Farewell, Twirl Frozen Yogurt of Larchmont Village

Fro-yo girl here. Twirl Frozen Yogurt (121 North Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004) closed a year ago this week. At one time, it was Mr. Froyo’s favorite froyo place, so I wanted to write a post about it, to keep its memory alive. It did take me a year to realize it closed because it was inside a juice shop in an area that I don’t visit too often because of lack of parking. Also, the last time we went, we were both very disappointed with the frozen yogurt.

Timeline of Twirl Frozen Yogurt

• May 2010: Twirl opens as a standalone, self-serve froyo shop in Larchmont Village. The yogurt and toppings were 39 cents an ounce. Pinkberry opened in the neighborhood in 2006.
• October 2010: A health inspector finds five violations during an inspection. Twirl closed to address the malfunctioning Taylor frozen yogurt machines. People reported falling ill after eating their frozen yogurt.
• December 2010: Pinkberry Larchmont closes
• January 2012: Our first visit to Twirl. It was still 39 cents an ounce. I was impressed that they had custom froyo flavors (including one that was flavored with homemade Nutella), housemade pieces of cake (the owners also owned Larchmont Bungalow – the source of the cake), and premium toppings. Mr. Froyo was very impressed with the plain tart, both the flavor and the texture. I thought the flavors were too muted.
• January/February 2013: Twirl changes. They remodeled and added Larchmont Juicery in the same building. The toppings bar size was drastically reduced. They switched to Cloud Top organic frozen yogurt. The price went up to 59 cents an ounce. The emphasis switched to healthy toppings. The juicery only served organic juices and smoothies.
• August 2013: Pressed Juicery opens in Larchmont Village.
• June 2016: Larchmont Juicery & Twirl Frozen Yogurt close (Kreation Kafe, a juice shop, takes over the location in August)

The last time we went to Twirl was in 2014 or 2015? The plain tart organic frozen yogurt tasted weird and unpleasant. It was a sad day. The Twirl we knew was gone. It seemed so promising at the time we went in 2012, though I didn’t know about the food poisoning and health violations at the time.

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 Test Flavor, Chip’s Chocolate

Fro-yo girl here. While I was at Menchie’s University in Encino, CA, I noticed a new test flavor called Chip’s Chocolate. It’s made with real Ghirardelli chocolate and has not artificial colors, artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup. I did try some. Since I rarely get chocolate frozen yogurt (I usually don’t like chocolate frozen yogurt), it’s difficult for me to judge it. It didn’t seem bad and it didn’t taste just like fudgsicle like so many chocolate flavors, so I guess it was good? The sign was cute. I think every Sweet Friend should have a favorite flavor. I wonder what Menchie’s favorite flavor would be? And what about Sprinkle and Mookie?

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

* MENCHIE’S UNIVERSITY: 17245 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316

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.

Why Menchie’s Universal CityWalk Location is Different

Fro-yo girl here. I was surprised when I learned that Yogurtland closed the Universal CityWalk location late last year. That location had a giant faux froyo machine dispensing froyo into a Yogurtland cup and that they lit up at night (love). The exterior signage was removed (sadly).

Menchie’s replaced Yogurtland at Universal CityWalk. The location must have opened pretty quietly in May 2017 because I didn’t hear about it. I missed whatever grand opening they had.

The façade isn’t as fancy as it used to be; a giant Menchie replaced the giant Yogurtland froyo cup and spoon. The inside does look fancier than a typical Menchie’s. There’s a cute Wild West mural featuring the Sweet Friends on the wall where the froyo machines are. The lampshades look like leaves.

There are 16 self-serve froyo flavors a day and the usual Menchie’s toppings (candies, cookies, cereal, nuts, popping boba, brownies, cookie dough, mochi, cheesecake, whipped topping, etc.) and sauces for 58 cents an ounce. Fresh waffle cups are available. It’s more expensive here but you’d expect that because it’s at the CityWalk.

They had a small amount of Menchie’s merchandise (plush dolls, Menchie’s apparel) for sale. Menchie’s Bottled water is $2.40.

I was surprised that this location does not participate in the My Smileage rewards program. Hmm. When I asked why, I was told that Universal owns this location. This may mean that they won’t participate in some of the Menchie’s promotions, though they had the Captain Underpants cups. They didn't have the new Mookie spoons that some Menchie's locations are currently offering.

