New Froyo Spoons from Fru:yo Factory

Fro-yo girl here. Thanks so much to my wonderful friend Tom K. for the new froyo spoons from Fru:yo Factory. He brought the spoons back from Hong Kong.

I’ve been dreaming about these spoons for awhile because they are adorable. They feature the Fru:yo Factory cartoon elephant head. He’s holding a spoon with his trunk and the spoon has froyo on it of course. It looks like he has froyo on the top of his head too.

If you visit one of their shops, you’ll see the giant elephant statue.

It looks like the spoons are available in purple, pink, blue, white and yellow.

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.

Lifeway Frozen Kefir Bars Review

Fro-yo girl here. Lifeway introduced a line of frozen kefir bars/pops last year. I hadn’t had much luck finding them in California until a recent trip to Gelson’s in La Canada Flintridge. Gelson’s had two flavors: Tart and Tangy Coconut and Tart and Tangy Pear. Each 15 oz. package comes with six individually wrapped bars. Gelson’s sells a box for $5.39 regular price.

Lifeway Frozen Kefir Bars are available in four flavors: Tart and Tangy Coconut, Tart and Tangy Peach, Tart and Tangy Green Tea Raspberry and Tart and Tangy Vanilla.

Frozen kefir bars are gluten free, contain no artificial colors or flavors and have beneficial live and active kefir cultures. I was pleasantly surprised that each bar is 60 calories or less.

* Tart and tangy pear: The pear flavor is very prominent. The bar tastes like fresh pears. The texture was very pleasant - soft, smooth and creamy but it holds its shape. I liked the tanginess and the clean aftertaste. Yum! The bar had a milkiness from the kefir but the kefir flavor could have been more prominent.

One 1/2 cup serving is 110 calories and nonfat.

Ingredients: Cultured low fat milk, evaporated cane juice, nonfat dry milk, tapioca maltodextrin, natural pear flavor, natural flavors, stabilizer, turmeric, active kefir cultures

4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

* GELSON’S MARKET: 635 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

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.

Kroger Deluxe Frozen Nonfat Greek Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. Kroger’s private label line of frozen nonfat Greek yogurt is carried by Ralph’s in Southern California. The Greek frozen yogurt comes in 16 fl oz tubs in three flavors: Honey Vanilla, Raspberry and Blueberry. It retails for $2.99; I found it on sale for $1.99 each. 

The honey and blueberry flavors look like the honey and blueberries aren't blended throughout the frozen yogurt, so I opted for raspberry. The raspberries are blended throughout the raspberry frozen yogurt, with no seeds or chunks of raspberries.

* Raspberry frozen yogurt: I was pleasantly surprised that the flavor was tangy and fruity. It tasted much like raspberry sherbet. The texture was dense and not as creamy as ice cream. It felt lighter. It wasn't as yogurty as I expected.

One 1/2 cup serving is 110 calories and nonfat. 

Ingredients: Cultured pasteurized skim milk, sugar, blueberries, whey protein concentrate, corn syrup, raspberry puree, raspberry juice concentrate, citric acid, cellulose oil, cellulose gum, mono and diglycerides, lemon juice concentrate, carrageenan, elderberry juice concentrate, natural flavor

4 out of 5 stars.

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.

Pumpkin Pie Froyo Returns to Yogurtland, New Flavors Announced

Fro-yo girl here. Fall is back and that means fan favorite pumpkin pie frozen yogurt returns to Yogurtland stores starting today.

There’s also a new flavor in stores today called Rocket Pop sorbet. It’s inspired by the red (cherry), white (lemon) and blue (blue raspberry) ice pop.

* Rocket Pop sorbet: I haven’t had the rocket pop ice pop in a long time but the flavor of rocket pop sorbet reminded me of a kid’s popsicle. Like kid’s pops, it was very sweet. I thought all the fruit flavors were muted/faint and reminiscent of an Icee/Slurpee. It was very refreshing. I spotted a new topping: gummi cola bottles. Recommended toppings: Berries, gummi candy and Fruity Pebbles.

Two new flavors inspired by childhood treats, Chocolate Pudding Pop and Pink Lemonade Sorbet, will arrive in stores on Oct. 13.

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

Read all the details in the press release below:

Here's the press release:

Yogurtland Brings Back Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt and Introduces Three New Flavors

(IRVINE, CA) Sept. 15 2014 – Today Yogurtland announces the much-anticipated return of its delicious Pumpkin Pie frozen yogurt and introduces three new flavors that are reminiscent of favorite childhood treats - Rocket Pop sorbet, Chocolate Pudding Pop frozen yogurt and Pink Lemonade sorbet.

