Trends not only come and go in fashion, but also in the food industry. The recent resurgence in the popularity of frozen yogurt is a perfect example.
Aside from the taste, the appeal of the frozen yogurt shop is the idea that it is a healthy alternative to traditionally unhealthy snacking. Many of the new frozen yogurt shops are using yogurt that contains probiotics, which is a good bacteria that helps regulate the digestive system. Also, many use non-fat or low fat yogurt.
Frozen yogurt does indeed contain a soft version of yogurt that freezes well and packs fewer calories per serving compared to ice cream… if served plain. The calories in frozen yogurt are comprised of fats that turn into carbohydrates. It is more desirable than the empty calories in ice cream, but it is often an issue of quantity control. By eating a food that is considered to be part of a diet, frozen yogurt consumers often heap on the portions, thus increasing the calories quickly.
Almost all shops offer an original flavor, which can either be a sweeter creamier version that tastes more similar to ice cream or a tarter, icier version that tastes more like actual yogurt. In addition to these, flavors like green tea, coffee, chocolate or other fruit flavors tend to be very popular. As far as toppings go, fresh fruit, different kinds of cereal, granola and mochi are all generally offered. Not only do these toppings add extra cents onto your bill, they also multiply the calories tremendously. If a person is not careful, seemingly tiny bits can result in a treat that is just as bad, if not worse, than regular ice cream.
One of the most popular chains nationwide is Pinkberry, which originated just over three years ago in Los Angeles. Now boasting over 40 locations in California and New York alone, with one internationally in Kuwait. The first Northern California location opened up in January 2009 in Santana Row.
Stop by any weekend and you will generally find yourself at the end of a line before you reach the door. Despite the fact that their menu tends to only have between three to four flavors depending on the season, Pinkberry’s popularity is undeniable. Stephanie Choy, a college student from Milpitas, enjoys Pinkberry whenever she stops by the Santana Row shopping center.
“It’s a nice alternative to ice cream. It’s really good on a hot day too,” said Choy.
Another nearby location is So Frais Frozen Yogurt Café located on Mowry Avenue in Fremont. With its grand opening a little over two weeks ago, it is already doing quite well. The store is decorated in a very modern, trendy way, with an entire wall of the store a chalkboard. Not limiting themselves to just frozen yogurt, they also offer a variety of drinks and baked goods like cupcakes. The café is decked out with ample seating and a flat screen television, giving it more of a lounge feeling.
Whether you’re interested in frozen yogurt for it’s taste or it’s health benefits, frozen yogurt offers something for everyone.