It turns out that Universal owns and manages quite a few of the restaurants at CityWalk, including Voodoo Doughnuts, LudoBird, and more. This is a recent initiative of theirs and it is the reason that multiple restaurants have been replaced. It also means that the employees inside Menchie’s are Universal employees, not Menchie’s employees.

I can’t see coming here often because parking is $20 ($10 after 6 PM) and only full-service restaurants and the movie theater offer validation (with validation, parking is $7, unless you see a movie, then parking is $5). It’s not worth it.

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

By Lolia S.

* MENCHIE’S: Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

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.

Grand Opening Celebration at Yogurtland Brentwood on July 8

Fro-yo girl here. Save the date, Saturday, July 8, for the grand opening of Yogurtland Brentwood, 5411 Lone Tree Way #120, Brentwood, CA, 94513. I can’t be there in person, unfortunately, but I’ll be there in spirit. The owners of Yogurtland Brentwood also own the Yogurtland in Pinole.

Here are the deets:

Date and Time: Saturday, July 8, 11 AM – 11 PM

• 11 AM – 2 PM: Free froyo & toppings!
• 2 PM – 5 PM: Balloon artist
• 5 PM – 8 PM: Prizes and giveaways
• 8 PM – 11 PM: Buy one, get one free

Don't forget to have some free froyo for me.

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

* YOGURTLAND BRENTWOOD: 5411 Lone Tree Way #120, Brentwood, CA, 94513

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.

Num Noms Series 4.1, Fro-Yo Nums

Fro-yo girl here. Num Noms, from MGA Entertainment, are food themed, cute, scented collectibles, that can be mixed and matched. Nums can fit over Noms. The toys first launched in December 2015 and they’re released by series. The newest series, 4.1, is hitting shelves now and it features frozen yogurt Nums, including a Frozen Yogurt starter pack with three froyo characters. The blind boxes carried on a froyo truck look like frozen yogurt cups. The Noms in the blind boxes are glitter lipglosses and nailpolishes. There are 8 Fro-yo Nums. The starter packs are $9.99 at Target.

Menchie’s Sweet Friends Num Noms Starter Pack will launch in July 2017 and will be available only at Toys”R”Us. Menchie’s stores in the US will also get a “Smell so delicious” campaign makeover.

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 Yogurtland Flavor, Rare Madagascar Vanilla, Will Be Available For Just One Week, Starting June 26

Fro-yo girl here. Froyo fans, I’m back from a special tasting event today for Rare Madagascar Vanilla froyo at Yogurtland HQ in Irvine, CA.

Yogurtland’s Rare Madagascar Vanilla frozen yogurt, is made with pure bourbon Vanilla extracted from choice Madagascar vanilla beans using a cold process method and fresh California milk. Because of the recent storms in Madagascar, Madagascar’s vanilla beans are in short supply.

This limited time flavor will only be available in U.S. stores, June 26 - July 1, or while supplies last.

If you’ve been reading my posts, you probably know that I love vanilla froyo. I love vanilla cupcakes. I love vanilla. I grew up eating imitation, cheap vanilla but now I know what high quality vanilla tastes like. Rare Madagascar Vanilla froyo did not disappoint. The flavor is exquisite because they use such high quality beans. It’s rich, thick and creamy. I was reminded of a high quality frozen custard.

If you love vanilla, don’t miss Rare Madagascar Vanilla froyo at Yogurtland. Go early, before they run out. I’ll be stocking up. I can’t wait to cover it in chocolate shell. I think it will go well with every topping at Yogurtland.

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 Pinkberry Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt

Fro-yo girl here. Pinkberry launched a new summer flavor, Blueberry Muffin frozen yogurt, and two new Cold Brew Fruit Teas, in Strawberry Hibiscus and Tropical Mango.

While Blueberry Muffin frozen yogurt doesn’t sound like a typical Pinkberry flavor or a summer time flavor, July 11 does happen to be National Blueberry Muffin Day. Blueberry Muffin Frozen Yogurt can be topped with blueberry muffin crumbles and fresh blueberries to create the Blueberry Delight. Yes, blueberry muffin crumbles are a new topping, available for a limited time, at Pinkberry.

I tried to find Blueberry Muffin frozen yogurt on the launch date but I couldn’t locate it in the Los Angeles area. Strange. Even the Sunset and Fuller location, the one that has the most flavors, didn’t have it. The Beverly Hills location didn’t have it either.

