IFYA Celebrates Turning 1 with a Froyo Tote Bag Giveaway

Fro-yo girl here. Yes, it was a year ago today that the International Frozen Yogurt Association was launched. The IFYA was formed to support, recognize and reward those in the worldwide frozen yogurt industry. Nearly 500 members representing 58 countries have since joined the IFYA, making it the largest frozen yogurt community.

About the IFYA

• The IFYA launched the first quality seal program specifically for frozen yogurt shops. 
• The IFYA launched two contests for frozen yogurt shops to recognize and reward excellence in frozen yogurt. 
• IFYA members enjoy a wide range of exclusive member discounts on frozen yogurt mix, frozen yogurt machines, toppings dispensers, cup dividers, insurance and HR/payroll services.

IFYA Froyo Tote Bag Giveaway

To celebrate turning 1, the IFYA is giving away limited edition custom IFYA tote bags to IFYA members. One grand prize winner will receive a tote bag filled with various frozen yogurt goodies. All winners will receive IFYA buttons. It's free to join the IFYA and membership is open to any froyo fan or trade member: http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/

These are the first ever IFYA tote bags. Made out of 10 oz. heavyweight cotton canvas with a bottom gusset and navy polypropylene handles, these sturdy bags are 15" (L) X 14.5" (H) X 3" (W) Handles - 22" Long.

How to Win

Check the IFYA Facebook page starting tomorrow, July 30, at 12 PM/noon Pacific Time for the daily trivia question. One question will be posted at noon PT starting July 30th.

The first IFYA member to provide the correct answer and his/her IFYA username to the question of the day wins a tote bag.

Winners must be IFYA members, provide a US shipping address and be at least 18 years of age. Limit: one prize per IFYA membership account.

No purchase necessary. Winners will be announced by the IFYA on the IFYA Facebook page and IFYA website. 

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Vote for Your Favorite Creative Froyo Flavors by August 13

Fro-yo girl here. The top five flavors submitted to the “Creative Froyo Flavor Awards” contest have been named and now it’s time to find the most popular creative froyo flavors. Cast your vote and tell us your favorite creative froyo flavors. Vote today on the International Frozen Yogurt Association Facebook page. The voting period ends at midnight PST on August 13, 2014.

The flavor with the most votes will be named the Grand Prize Winner, while the flavor with the second highest vote count will take home the 2nd place prize. Tell your friends to vote too.

Five Creative Froyo Flavors

• Cannoli by Yo Luv It
• Nutella by Yo Luv It
• Thai Iced Tea by Yogurt Hut
• Chocolate Raspberry Amaretto by Yotopia
• Strawberries & Cream by Yotopia

The Creative Froyo Flavor Awards contest, brought to you by the International Frozen Yogurt Association and FrozenDessertSupplies.com, recognizes and promotes frozen yogurt shops that create their own unique, creative flavors.

Contest winners will receive a prize package of frozen yogurt supplies from FrozenDessertSupplies.com.

The Prizes

Grand Prize Winner (~$400 value)

• Any 2 Cases of Cups (600 – 1000 cups/case depending on size)
• Any 2 Cases of Spoons (1000 spoons/case)
• Any 2 Cases of Lids (600 – 1000 lids/case depending on size)

2nd Place Winner (~$200 value)

• Any 1 Case of Cups (600 – 1000 cups/case depending on size)
• Any 1 Case of Spoons (1000 spoons/case)
• Any 1 Case of Lids (600-1000 lids/case depending on size)

For additional information about the contest, visit the IFYA Facebook page and the official rules. Vote today.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

About the International Frozen Yogurt Association

The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) serves as an unbiased source of support and information for current and prospective frozen yogurt store operators. The Association works to set and promote standards to elevate the quality of frozen yogurt stores and recognizes those that meet the Swirl of Honor™ standards of the industry. IFYA represents frozen yogurt shops, suppliers and consumers across the world. Their audience is diverse in background yet united by a common love of frozen yogurt. Visit the IFYA website, http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/, for additional information.

About FrozenDessertSupplies.com

FrozenDessertSupplies.com strives to be the #1 online supplier of products to frozen yogurt, ice cream and the gelato industry. We happily serve thousands of customers all across the US. We supply frozen yogurt, ice cream and gelato cups, lids, spoons, souffle sample cups and much more. We pride ourselves on low prices, fast delivery and free shipping all while having the best customer service in the industry.

