New Skinny Cow Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars Review

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve never tried Skinny Cow frozen desserts before because they didn’t have any frozen yogurt. They finally introduced Greek froyo bars recently and I found them at Target Pasadena. Skinny Cow Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars come in two flavors, Salt-Kissed Caramel and Chocolate Fudgetastic Swirl. The bars have 5g of protein and are 110-110 calories each. They’re sold in boxes with four bars per box. The retail price is $5.49.

Target Pasadena had both flavors for $4.49 a box, regular price. I wasn’t too thrilled with the sound either flavor (wish they had other flavors like coffee and peanut butter) but the Chocolate Fudgetastic Swirl reminded me of the fudgesicles I used to enjoy.

* Chocolate Fudgetastic Swirl: The bar is small and it looks like a Yasso bar. The texture is very nice. It’s firmer and creamier than a Yasso bar. The flavor was better than I expected. The chocolate flavor wasn’t as strong as you’d find in a fudgesicle. It was more like a light cocoa flavor. The chocolate swirls tasted like chocolate syrup (in a good way). The bar was sweet but not too sweet. It didn’t taste like yogurt but it tasted like a good ice cream bar. One bar has 2g of fat and 13g of sugars.

Ingredients: Greek frozen yogurt: skim milk, cultured skim milk, sugar, corn syrup, milk protein concentrate, cream, cocoa processed with alkali, molasses, natural flavor, pectin, guar gum, corn starch, salt, yogurt, culture. Fudge swirl: sugar water, corn syrup, cocoa processed with alkali, corn starch, sea salt, vanilla extrat, pectin.

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.

New Yasso Flavors, Review of Black Rasperry Chip Bars & Mint Sandwiches

Fro-yo girl here. Yasso recently expanded their offerings, introducing three new bar flavors: S’mores, Toffee Caramel Chocolate Chip, Black Raspberry Chip and their first froyo sandwiches, available in Mint and Vanilla.

I spotted a few of their new products at Target in Fremont, CA. That Target had all the new products except for S’mores bars. Each package was priced at $3.99. A box comes with four bars or four sandwiches.

Toffee Caramel Chocolate Chip sounds super sweet to me, so I opted for the Black Raspberry Chip bars.

* Black Raspberry Chip bars: These are froyo popsicles. The texture of the bar was creamy, soft and light. The raspberry flavor was present but not very strong. The dark and white chocolate chips were small and crunchy. The yogurt flavor was very mild. The flavor was not tangy at all but was sweeter than I expected. It’s still a nice light treat at 100 calories, 2g total fat and 14g of sugars. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Vanilla froyo/ice cream sandwiches are commonplace, so I wanted to try the mint. Also, chocolate and mint make a good pair.

* Mint froyo sandwiches: The sandwich is small compared to the other ice cream sandwiches on the market. The dark chocolate cookie looks and tastes like a soft Oreo cookie. It’s a great cookie and it didn’t get too mushy or sticky. The layer of froyo was pretty thin. The mint flavor was natural and pleasant. The texture was smooth and creamy. The cookies complemented the froyo. One sandwich is 120 calories with 3.5g total fat and 7g of sugars. I liked my froyo sandwich more than the Black Raspberry Chip bar. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

* TARGET: Fremont Hub Shopping Center, 39201 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538

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.

Smucker’s Magic Shell vs. Hershey’s Shell

Fro-yo girl here. I grew up with Dairy Queen chocolate dipped cones. My parents were dipped cone fans and they introduced me to DQ’s dipped cones during a road trip (we didn’t live near a DQ). To this day I still love the chocolate shell that hardens over frozen yogurt but I wasn’t sure which brand of chocolate shell was the best.

I started looking at the available shell options and there aren’t that many. I’ve only seen chocolate shell (and other flavors) offered by Smucker’s and Hershey’s. Smucker’s Chocolate Magic Shell is everywhere. Hershey’s Chocolate Shell is hard to find though you can find it at some Menchie’s locations. I tried them side by side on the same cup of frozen yogurt.

* Texture: Smucker’s Magic Shell was softer. It did firm up but it remained on the soft side. Hershey’s Shell turned into a thin, very crispy shell. Hershey’s Shell definitely won the texture comparison.

* Flavor: Hershey’s Shell had a stronger chocolate taste than Smucker’s and it wasn’t as sweet. Hershey’s Shell tastes better than Smucker’s Magic Shell.

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.

Yogurt Candy Review: Choceur Milk Chocolate Bars with Strawberry Bits and Yogurt Crème Filling

Fro-yo girl here. I found Choceur milk chocolate bars at Aldi. Choceur is exclusive to Aldi. There were a few varieties but of course Strawberry Yogurt caught my eye. There’s a picture of a jar of yogurt on the front.

Choceur chocolate bars are made in Germany using European chocolate. One bar is 7.05 ozs and contains 11 individually wrapped mini bars. A full size chocolate bar is $1.99.