I like Blueberry Pinkberry, though I haven’t seen it much since it was introduced in 2015.

* Blueberry Muffin frozen yogurt: I was expecting a sweeter yogurt and was pleasantly surprised that Blueberry Muffin froyo was still tart and tangy. It was light, smooth, refreshing and bursting with blueberry flavor. I didn’t notice any obvious cake/muffin flavor. The blueberry muffin crumbles were soft and fresh.

Recommended toppings: Berries, blueberry muffin crumbles, mochi, and toasted almonds.

I didn’t try the new cold brew fruit teas. They didn’t offer them at the location that I visited. Blueberry Muffin frozen yogurt will be available through July 27, 2017. The cold brew fruit teas will be available through September 7, 2017.

Now that it seems like most new froyo flavors are sweet, I have really come to appreciate the light, tangy flavors that Pinkberry still offers.

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 Yogurtland Joy Flavor, Sweet N’ Smooth Peaches N’ Cream Gelato

Fro-yo girl here. A new flavor is swirling at Yogurtland, starting today, Sweet N’ Smooth Peaches N’ Cream Gelato. Yogurtland’s gelato is richer than their yogurt but it still has live and active cultures.

Sweet N’ Smooth Peaches N’Cream gelato is described by Yogurtland as follows, “This summer essential is inspired by the orange cream popsicle—we replaced the orange with juicy peach for a fun twist. Fresh freestone peaches combined with creamy gelato to make a fruity, sweet, and luscious treat.” The flavor is made with real peaches and cream.

Sweet N’ Smooth Peaches N’Cream gelato: It’s rich, smooth and creamy. They put a lot of cream flavor in it and that mutes the fresh peach flavor but the sweet peach flavor is still present. It’s not super sweet but it has no tanginess. Recommended toppings: Whipped cream, fresh mango, Nilla wafers

Summer is considered peach (and stone fruit) season, so Peaches N’Cream gelato is a suitable summer flavor. The flavor is available for a limited time only, while supplies last.

Some Yogurtland locations have been handing out pinwheel coloring sheets with $1 coupons.

The next new flavor in Yogurtland’s JOY promotion is Larger than Life Mud Pie, with an expected arrival date of July 3.

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.

Father’s Day 2017 Froyo Specials

Fro-yo girl here. Dads, including mine, love froyo. They deserve froyo on Father’s Day. Here’s the list of places with Father’s Day froyo specials, in alphabetical order. Unless noted, all these specials are good on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18, 2017.

• 3 Spoons (Waco, TX): 50% off for dads
• Alpine Chill: Free 16 oz cup for dads
• CherryBerry (Haines Ave., Rapid City, SD): Bring your dad in for 3 oz free
• Chiller Bee: Free froyo for dads
• Di'lishi Greensboro: 3 ozs free for dad 
• Feeney's: Tell the cashier you are celebrating Father's Day for 4 oz free
• Froco Fresh Frozen: $4 flat rate cups
• Froyo Earth: Buy two, get one free or buy one, get one 50% off
• Froyo Heavenly Cafe: Bring your dad for 25% off your entire order from 2-9 PM
• FroYo Junction (Junction City, KS): Bring your dad and ask for 20% off 
• Froyoland: Buy one, get one free all Father's Day weekend
• Frozen Yogurt Bar (Arles, France): Buy a cup for yourself, get dad's cup for free
• House of Yogurt: Buy yours, get 50% off of his
• Iceyo (West Hollywood, CA): Buy one, get one free for yogurt, smoothies, ice floats and sodas
• La Creme: Buy one, get one free up to $5 at all three locations 
• Limeberry (Dallas, TX): Dads eat free
• Menchie's (Tyler, TX): First 5 oz free for dads
• Menchie's (Maple Ridge, BC): Buy your cup, get dad's cup for free
• Mojo Yogurt: Dad's froyo or smoothie is 50% off 
• My Mochi Yogurt (Jacksonville, FL): 8 oz free for dads
• Orange Leaf: Dads get a free beginner cup of froyo
• Oregon Froyo: Buy your cup, get dad's cup free
• Purple Penguin: 10% for dads
• Qoola: 25% off froyo from 3 PM - 6 PM
• Red Mango (McAllen, TX): 20% off any item
• Simple Sugars: 10% off for dads
• Sweet CeCe’s: $1 Sweet Cups for dads
• sweetFrog (Danville, VA): 50% off for dads
• sweetFrog: Buy dad a cup of froyo on Father's Day, get a Leap Back card good for a return visit 
• Swirl Bliss: Buy one yogurt, get one half off for dad
• Swirl It (Gilbert, AZ): Dads receive 6oz of free froyo 
• TCBY: the annual free 6 oz of froyo for dads event is back at participating locations
• The Skinny Dip Ghent: Tell the dipper on duty why you love your dad so much and dad gets his bowl of froyo for free, discount up to $3 off with purchase of an additional item of greater value
• Twist (Portland, OR): Dads get 5 oz free froyo
• Urban Swirl (Granger): Up to 6 oz free for dad with purchase of any other froyo
• Yogurt Beach (Kennewick): Buy a cup of froyo, get dad's free, offer valid with equal or greater purchase
• Yogurt Breeze (Lake Nona, FL): 3 oz free for fathers
• Yogurtland (Fairfield, TX): $1 off for dads
• Yogurtys: Bring your dad and he gets 50% off froyo
• YoYo's Yogurt Cafe: Buy yours, get dad's free
• Zoyo (AZ): Dads get a free root beer float or 6 oz of yogurt