We have helped 1,000′s of our customers with their custom printing needs. We offer customized logo and artwork printing for our frozen yogurt cups, clear plastic smoothie cups, as well as our paper drink cups and coffee cups. We even offer customized spoons and we make the process simply and fun.

FrozenDessertSupplies.com has a simple mission, it is to enable frozen yogurt, ice cream and gelato stores to have a one stop shop where they can get all their frozen dessert packaging and supplies. We consider our customers part of our family, so please come join us and be part of the family.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

New Tropical Getaway Flavors & Blue Spoon Arrive at Yogurtland

Fro-yo girl here. Fro-yo fans, are you ready for a Tropical Getaway? Yogurtland has two new flavors for you, flavors that “taste like the perfect beach day.” The limited edition, new shimmery deep blue spoon was inspired by the ocean.

* Lava Flow Frozen Yogurt “blends real pineapple, coconut water and strawberries for a smooth, sweet summer treat.” I’ve never had lava flow so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The flavor is sweet (I thought the pineapple would make it tangier) and while not icy, wasn’t as creamy as some of their other flavors. I tasted the sweet strawberry first, then coconut water, then pineapple. I tasted more coconut than I anticipated.

* Mojito Sorbet “combines real lime with a hint of mint for a light refreshing take on this tropical classic.” This flavor was sweeter than I expected though it had some tang. Hint of mint is an accurate description as you mainly taste the lime.

Remember to collect your Hot Spot icons with your Real Rewards app. Earn free froyo with every 3rd visit during the Ultimate Summer promotion.

Look for 2 new flavors and a new spoon when the Spa Retreat begins on August 4.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Three Happy Cows Greek Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. Dallas based Three Happy Cows is back after a fire destroyed its yogurt plant. Their Greek yogurt is “ridiculously thick,” all natural and lightly sweetened. It’s low fat, made with 2% milk and has live and active cultures. Each serving has 15g of protein. One serving is 5.3 ozs and 160 calories.

Flavors: Strawberry, blueberry, vanilla bean, caramel

* Vanilla: Visually, the yogurt looked very appealing - very thick (as thick as skyr), ultra creamy with no water on top and vanilla bean specks throughout. I also liked how it was less sweet than most yogurts. There was a slight aftertaste from the thickeners they use that detracted from the overall flavor. The texture was also slightly gummy. I think I’d like it better without the thickeners and citric acid.

* Strawberry: This had the same ultra thick and creamy texture with a distinct but not very strong strawberry flavor and no chunks of fruit or seeds.

Ingredients (vanilla yogurt):Grade A pasteurized reduced fat milk, vanilla bean base (water, sugar, locust bean gum, pectin, natural flavor, citric acid, calcium citrate, vanilla beans) and live and active cultures.

I found Three Happy Cows at Sprouts (2 for $3 on sale, $1.79 regular price).

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

4 out of 5 stars

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Yogurtland Cookie Dividers Go National

Fro-yo girl here. I first wrote a blog post about Yogurtland’s cookie dividers last summer after tracking them down in Southern California, during the test market phase. I didn’t publish the post at the time because the dividers were only in a few stores. Good news cookie and divider fans; Yogurtland’s cookie dividers have been approved for wider distribution. If you don’t see them at your local Yogurtland, ask for them and your shop might order them.

The original cookie divider was a sugar shortbread cookie. There’s a second flavor: chocolate.

Here’s my original post (which is a year old):

Yogurtland cookie dividers have been hard to find. The cookie dividers are available at select Yogurtland locations, including some in Southern California.

The cookie dividers are in a clear case by the frozen yogurt cups. They fit snugly into the 16 ounce fro-yo cup, creating two equal sized, divided compartments. Each cookie has the Yogurtland logo imprint (love that!). The sugar shortbread cookie divider is about one-quarter of an inch thick (pretty sturdy). The texture is soft and firm. It's neutral enough to go with any flavor.

The cookie did an excellent job of separating the two sides without getting even the tiniest bit soggy. I’m really impressed with the cookie divider. The only minor negatives are (1) it’s a big cookie so I felt guilty eating it, (2) since I wanted to keep my fro-yo and toppings separate, I didn’t have much room for yogurt. I prefer to have a higher ratio of fro-yo to toppings (not 50/50). I think I’d prefer 80% fro-yo and 20% toppings or 90%/10%.

The possibility of different cookie divider flavors like chocolate chip, peanut butter, and snickerdoodle boggles the mind.