“We’re excited to offer these new flavors and give our fans a delightful surprise that can take them back to their favorite childhood flavors. Our Pumpkin Pie frozen yogurt is one of our most popular flavors, and our fans have been looking forward to enjoying this fall flavor,” said Scott Shoemaker, senior director of product development.

Using the highest quality best ingredients, Yogurtland creates custom, hand-crafted flavors that taste just like the real thing.

Yogurtland’s Pumpkin Pie frozen yogurt is a non-fat, gluten-free treat made with real pumpkin and the perfect combination of spices.

Rocket Pop Sorbet combines cherry, lemon and blue raspberry flavors, a delicious All-American favorite.

Chocolate Pudding Pop frozen yogurt is a rich creamy satisfying gluten-free treat.

Pink Lemonade Sorbet uses real lemons for a perfect sweet and tart experience that is vitamin C fortified.

Pumpkin Pie will be available September 15 through Thanksgiving. Rocket Pop will be in-store Sept. 15 through Oct.12, and then Chocolate Pudding Pop and Pink Lemonade sorbet will be served Oct. 13 through Nov. 9

During the first week of the new flavors, Yogurtland fans who register for the Real Rewards program will receive double points to earn free yogurt faster.

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’s 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 more than 300 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.

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.

Let’s Make Froyo the State Food of California

Fro-yo girl here. Listen up froyo fans, there’s a new petition on Change.org to make frozen yogurt the official state food of California. Being named the official state food is an honor for the frozen yogurt industry and a recognition of the importance of frozen yogurt to California. 
http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-bill-to-make-frozen-yogurt-the-state-food-of-california

The goal is to get as many signatures as possible so sign it and tell others to sign. We can do this!

Reasons Why Frozen Yogurt Should Be the State Food of California

While frozen yogurt was invented in New England in the 1970s, the new wave of frozen yogurt was popularized in California. The second wave started when Pinkberry opened its doors in 2005. The Pinkberry brand has been designed and managed by a LA-based branding firm called Ferroconcrete. It has appeared in numerous TV shows,  including Gossip Girl and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Pinkberry is in the Urban Dictionary - the definition is: "Los Angeles frozen yogurt chain that's more addictive than crack."

Pinkberry's public relations strategy involved leveraging the popularity of Pinkberry with celebrities. Celebrities  (e.g., the Beckhams, Reese Witherspoon, Mila Kunis, Britney Spears, Jennifer Garner, Rachel Zoe, Charlize Theron, Rob Lowe) living in LA have often been captured visiting frozen yogurt shops by paparazzi.

Both Pinkberry and Red Mango opened their first US shops in the Los Angeles area and California is the home to the leading players of the frozen yogurt industry, including Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Menchie’s, Tutti Frutti, Cherry on Top, Nubi Yogurt, and Golden Spoon. Chains like Pinkberry, Yogurtland and Menchie's have the majority of their locations in California.

California has the most frozen yogurt shops and is second in yogurt production (behind New York). California has inspired frozen yogurt shops across the world. Some shops are named after CA, including California Berry in the Philippines, California Yogurt Kraze in Alabama and California Frozen Yogurt in Margate, NJ. Honey Hill Farms, a leading frozen yogurt mix producer, has a frozen yogurt flavor called California Tart.

Sign the petition today!

http://www.change.org/p/state-sen-mimi-walters-sponsor-a-bill-to-make-frozen-yogurt-the-state-food-of-california

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.

Greek Pastures Greek Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. Greek Pastures is a new Greek yogurt line featuring grass-fed milk from local Georgia farms made in small batches. Their unique flavors also set them apart. Each cup is 6 ozs. The yogurt is Kosher, gluten free and rBST free. Most flavors are fat free. The yogurt is all natural and has live and active cultures.

The line comes in six flavors: Cherry & Port Wine, Karma Java, Mixed Berries, Vanilla & Caramel, Tropical Sweet Heat (Pineapple, Mango, Habanero), Peach & Ginger

* Vanilla & Caramel: It has the thick, dense, creamy texture of Greek yogurt. I liked how tangy the flavor. The caramel flavor was difficult to discern. The vanilla flavor was more noticeable. It wasn’t as sweet as some yogurts but still fairly sweet. Tastes like real yogurt (yay)!

* Mixed Berry: The berries are cooked in a kettle and left chunky. The fruit isn’t on the bottom. You get bursts of fruit flavor and the seeds are left in. This flavor seemed much sweeter than the Vanilla & Caramel though it still had some tanginess. It was too sweet for me (though all their flavors have 11g of sugar).

