New Pinkberry Flavors: Orange Tang and Pink Lemonade

Fro-yo girl here. I hadn’t been to Pinkberry Burbank for awhile but I thought it would be nice to do my own swirling. I was pleasantly surprised to run into two new “test” flavors, Pink Lemonade and Orange Tang.

* Orange Tang: The flavor does remind me of an orange drink like Tang or Sunny Delight. I haven’t had either for a really long time but Orange Tang doesn’t taste just like orange juice added to frozen yogurt. There’s something different going on. I think it tastes better than Tang, or what I remember Tang tastes like. Recommended toppings: yogurt chips, popping boba

* Pink Lemonade: I love lemonade and lemonade froyo. This flavor is quite tart but with a sweet finish. Yum. Recommended toppings: raspberries, gummy bears

Both flavors had that lighter, refreshing quality that sets Pinkberry apart.

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

* PINKBERRY BURBANK: 120 E Palm Ave., Burbank, CA 91502

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 Glendale Grand Opening

Fro-yo girl here. The Menchie’s Glendale grand opening week started today with a t-shirt giveaway for the first 25 guests, free froyo from 12 PM – 2 PM, and a balloon artist. I didn’t see Menchie, unfortunately, but I did see a hand-written note from Menchie’s CEO, Amit K. Aww.

The flavors they had today were the same as the ones I saw on opening day, Tuesday. I pick up a Kiwi collectible spoon. Many people were in line for the free froyo and there were many happy faces, of course.

Here are some pictures that I took today. I might go back a few more times during the grand opening week.

Be sure to follow Menchie’s Glendale on Facebook and Instagram (@menchiessmile).

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

* MENCHIE’S GLENDALE: 251 N Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203

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.

Chobani Flip’s New Flavors: Cinnabun Fun, S’More S’Mores, Carrot Cake Creation

Fro-yo girl here. I love finding new yogurt flavors to try. On a recent trip to Target, I spotted new Chobani Flip flavors, S’More S’Mores and Carrot Cake Creation. They didn’t have Cinnabun Fun (and I checked more than one Target location). Target is selling Chobani Flip for $1.29 each.

Each Flip is 5.3 oz with non-GMO lowfat Greek yogurt and toppings in a separate compartment. They clock in at 180-200 calories per serving.

* Carrot Cake Creation: Sweet carrot lowfat yogurt with cinnamon glazed cake pieces, walnuts and creamy white chocolate chunks. The yogurt is smooth but there are tiny carrot bits throughout. The carrot adds a bit of crunch and sweetness. The cake pieces are tiny and dry but soft and pleasant and cinnamony in flavor. There were very few walnuts. The white chocolate chunks are notably sweeter and they’re creamy. The yogurt doesn’t have a strong carrot flavor but it does have a tasty blend of spices. It also still has that yogurt tang and a bit of sourness.

* S’More S’Mores: Sweet vanilla lowfat yogurt with honey graham crackers, milk chocolate and toasted sugar bits: I liked this better than Carrot Cake Creations. The vanilla yogurt was smooth, thick, mild and tangy. The toppings were really crunchy except for the milk chocolate bits (the toppings were mostly graham cracker bits). I liked the tiny crunchy sugar bits.

Both of the new flavors would be great for a dessert or a snack. They feel like healthy indulgences.

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.

Menchie’s Opens in Glendale, CA

Fro-yo girl here. I’m back from Glendale, CA where Menchie’s just opened its doors for the first time. Today was the soft opening. The first cup sold looked like a strawberry cheesecake creation (it wasn’t mine).

The new downtown Glendale location has 12 self-serve flavors a day, toppings (fruit, popping boba, candy, cookies, brownies, nuts, cereal), and sauces for 51 cents an ounce. They also have froyo cakes and Menchie’s merchandise.

I met with the owner, Mevis, who was inspired to open the shop by her husband’s passion for frozen yogurt. She also liked Menchie’s unique emphasis on the customer and the experience. Her favorite Menchie’s flavor is Nutella which was on tap today, along with a bottle of Nutella. Her husband’s favorite flavor is Original Tart.