Update: Mrs. Fields cookie dividers have been spotted at TCBY/Mrs. Fields.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* YOGURTLAND BURBANK MEDIA CENTER: 304 N San Fernando Blvd Burbank, CA

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Historic Froyo Shops: Humphrey Yogart

Fro-yo girl here. Tucked in an older strip mall in the San Fernando Valley you’ll find a blast from the froyo past; Humphrey Yogart has been serving up froyo and staying true to the low carb / yog-art lifestyle since 1984 (it turned 30 this year). It’s not self-serve and it’s not your usual soft serve froyo with toppings. Sure the toppings are similar (popping boba, fruit, candy, sprinkles, chocolate chips, cereal, brownies, cookies, mochi) but Humphrey Yogart specializes in super creamy, thick blended or mix in style froyo.

At Humphrey Yogart, yogurt is yog-art. You’re invited to create your own frozen yogurt flavor by choosing a base (tart vanilla, sweet vanilla, chocolate, soy, organic tart or their low carb froyo flavors), choosing your blend ins and/or toppings (fruit, candy, cookies, cream cheese, nuts), and choosing your size. Your froyo & blend ins are mixed together in a blending machine. You can get your froyo in a cup or cone and top it with hot fudge or whipped cream. Portions are generous.I tried the organic tart base which was icier and less flavorful than their tart vanilla.

Froyo prices: Child ($2.55) + 30 cents each blend in, Regular ($3.35) + 40 cents each blend in, Large ($4.25) + 50 cents each blend in, X-Large ($6.65) + 90 cents each blend in.

Interesting blend ins include pumpkin, espresso, malt powder, butterscotch, pistachios, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Recommended combinations include Raspberry Cream Cheese, GramCracker Pumpkin, and Chocolate Coconut Almond. It’s like Yogen Fruz but with many more options.

Almost everyone who stops in gets the froyo but they also have Cascade Glacier ice cream, coffee, shakes, smoothies, soups, salads and sandwiches. Also, the shop carries low carb health food items like low carb bread, cookies, chips, etc. And there’s free wi-fi.

The low carb froyo flavor calendar is accessible on their website: http://www.humphreyyogart.com/calendar

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

* HUMPHREY YOGART: 4574 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Yogurtand Ultimate Summer Promotion Begins

Fro-yo girl here. It doesn’t feel like summer till Yogurtland announces its big summer promotion and it just happened. Yogurtland’s Ultimate Summer promotion features 10 new summer froyo flavors inspired by 5 vacation hot spots. Look for 2 new flavors and a new limited edition shimmery spoon every two weeks.

Real Reward members earn a Hot Spot icon stamp for every visit. Collect the stamps to earn rewards. Every three visits earns the best reward, free froyo.

First up: City Lights with a silver spoon and two new flavors: Cosmo Sorbet and Caramel Macchiato.

* Cosmo Sorbet made with real cranberries and fresh lime: This mocktail flavor contains no alcohol. The flavor is predominantly cranberry but it’s not as tart as you’d expect cranberry to be. The lime makes it extra refreshing. It’s smooth and not icy. It would pair well with tart flavors.

* Caramel Macchiato made with real espresso beans and creamy caramel flavor: It’s more caramel than espresso but you can definitely taste both. The caramel hits you first and espresso flavor lingers. It’s not bitter and I like how the coffee flavor makes it less sweet. I enjoyed it with crunchy English toffee bits. Pair it with chocolate anything and whipped cream.

The Yogurtland press release follows below:

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Vacation Hot Spots Inspire Yogurtland’s 10 New Cool Summer Flavors

(IRVINE, CA) July 7, 2014 – Summer vacations are a time to chill out, relax and explore. If your plans don’t allow you to travel this summer, you can enjoy Yogurtland’s Ultimate Summer vacation-inspired new cool summer flavors to recharge your attitude.

“Yogurtland’s Ultimate Summer promotion offers an oasis of flavors inspired by our fans’ favorite vacations including big city getaways, tropical escapes, outdoor adventures and spa retreats. Using the highest quality real ingredients, these flavors taste like the best vacation you’ve ever had, right in your cup,” said Charlotte Lucich, director of marketing at Yogurtland.

Yogurtland’s Ultimate Summer promotion features a delicious mix of dairy-free sorbets and frozen yogurt flavors that are inspired by popular cocktails and vacation treats. These sophisticated and fun ‘mocktails’ do not contain alcohol. For every vacation theme, there will be a shimmery new collectible spoon.

