosslinked waxy starch can also be stabilized byacetylation toobtain longer shelf life.