The week long grand opening celebration starts on Saturday, February 25. The doors will open at 11 AM. The first 25 guests will receive a free t-shirt. The froyo is free from 12 PM – 2 PM. Menchie will be there on Saturday. Mevis says they’ll have their amazing Blackberry Burst froyo for the grand opening. The limited edition collectible Kiwi spoons are also in.

Join Menchie and the City of Glendale for the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 PM.

Be sure to follow Menchie’s Glendale on Facebook and Instagram (@menchiessmile).

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

* MENCHIE’S GLENDALE: 251 N Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203

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.

21 Choices Pasadena IS Reopening Soon

Fro-yo girl here. It’s been a long time since 21 Choices brought smiles to the faces of Old Town Pasadena visitors. Their building was closed for months for earthquake retrofitting. Some despaired that 21 Choices would never reopen.

Good news Pasadena froyo eaters. Progress has been made and the 21 Choices equipment has been taken out of storage. The froyo machines are back.

The new sign says that they are “hiring for store opening in late February-March.” 21 Choices Pasadena is almost back.

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

* 21 CHOICES: 85 W Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91105

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 Glendale Grand Opening Week Starts February 25

Fro-yo girl here. It’s going to be one eventful week at the new Menchie’s in Glendale, CA (251 N Brand Blvd.). The week long grand opening celebration starts on Saturday, February 25. The doors will open at 11 AM. The first 25 guests will receive a free t-shirt. The froyo is free from 12 PM – 2 PM.

Join Menchie and the City of Glendale for the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 PM.

Check the flyer for the schedule of events and be sure to follow Menchie’s Glendale on Facebook and Instagram (@menchiessmile).

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

* MENCHIE’S GLENDALE: 251 N Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203

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.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. I love yogurt so much that I’ll try body lotion and body wash because it has yogurt in it. Aveeno just launched a new line of Greek yogurt skin care. The line includes Daily Moisturizing Body Yogurt Lotion (Vanilla & Oats, Apricot & Honey) and Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (Vanilla & Oats, Apricot & Honey). The products can be purchased online at Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Walgreens.

I found the Daily Moisturizing Body Yogurt Lotion in Apricot & Honey at Target Eagle Rock. They didn’t have the other Aveeno yogurt products. A 7oz tub is $7.99 and contains yogurt powder, lactic acid and oat powder.

The tub, the look (white, creamy) and the consistency of the body yogurt reminds me of yogurt. It didn’t smell like yogurt though. It smelled like apricot but in a perfumy way. The scent of a body lotion is very important to me. I didn’t love this scent but it wasn’t too strong and it did fade away quickly. The lotion absorbed into my skin quickly but it felt sticky for awhile. It did have a softening effect but I don't think it lasts for 48 hours. Maybe I didn't put enough on.

I like my other moisturizers better but I would be willing to try the Vanilla & Oats body wash.

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

3.5 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.

New Strawberry Almond Freeze from Pressed Juicery

Fro-yo girl here. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Pressed Juicery has a new flavor of juice, Strawberry Almond and also a new Freeze flavor (finally - it's their first new Freeze flavor since Freeze was introduced). Strawberry Almond juice is made with beet, almonds, vanilla bean, coconut water and strawberry. Strawberry Almond Freeze is made with the same ingredients plus dates for sweetness.

* Strawberry Almond Freeze: So, I tried the Strawberry Almond juice and they added coconut water, so it’s thinner than their regular Vanilla Almond Milk. The coconut water lightens up the juice. It’s sweet and the strawberry flavor isn’t that strong. The Strawberry Almond Freeze is similar. It tastes sweet, without any added sugar, but the strawberry flavor is weak. Also, the texture is thick, icy and gritty. It needs more almond milk. But it is a healthy, clean tasting treat.

3 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.

Yogurtland Replaces New York Cheesecake With Cheesecake

Fro-yo girl here. I noticed that the sign for the cheesecake flavor at Yogurtland no longer says New York Cheesecake. They didn’t just rename the old cheesecake froyo, but they came out with a new, improved cheesecake flavor. The new Cheesecake froyo is made with real cream cheese.