Every two weeks beginning July 7 through Sept. 14, Yogurtland will introduce two flavors, spoons and their vacation inspirations including:

- City Lights’ flavors are full of energy and sophistication, complete with a glittery silver spoon.

Cosmo Sorbet is refreshing mocktail that blends real cranberries with fresh lime for a light, bright, slightly tart taste that is bursting with big city style.

Caramel Macchiato frozen yogurt is made with real espresso beans and creamy caramel, and is the perfect way to get the most out any big city.

- Tropical Getaway flavors taste like the perfect beach day, complete with a shimmery deep ocean blue spoon.

Mojito Sorbet combines real lime with a hint of mint for a light refreshing take on this tropical classic.

Lava Flow Frozen Yogurt will whisk you away to your very own vacation. This flavor blends real pineapple, coconut water and strawberries for a smooth, sweet summer treat.

- Spa Retreat-inspired flavors are indulgent and invigorating, and will be served with by a purple spoon.

Mudslide frozen yogurt blends real cocoa, coffee beans and one of the world’s most beloved chocolate cookies for a flavor so smooth it will instantly melt all your stress away.

Mango Peach Tea sorbet lets you soak in the soothing blend of real mango, peach and refreshing white tea.

- Outdoor adventure influences these satisfying and refreshing flavors that are accompanied by a hunter green spoon.

S’mores combines toasted marshmallows, melty gooey chocolate and good old fashioned graham crackers in a flavor you will love, and no campfire necessary.

Wild Berry Tart is nature at its freshest, blending real raspberries, blackberries and blueberries for a tart taste you would swear you picked yourself.

- These Vegas Weekend inspired flavors are sassy and decadent, and the glittery pink spoon doesn’t have to stay in Vegas.

Strawberry Margarita Sorbet is made with real strawberries and real limes for a sweet, beat-the-heat treat that tastes like you hit the flavor jackpot.

Dark Chocolate Sorbet luxuriously blends delicious, decadent cocoa for a silky rich sorbet that’s so Vegas.

Yogurtland’s Real Rewards members can use the mobile app to collect Hot Spot icons for every flavor they try, and earn progressively larger rewards for more visits. After collecting three icons, members will earn a 2-ounce free reward, after six visits, members earn 3-ounces free and 4-ounces free after nine visits. After 15 visits, members earn 6-ounces free.

When introduced last year, Yogurtland’s mobile app and Real Rewards program quickly became popular amongst its fans. Nearly 500,000 consumers have downloaded the app and use it to track Real Rewards points, find locations, and see what flavors are being served at the Yogurtland near them. To find the app, search Yogurtland in your mobile app store.

The Yogurtland Difference

Separating Yogurtland from competitors is the company’s team of Flavorologists,™ who develop the proprietary recipes for the brand’s more than 150 different and customized flavors. Whether traditional or exotic, each flavor uses real ingredients sourced from their original locations. By controlling the entire frozen yogurt making process, Yogurtland has raised the standards for flavors and quality to new heights and much to the delight of millions of fans.

Naturally occurring calcium makes Yogurtland frozen yogurt a healthful, refreshing treat. All of Yogurtland’s frozen yogurt flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility.Yogurtland features non- and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy, gluten-free and no sugar added choices.

Presently there 295 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Mexico and Venezuela with more than 50 additional locations scheduled to open over the next six months. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

New at Menchie’s: Chocolate Glazed Toffee Bar & Kiwi Spoon

Fro-yo girl here. When a new froyo spoon is announced at Menchie’s, I need to get my hands on several spoons ASAP. Menchie’s friend, Kiwi, now has his own limited edition spoon and it’s kiwi green of course. The spoon is so detailed; Kiwi is holding a Menchie’s spoon and a cup of froyo! I’m going to stocking up on Kiwi spoons of course.

Menchie’s also partnered with Hershey to create a new flavor, Chocolate Glazed Toffee Bar Made With Heath®. CGTB will be offered from July 1 - 31, along with mini Heath bars. The Hershey’s Experience Sweepstakes at Menchie’s gives My Smileage members the chance to win a family trip to Hershey Chocolate World and Menchie’s gift cards. 