I found Greek Pastures at Whole Foods for $2.09 on sale ($2.49 regular price).

Ingredients (Mixed Berry): Cultured pasteurized non-fat milk, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pure cane sugar, orange juice.

4 out of 5 stars.

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.

Simple Truth Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars Review

Fro-yo girl here. Simple Truth is a line of products from Kroger launched in September 2012 with simple ingredient labels. I spotted Simple Truth Greek frozen yogurt bars at Ralph’s. A box contains four 3.5 fl oz bars/popsicles. Each bar is 120-130 calories with 3.5-4g of fat. A box retails for $4.49. During my visit the bars were on sale for $2.99.

Flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry Vanilla, Blueberry Vanilla

* Blueberry vanilla bar: It’s a pretty bar, vanilla with light purple blueberry swirls throughout. There’s a thin icy shell. The bar is soft, airy, smooth and quite creamy. The blueberry flavor is noticeable but not strong/potent. It’s very sweet and tastes mostly like cream with a hint of vanilla and blueberry. The aftertaste is slightly bitter. It looks and tastes similar to the new 365 Everyday Value Organic Greek Yogurt Low Fat Dessert Bars at Whole Foods.

Ingredients: Skim milk, milk, sugar, cream, Greek frozen yogurt base (whey protein concentrate, cultured dairy solids, milk protein concentrate, natural flavors), blueberry base (blueberries, sugar, water, blueberry juice concentrate, sugar syrup, natural flavor, carob bean gum, citric acid), corn syrup, contains 2% or less of: egg yolks, carob bean gum, guar gum, carrageenan, polysorbate 80, vanilla extract, beet juice (color)

The bars are not organic but they are “free from 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients.” 

You can find coupons at simpletruth.com

3.5 out of 5 stars.

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

* RALPH’S GROCERY: 160 N Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

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.

Menchie’s Asks Froyo Fans to Choose Sides: Just the Cookie or Just the Creme?

Fro-yo girl here. It’s a new month and that means new froyo flavors. Did you know that Oreos are the best selling cookies in America? Menchie’s recently announced two Oreo-themed flavors for September, Just the Cookie and Just the Creme. Which do you prefer?

* Just the Cookie: Made with chocolate cookie crumbs swirled with cocoa, like Cookies n’ cream, it tastes like chocolate cookies

* Just the Creme: It actually tastes like the vanilla creme part of the Oreo cookie, the vanilla flavor is subtle, the texture smooth and creamy. It’s the type of flavor that would go well with most toppings.

I’m going to cast my vote for team Just the Cookie. These two new froyo flavors are fun, creative and familiar. Try them soon and top them with mini Oreos and mini Golden Oreos.

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.

Yogurtland Ultimate Summer Spoon Collection

Fro-yo girl here. The last of the new Yogurtland Ultimate Summer limited edition collectible froyo spoons have arrived in stores, which means that my Ultimate Summer spoon collection is complete. Love how the froyo spoons are glittery.

• City Lights = silver
• Tropical Getaway = blue
• Spa Retreat = purple
• Outdoor Adventure = green
• Vegas Weekend = pink

Thanks Yogurtland for the new spoons!

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.

New at Yogurtland: Vegas Weekend 2 New Flavors & New Spoons

Fro-yo girl here. Love Vegas? Yogurtland's Ultimate Summer promotion continues with Vegas Weekend-inspired flavors and new collectible shimmery pink spoons. Live it up poolside with two new sorbet flavors that seem sinful but aren’t.

* Dark chocolate sorbet: “Delicious, decadent cocoa, luxuriously blended for a silky, rich sorbet that’s so Vegas, baby.” The flavor lives up to the description. It’s surprisingly rich for a sorbet and tastes just like dark chocolate – so it’s not that sweet. Have it on its own.

* Strawberry margarita sorbet: “Cheers, Vegas! Made with real strawberries and real limes, this sweet beat-the-heat treat will have you thinking you just hit the flavor jackpot.” I’m not sure how similar it tastes to a mocktail but it’s mostly a sweet strawberry flavor with a hint of lime that makes it a little tangy. You can see bits of strawberry in the pretty pink colored sorbet. It’s thick and smooth yet not heavy. Suggested toppings: fresh berries, mochi & lime wedges

These flavors are available for a limited time only so try them before it’s too late. Some Ultimate Summer flavors do run out early (e.g., S’mores and Caramel Macchiato).

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

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.