I’ll keep updating this list as I learn about more Father’s Day froyo specials. Many shops announce these specials on or the day before Father’s Day. Ask your local shop if they have a Father’s Day froyo specials. Or, order a froyo cake for your dad.

Happy Father’s Day to all froyo loving dads!

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.

Aldi Friendly Farms New Aussie Style Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. I was shopping at my neighborhood Aldi when I noticed a new product, Friendly Farms Lemon or Cherry Aussie Style Yogurt (8 oz, $1.49). The new yogurt was in the limited time, premium buys section, so I don’t think it will be available for long, unfortunately.

The tub shape and size are identical to Noosa. Like Noosa’s Lemon, Friendly Farms’ version has honey and butter.

One serving of the Lemon yogurt (8 oz) is 340 calories, 39g of sugars, and 15g total fat. It’s full fat and unstrained. It seems a little sweeter than Noosa’s already sweet lemon yogurt but it does have a thick, smooth texture and a delicious tangy flavor. It’s definitely rich and filling.

The cherry flavor is also good and tangier (it has less sugar). I love the little bits of cherry in the yogurt.

I was pleasantly surprised by Friendly Farms Aussie Style Yogurt and I hope to run into it again.

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.

Trader Joe’s Avocado Citrus Yogurt Review

Fro-yo girl here. I normally like Trader Joe’s yogurt, so I was intrigued by their new product, Avocado Citrus Greek whole milk yogurt. They blended avocados and blood orange juice concentrate into yogurt.

A 5.3 oz cup is 99 cents. One serving has 190 calories, 8g fat, and 15g sugars.

The first thing that came to mind was guacamole, so I expected a savory flavor. However, Avocado Citrus is a sweet yogurt. The first thing I tasted was the blood orange but the flavor is muted by the avocado. The tang was mild. It wasn’t unpleasant but I don’t think the avocado enhanced the flavor though. The avocado made the texture thicker but I didn’t appreciate that either.

Ingredients: Grade A pasteurized milk (cultured pasteurized skim milk, pasteurized cream), avocado citrus base (avocado, cane sugar, water, blood orange juice concentrate, natural flavors, modified cornstarch, turmeric and fruit juice for color, ascorbic acid, citric acid), live and active cultures.

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.

Pittsburgh Penguins Win the Stanley Cup (and Froyo!)

Fro-yo girl here. Bad Badtz Maru and Sid my Cinnamon Bun are thrilled that the Penguins have won the Stanley Cup, becoming the first team to win back to back championships in 19 years. This year they defeated the Nashville Predators to capture the cup.

Penguins are a common mascot for frozen yogurt shops. Quite a few current (and past) frozen yogurt shops are named after penguins. They’re probably second only to cows on the list of animals associated with frozen yogurt. 

Current Frozen Yogurt Shops Named After Penguins:

· Blue Penguin Frozen Yogurt (New Hope, PA): https://www.facebook.com/BluePenguinYogurt/

· Pink Penguin (Hutto, TX): https://www.facebook.com/Pink-Penguin-Frozen-Yogurt-125338829289/

· Purple Penguin (various locations in NC): http://www.purplepenguinfroyo.com/

· Penguin’s Frozen Yogurt (various locations in CA)

· The Cooperstown Penguin Ice Cream (Cooperstown, NY), yes they have froyo: http://www.cooperstownpenguin.com/

· The Frozen Penguin (Jacksonville, IL): https://www.facebook.com/The-Frozen-Penguin-208224862569766/

However, there isn’t a shop named after penguins in the home of the Penguins, Pittsburgh, PA. It is heartwarming to see that Pittsburgh does have an abundance of froyo shops though. Several regional froyo chains started in Pittsburgh.