I’m not a fan of cheesecake froyo in general, so it’s been awhile since I had Yogurtland’s New York Cheesecake.

The new Cheesecake seems richer and creamier. The cheesecake flavor is mild. I’m surprised that the New York Cheesecake flavor had artificial flavors. The new Cheesecake flavor doesn’t have artificial flavors.

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.

Go Greek Yogurteria Opens in Santa Monica

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve been a fan of Go Greek Yogurteria since they opened because it’s one of the very few places where you can get authentic Greek frozen and fresh yogurt. By authentic, I mean yogurt that is imported from Greece. And the overall experience at Go Greek is hardcore Greek. The yogurt is from Greece and the owner is Greek. The mostly white décor with blue accents is Greek and some of the toppings are Greek too. The yogurt is kept in terracotta bowls, just like they store it in Greece. It’s very Greek.

This location is across the street from the ocean and close to Santa Monica Pier. There are quite a few froyo shops in the vicinity (including Yogurtland, Forty Carrots, Pinkberry and Sunny Blue) but Go Greek is the closest to the beach. And you can build your own yogurt bowls (sweet or savory), sip on Greek coffee or serve yourself a bowl of Greek frozen yogurt.

With the fresh yogurt, you can go sweet or savory and build your own bowl with 0%, 2% and 10% fat versions of imported Greek yogurt. They had flavored fresh yogurt which I don’t recall seeing at their other locations.

They emphasize being authentically Greek and offering healthy fresh products. It looks like a shop you’d find in Greece. It’s not uncommon for Greek yogurterias to offer fresh and frozen yogurt which is what Go Greek does.

The froyo is made with 2% or 10% fat Greek yogurt. The froyo is self-serve. There are six flavors of Greek froyo at any time. Sample cups are kept by the full size cups. The toppings are healthier (fresh fruit, dried fruit, cocoa nibs, chocolate chips, premium sauces, Greek biscuits, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, nuts, peanut chews, granola, coconut). While it’s pricier at 79cents an ounce, the quality is higher (and it’s imported from Greece). Ask for the sauces (honey, rose preserve, peanut butter, agave, etc.) because they’re not kept with the other toppings. The rose preserve has a strong rose flavor – I like it but in small doses. I also like the crispy Greek biscuits with sesame. They're not too sweet.

Their frozen yogurt is richer and more indulgent. It doesn’t have that refreshing edge. It’s for people who like really creamy froyo. It’s more satisfying and filling. It also has a distinctive taste that I haven’t tasted in domestic yogurt.

The official grand opening is February 25th from 2-5 PM when you get enjoy a buy one, get one free deal.

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

By Lolia S.

* GO GREEK YOGURTERIA, 1431 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

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 Flavors from Noosa: Orange & Ginger, Pear & Cardamom, Strawberry & Hibiscus

Fro-yo girl here. Last year, Noosa introduced their Sweet Heat Collection. Those flavors combined fruit with different types of chili peppers. This year they’re again coming out with innovative flavors. The new Tart & Sweet Collection. Tart & Sweet “is the yoghurt that is yummier than the sum of its parts. Juicy fruits with a hint of herbs shine against our original tart yoghurt.” If you’ve ever thought that Noosa Yoghurt’s regular flavors contained too much sugar, the Tart & Sweet collection is for you. Noosa Key Lime has 35g of sugar compared to 23g for Noosa Strawberry & Hibiscus.

Target had all three of the new Noosa flavors: Orange & Ginger, Strawberry & Hibiscus, Pear & Cardamom. An 8 oz container is $2.39 at Target (suggested retail price $2.99). The fruit is on the bottom.

* Pear & Cardamom: The sweetness of the Bartlett pear makes this the sweetest of the new flavors. The pear chunks are also the largest of the fruit pieces in the new flavors, so this is the chunkiest variety. It does have less sugar than the regular Noosa but it’s still sweet (the right level of sweet). The pear bits are very nice and the cardamom is very subtle.

* Orange & Ginger: I love orange and fresh ginger but I’m not sure about this flavor. The orange bits are teeny but they do seem juicy. The fresh ginger is subtle unless you bite into a tiny ginger bit. The orange and ginger provide pops of flavor. The yogurt is quite tart and even sour.