I tried Chocolate Glazed Toffee Bar frozen yogurt. I don’t like chocolate frozen yogurt so I was glad that the toffee mellowed the chocolate flavor. There wasn’t enough toffee flavor for me and the texture was icy. The mini Heath bars are too big.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Coolhaus Yogurt & Berries Ice Cream Flavor

Fro-yo girl here. Is it frozen yogurt or ice cream? Coolhaus has one yogurt flavor called Yogurt & Berries. It’s described as having “a creamy yogurt base with seasonal berries swirled all throughout.”

I had a scoop of the Yogurt & Berries and it’s more ice cream like than frozen yogurt like. The texture is rich and creamy with a sweet aftertaste. The berry swirl is barely visible and the berry flavor is subtle though noticeable. I was disappointed that it wasn’t tangy/tart but was on the sweet side. However, there was some yogurt flavor though it tasted more like ice cream (heavy cream, whole milk, eggs) with a little bit of Greek yogurt and berries added to it. It contains live and active cultures, so it is a frozen yogurt in my opinion.

It’s taken me a long time to track down this elusive flavor which is rarely offered at the Pasadena, CA location. If you’re interested in trying it, check the @coolhausla Twitter account for the daily flavor board. Note, that account posts flavor boards for the Culver City and Pasadena locations so be sure you know which location the board is for.

You can also find the recipe for Yogurt & Berries in the new Coolhaus Ice Cream Book on pp. 56-57.

Yogurt & Berries was just named the official ice cream (froyo) of Good Morning America.

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Creative Froyo Flavor Awards Continues, Enter Your Flavors by July 15

The Creative Froyo Flavor Awards Contest has been extended. Froyo shops are invited to submit their creative froyo flavors by July 15. Winners will receive prize packages with frozen yogurt cups, spoons and lids from FrozenDessertSupplies.com

The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) and FrozenDessertSupplies.com’s “Creative Froyo Flavor Awards” contest is looking for the best, most creative froyo flavors. It's time to impress us with your froyo flavor creativity. 

To enter, post a picture of the flavor card for that flavor and a picture of the frozen yogurt flavor to be judged to the IFYA Facebook page, www.facebook.com/froyoassociation by midnight PST on 7/15/2014.

The “Creative Froyo Flavor Awards” contest is open to all frozen yogurt stores in the US. Up to two entries (two flavors) are allowed per shop.

The “Creative Froyo Flavor Awards” contest recognizes and promotes frozen yogurt shops that create their own unique, creative flavors. All submitted froyo flavors will be judged by a panel of frozen yogurt experts for creativity and appeal. The experts will pick the top 5 flavors and the public will vote on the final five flavors.

Contest winners will receive a prize package of frozen yogurt supplies from FrozenDessertSupplies.com.

THE PRIZES

Grand Prize Winner (~$400 value)

• Any 2 Cases of Cups (600 – 1000 cups/case depending on size)
• Any 2 Cases of Spoons (1000 spoons/case)
• Any 2 Cases of Lids (600 – 1000 lids/case depending on size)

2nd Place Winner (~$200 value)

• Any 1 Case of Cups (600 – 1000 cups/case depending on size)
• Any 1 Case of Spoons (1000 spoons/case)
• Any 1 Case of Lids (600-1000 lids/case depending on size)

For additional information about the contest, visit the IFYA Facebook page and the official rules.

About the International Frozen Yogurt Association

The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) serves as an unbiased source of support and information for current and prospective frozen yogurt store operators. The Association works to set and promote standards to elevate the quality of frozen yogurt stores and recognizes those that meet the Swirl of Honor™ standards of the industry. IFYA represents frozen yogurt shops, suppliers and consumers across the world. Their audience is diverse in background yet united by a common love of frozen yogurt. Visit the IFYA website, http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/, for additional information.

About FrozenDessertSupplies.com

FrozenDessertSupplies.com strives to be the #1 online supplier of products to frozen yogurt, ice cream and the gelato industry. We happily serve thousands of customers all across the US. We supply frozen yogurt, ice cream and gelato cups, lids, spoons, souffle sample cups and much more. We pride ourselves on low prices, fast delivery and free shipping all while having the best customer service in the industry.

We have helped 1,000′s of our customers with their custom printing needs. We offer customized logo and artwork printing for our frozen yogurt cups, clear plastic smoothie cups, as well as our paper drink cups and coffee cups. We even offer customized spoons and we make the process simply and fun.

FrozenDessertSupplies.com has a simple mission, it is to enable frozen yogurt, ice cream and gelato stores to have a one stop shop where they can get all their frozen dessert packaging and supplies. We consider our customers part of our family, so please come join us and be part of the family.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.