Frozen Yogurt Shops in Pittsburgh, PA:

· Happy Berry

· Love N Spoonfuls

· Love Yogurt

· Menchie’s (PNC Park)

· Oh! Yogurt

· Piccadilly

· Pinkberry (Pittsburgh International Airport)

· Razzy Fresh (founded in Pittsburgh, 2010)

· Sincerely Yogurt (founded in Pittsburgh, had 23 locations when it was acquired by the owner of Vocelli Pizza last year)

· Yogurt City

If I had to create a froyo sundae in honor of the Pittsburgh Penguins, I’d start with a swirl of cookies & cream, cover it with chocolate shell and add Nilla wafers, peanuts, and whipped cream. And I would share it with Bad Badtz Maru.

P.S. I hate country music!!!!

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 New Mookie Spoon

Fro-yo girl here. 2017 is finally looking up a bit for froyo spoon collectors. First, Yogurtland finally came out with new spoons inspired by two of their new JOY flavors, Watermelon Sorbet and Mud Pie. Now, Menchie’s has released a new Mookie spoon. It looks like the purple Mookie spoon from a couple of years ago, but it says something different. The original spoons said Sweet Moosic. The new spoons say Born in the Moo-S-A. The new spoons are available for a limited time only.

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.

Nekter Free Skoop Night

Fro-yo girl here. Nekter has just launched a new product called Skoop, available in two flavors, Chocolate Bliss and Viva Vanilla. It’s scoopable and can be topped with healthy toppings. Skoop is poured into a vertical batch freezer and scooped out.

“Skoop by Nekter is a handcrafted frozen treat, made fresh in small batches using creamy cashew milk and clean, plant-based ingredients. It's dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free, yet full of delicious flavor.” It's all natural. A 5-ounce serving of Skoop has about 180 calories.

One Skoop is $4.25 and you can add 3 toppings for $1. The toppings include chocolate drizzle, vegan chocolate chips, cacao nibs, strawberries, blueberries, coconut flakes, hempseed granola and gluten-free granola.

To introduce Skoop, Nekter hosted Free Skoop Night on June 9, 2017.

I tried Viva Vanilla which is made with Tahitian vanilla, cashew milk, honey, coconut sugar, agave nectar and a pinch of salt. Skoop was creamy but it was also very soft. Perhaps this was because of the long line of people and the need to make a fresh batch of vanilla. Maybe it wasn’t given enough time to freeze. I didn’t enjoy the melted texture. The vanilla flavor was strong but I didn’t taste much else, other than sweeteners. While Pressed Juicery Freeze tends to be too icy, it is firm and that’s better than runny. Freeze also has more flavor, is refreshing and has better toppings. I also prefer Pressed’s juices to Nekter’s.

While all Nekter units will serve Skoop, only about half of them currently have Skoop.

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.

Menchie’s Captain Underpants Cups and Signs

Fro-yo girl here. I finally picked up my Captain Underpants Menchie’s cup, which features three characters from the book/movie. This new limited edition, collectible cup design is for DreamWorks’ Captain Underpants, The First Epic Movie. The movie is in theaters now. They didn’t come out with Captain Underpants froyo spoons (too bad). 

The shop had multiple Captain Underpants signs and a poster. Vanilla Snow is Captain Underpants’ favorite, while Harold’s favorite is Mudslide Pie.

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.

Jeni’s Calabasas Grand Opening

Fro-yo girl here. I went to Jeni’s Ice Creams grand opening in Calabasas last night, June 7. The shop opened a few days ago. It’s the fourth LA location (the others are Los Feliz, Venice, and Larchmont). Yes, Jeni’s is an ice cream shop but they make the most amazing frozen yogurt flavors with real cultured buttermilk, organic yogurt and cream. It’s rich, indulgent and bursting with flavor.

I wasn’t one of the first 50 people in line (LA traffic), so I’m not sure what was in the swag bag. Everyone was a winner though, because of free scoops.