Choceur Strawberry Yogurt bars feature a thin, creamy milk chocolate shell and a firm, creamy yogurt filling with tiny freeze-dried strawberry bits. The yogurt flavor is a little tangy but mild. The strawberry bits add crunch and pops of strawberry flavor. I quite like these bars.

One serving is equal to two mini bars, 210 calories, 14g total fat, and 16g sugar.

Ingredients: Milk chocolate (sugar, whole milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, lactose, soy lecithin (emulsifier), vanilla extract), sugar, vegetable fat, yogurt powder, cream powder, buttermilk powder, maltodextrin, strawberry pieces, natural flavor, soy lecithin, starch, citric acid.

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.

Future Froyo Shop Pictures: Menchie’s Eagle Rock

Fro-yo girl here. Eagle Rock, a neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles, is home to Occidental College and the famous Eagle Rock (the rock with the image of an eagle with outstretched wings). It will soon have its first Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt.

The new Menchie’s will be located in the recently remodeled shopping center anchored by Sprouts. It’s a few blocks from Yogurtland’s Eagle Rock location. There will be 12 self-serve flavors a day. They’re hiring. Email your resume to menchieseaglerock@gmail.com 

Yogurt Haven was the first froyo shop in town. It's Boba Time also serves frozen yogurt.

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

* MENCHIE’S EAGLE ROCK: 4929 N Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041

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.

Shingomura Nomu Yogurt Drink Review

Fro-yo girl here. I recently spotted an imported Japanese yogurt drink while shopping at Mitsuwa in Costa Mesa, CA. They only had one flavor, plain. It was frozen and sold in little plastic bottles. One bottle was $2.99, 150ml, with 90 calories and 4g of fat.

I defrosted the drink and tried it. It was a lot better than Yakult. It didn’t that Yakult flavor at all but it tasted more like lightly sweetened plain yogurt. It was sweet, thick and a little tangy. The flavor was more mild than the other yogurt drinks I’ve had.

The bottle didn’t say anything about live and active cultures.

Ingredients: milk, oligosaccharide, milk product

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

4 out of 5 stars.

* MITSUWA MARKETPLACE: 665 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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.

Tutti Frutti Sylmar Grand (Re)Opening

Fro-yo girl here. Sylmar, a city near San Fernando, had three froyo shops, Melados, Lulu’s Froyo and Tutti Frutti. Menchie’s and Yogurtland are also close but they’re in neighboring San Fernando.

This Tutti Frutti location recently changed ownership. This location first opened in 2014. This was my first time at the location, so I’m not sure how much it’s changed since the new owner took over. They have 16 self-serve flavors a day and toppings for 49 cents an ounce. I noticed no sugar options and even a soft serve gelato. In addition to frozen yogurt, the shop has smoothies, crepes, and waffles with dulce de leche and Nutella. They were well stocked with fresh fruit, including blueberries, kiwi, mango, pineapple, raspberries, and strawberries.

During the grand opening celebration (March 10 – March 12), the first 100 guests get free froyo (up to 4 ozs per guest). Don't forget to get one of their cute fruit spoons.

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

* TUTTI FRUTTI: 12902 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342

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.

Electro Freeze of Nor Cal Open House Dates and Locations

Fro-yo girl here. If you’re in Northern or Central California and you’re in the froyo/smoothies/dessert business, save the date for an upcoming Electro Freeze of Nor Cal open house. Electro Freeze of Nor Cal has several open houses scheduled for March and April.

At the open houses, you can experience all that Electro Freeze machines have to offer. Check out new technology, equipment and special show pricing. Don't miss out on sample tasting, raffle prizes, goodie bags, and some delicious eats from our vendors. Taste the difference!

Proceeds will benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital.

2017 Open House Schedule

Sacramento

• March 16-18, from 10 AM - 3 PM
• Electro Freeze of Nor Cal, 4330 Pinell St., Sacramento, CA 95838

Hayward

• March 24-25, from 10 AM - 3 PM
• La Quinta Inn & Suites, 20777 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541

Fresno

• April 7-8, from 10 AM - 3 PM
• Piccadilly Inn Shaw, 2305 W Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711

If you'd like to attend, please RSVP on the Electro Freeze of Nor Cal website.

You can also catch Electro Freeze of Nor Cal at the Hawaii Lodging, Hospitality & Foodservice Expo on July 12-13 from 10 AM - 5 PM at Neal Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii.

Special Offers

Electro Freeze of Nor Cal is also running a limited time special, 10% off all parts from January through March 2017. Use code "FREEZE" when you call (916) 925-5600 or email Acorrea@norcalfreeze.net

About Electro Freeze of Nor Cal

Electro Freeze of Nor Cal distributes and services all Electro Freeze models in Northern California and Northern Nevada. Electro Freeze of Nor Cal, is in a partnership with Express Refrigeration. Together we have many years of experience in installing, consulting and servicing the commercial refrigeration industry.

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.

Yoplait Custard Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. Yoplait recently brought back Yoplait Custard Yogurt, a product that they discontinued several years ago. Yoplait Custard fans contacted the company asking for them to bring the product back and they listened.