* Strawberry & Hibiscus: If you like hibiscus, you should like this flavor. The hibiscus makes this the sourest and tangiest of the new flavors. I like sour, fruity yogurt so this one was the winner for me. The strawberries were muddled.

The yogurt is thick and creamy. It’s rich and indulgent. Whole milk is still used. One serving has 11g fat and 260 calories (fewer calories than the other Noosa flavors).

I looked for the new flavors at Sprouts but they didn’t carry them.

4.5 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.

International/National Frozen Yogurt Day 2017 Pictures

Fro-yo girl here. For the first time, frozen yogurt shops across the world celebrated International or National Frozen Yogurt Day, on the same day, February 6, 2017. It was a busy and happy day for me.

Almost all the major chains had International/National Frozen Yogurt Day specials and many independent shops celebrated as well. It was exciting to see pictures of people celebrating International Frozen Yogurt Day in Dubai, Australia and other parts of the world where IFYD occurs earlier than in the US.

Menchie’s had an all day buy one, get one free offer on Feb. 6 and two new flavors. I went to Menchie’s first. It was also the perfect opportunity to try their two new flavors for February, Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate and Blackberry Burst. Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate is made with real Hershey’s Kisses. Menchie’s Blackberry Burst is made with real blackberries and no artificial colors or flavors.

* Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolate: it didn’t taste that different from other milk chocolate froyo that I’ve had but the texture was creamy and smooth

* Menchie’s Blackberry Burst: this one’s made with “simply fruit” (not sure what that means – all natural?). It’s a froyo but the texture was icier and less milky for some reason. The fruit flavor wasn’t as tangy as I expected and it had a bitter aftertaste.

The Kiwi character spoon is back. I haven’t seen that design for a few years. In addition to today’s NYFD BOGO offer, guests also received a BOGO coupon that’s good from 2/7-2/28/2017.

My next stop was Yogurtland in the afternoon for their IFYD celebration from 4 PM – 7 PM. Yogurtland celebrated International Frozen Yogurt Day for the first time this year, with all its locations (including the ones outside of the US), celebrating the special day. Hershey’s was the co-sponsor of Yogurtland’s IFYD.

There were two promotional flavors, the classic Chocolate Milkshake (Mr. Froyo loves it) and the new Peanut Butter Cup. Both are made with Hershey’s ingredients. They also had Hersheys’ Mini Kisses and Reese’s Pieces as special limited time toppings.

Each guest received a 5 oz cup to fill up, a Hershey’s Yogurtland spoon (the chocolate bar one from years past) and a coupon for $1 off your next visit with a minimum purchase of $5.

One suggestion that I'd like to make is that Yogurtland should let Platinum card holders get their froyo first on IFYD, by giving them an hour before the general public to get their froyo. They could show their status by bringing their Platinum card or showing their Real Rewards app. This would be an easy way for Yogurtland to provide an extra perk to their most loyal customers.

Thank you Menchie’s, Yogurtland and all the froyo shops that celebrate International or National Frozen Yogurt Day!

I wish that the day were longer so that I could have gone to other froyo shops, but there’s only so much froyo that one can eat in one day.

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 Discontinues Double Cookies & Cream, Replaces It With Classic Cookies & Cream

Fro-yo girl here. The other day I was at Yogurtland and I noticed the Double Cookies & Cream froyo sign had been replaced by the Classic Cookies and Cream sign. Double Cookies & Cream was a standard Yogurtland flavor that always seemed to be available, so I was surprised by the new sign. The new sign says, “Creamy vanilla mixed with the world’s most famous chocolate cookie makes this luxurious treat everyone’s favorite and true classic.”

Classic Cookies & Cream increases the amount of vanilla flavor and decreases the amount of chocolate cookie flavor (though they say it has the same amount of cookie flavor). This is sad since I believe that the more cookie flavor, the better. Double Cookies & Cream froyo has been discontinued. Apparently, this is what the people wanted.

Also, the old New York Cheesecake has been replaced with a reformulated Cheesecake. What?

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.