Yoplait Custard Yogurt has no artificial colors or flavors and no high fructose corn syrup. The available flavors are: banana, blueberry, caramel, lemon, strawberry and vanilla. It’s made with whole milk. One serving is 5.3 oz. It has live and active cultures and is gluten free. It is “partially produced with genetic engineering.”

* Strawberry Custard Yogurt: The texture is different from other yogurts on the market. It’s glossy and smooth but in a way that feels firmer and set (like a custard). The strawberry flavor was faint but noticeable. It had a milky flavor and was tangier than I expected. While it is all natural, the aftertaste seemed somewhat artificial.

The strawberry custard yogurt was 170 calories with 5g of total fat and 19g of sugar.

Ingredients: Pasteurized grade A milk, sugar, modified corn starch, kosher gelatin, yogurt cultures, natural flavor, vegetable juice and beta carotene (for color).

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.

Blissery Closes, 21 Choices Expected to Reopen March 20

Fro-yo girl here. Pasadena’s always had quite a few froyo shops, but their number has dwindled with a few recent closures. Buzio’s closed its doors in late December. Honestly, I went there once and didn’t like it, so I wasn’t too sad to see it close.

Now Blissery on Washington Blvd. has closed for good. Before Blissery opened, the space was occupied by another froyo shop called Yoguroo. Blissery remodeled not long ago but they still closed the business. The sign outside is gone.

This leaves only three froyo shops in Pasadena: 2 Yogurtland locations and Cherry on Top. 21 Choices should return this month (it’s expected to open on March 20). Last year, two new places started offering froyo in Pasadena, Sunlife Organics and Freshii inside Target.

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

* BLISSERY FROZEN YOGURT: 1727 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

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.

RockIt Swirl Transforms into Cuppa

Fro-yo girl here. Back in 2011, Eggettes in Glen Park (San Francisco, CA) remodeled and rebranded, becoming Rockit Swirl. I covered the story at the time: http://froyogirl.blogspot.com/2011/07/rock-it-swirl-takes-over-eggettes-in.html

Eggettes first introduced frozen yogurt at the Glen Park location in 2009: http://froyogirl.blogspot.com/2009/05/fro-yo-meet-eggettes-eggettes-meet-fro.html

Now Rockit Swirl (in the early days, it was Rock It Swirl, later it was Rockit Swirl) has remodeled and rebranded again. Rockit Swirl is now called Cuppa. Cuppa serves “bubble tea, froyo, smoothies, snacks and more.” It’s open now but they’re having a grand opening on March 18.

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

* CUPPA: 2810 Diamond St., San Francisco, CA 94131

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 March Flavors: Almond Amaretto & Cookie Dough, New Baby Boss Cups

Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s feature flavors for March 2017 are Almond Amaretto and Cookie Dough.

* Cookie Dough is a lowfat flavor made with real semi-sweet chocolate chips. It does taste like cookie dough. The chocolate chip flavor is subtle. It seemed richer and sweeter than average. Recommended toppings: chocolate chips, almonds, Nilla wafers.

* Almond Amaretto is a lowfat, kosher frozen yogurt with no artificial colors or artificial flavors. Amaretto is an Italian almond liqueur. I don’t think I’ve ever had it but Almond Amaretto did have an extract/liqueur flavor. It is made without any alcohol. The flavor and texture were lighter than the Cookie Dough froyo but I preferred Almond Amaretto. Recommended toppings: almonds, Heath, Cool Whip.

I also picked up my limited edition cup for the upcoming movie, DreamWorks The Baby Boss. The movie comes out on March 31. The cups are available while supplies last at participating locations.

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 Meyer Lemon Pinkberry

Fro-yo girl here. Things are looking up at Pinkberry this year – they’re finally introducing new flavors that I haven’t tried years ago, during the testing/limited release phase. True, the new flavors (Strawberry Pinkbee’s, Peppermint Cookies & Cream) aren’t that different from the previous ones. Strawberry Pinkbee’s and Peppermint Cookies & Cream felt like combinations of existing Pinkberry flavors. Pinkberry already has a Lemonade flavor, as well as Pink Lemonade and Mint Lemonade (in the Middle East), but Meyer Lemon Pinkberry is different from Lemonade Pinkberry. Meyer lemons are sweeter than regular lemons. 

* Meyer Lemon: It reminds me of lemon curd – a mellower lemon flavor with a sweet finish. It also reminded me of Key Lime Pinkberry, which was so yummy. I liked the extra tang and the lightness of Meyer Lemon Pinkberry. Recommended toppings: raspberries, strawberry puree, caramelized pecans, graham crackers.

They also have a new drink: Shaken Yogurt Lemonade. I thought it would use the Meyer Lemon frozen yogurt, but it’s actually original frozen yogurt shaken with lemonade and poured over ice.

Meyer Lemon Pinkberry and Shaken Yogurt Lemonade are available for a limited time, beginning March 1 until April 25.

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.