The event was well organized with people managing the line and the number of people in the shop. There was even someone outside handing out free ice cream and sorbet samples. Once we reached the shorter line, we perused menus.

They have a passion for using small family farmers (often ones in Ohio, since that’s where they are based) and highest quality ingredients like biodynamic yogurt from Ohio producers. The flavors range from creative to classic, like Cream Puff, Gooey Butter Cake, Hard Cider Sorbet, Sweet Cream Biscuits & Peach Jam. They have chocolate, vanilla and cookies & cream too (but with fancier names like Ndali Estate Vanilla). The toppings, waffle cones and sauces are housemade.

* Mango buttermilk frozen yogurt: Tastes like a ripe mango but better, creamier, richer and more indulgent, a sweeter froyo

* Lemon & blueberries buttermilk frozen yogurt: Very tart, very lemony in flavor, rich, smooth and thick in texture, with some housemade blueberry jam but my scoop didn’t have much blueberry

I loved the extra thick, crispy housemade waffle cone. So good!

Prices: Single ($5.50), Trio of half scoops $6.50, pints are $12

The shop is shiny, new and adorable. Parking can be a challenge at the Commons Shopping Center.

They didn’t have the new Peach Lassi Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt. I’ll have to come back to try it and the other seasonal flavors.

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

* JENI’S ICE CREAMS: 4751 Commons Way, Ste A, Calabasas, CA 91302

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 Yogurtland Spoons: Watermelon and Mud Pie

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland started their new JOY Share the Fun promotion on Monday, June 5. It included two new froyo spoons, Watermelon and Mud Pie. The spoons represent two of the new JOY flavors.

These are the first new limited edition, collectible froyo spoons of 2017. This year has not been a good year for collectible froyo spoons so far; there have been more collectible froyo cup designs than collectible spoons.

The spoons are available at Yogurtland while supplies last.

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 Froyo Shakes at Menchie's

Fro-yo girl here. Select locations of Menchie’s recently added a new product, frozen yogurt shakes called Froyo Shakes. I think they started testing Froyo Shakes late last year and they recently expanded the number of stores that carry them.

I went to Menchie’s University in Encino, CA, the training center for Menchie’s. They had a sign for the Froyo Shakes. The associate gave me a clear cup which I filled with my choice of toppings, frozen yogurt and/or sorbet. It’s sold by weight like their frozen yogurt. After I filled my cup with the new Tropical Passion Fruit Sorbet, strawberries and pineapple chunks. He added milk to it and mixed it in the blending machine. It would be nice if they had an alternative milk option as well.

The milkshake tasted fine because I did really like the Tropical Passion Fruit sorbet. However, the blending didn’t seem to transform it. There were huge chunks of fruit in the bottom of my cup (too big for the fat straw that I was using). For some reason, the toppings hadn’t been blended into the sorbet. The fruit pieces were as large as they were before they were blended. Maybe I didn’t choose the right toppings or the machine wasn’t working properly?

I will say that I am a fan of Pinkberry's smoothies. They've always been made properly the few times that I've ordered them.

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 Yogurtland Joy Share the Fun Promotion

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland launched their new JOY promotion today. Sun Kissed Strawberry Shortcake frozen yogurt and Homegrown Watermelon Sorbet were released today. The promotion includes five new flavors (release dates below):

• Sun Kissed Strawberry Shortcake (June 5)
• Homegrown Watermelon Sorbet (June 5)
• Sweet N’ Smooth Peaches N’ Cream Gelato (June 19)
• Larger than Life Mud Pie (July 3) 
• Picnic Favorite Apricot Mango Tart (July 17)

Sun Kissed Strawberry Shortcake is a lowfat flavor that’s described as, “With real California strawberries and shortbread cookies, this is a flavor that is sure to please. Fruity bright strawberry with cake and whipped cream notes combine for a deliciously sweet treat!” It has shortcake cookie crumb and condensed milk. I found it to be very strawberry ice cream like. Recommended toppings: Nilla wafers, strawberry puree, almonds.

Homegrown Watermelon Sorbet is gluten free, dairy free and nonfat. It’s made with real watermelon. The flavor is described as, “A sweet, fresh and fruity flavor. Our new sorbet flavor is like biting into a fresh slice of watermelon at a hot summer picnic. It’s the perfect flavor to cool you down and keep you feeling refreshed!” I found it to be sweet, very sweet – even sweeter than I expected. Recommended toppings: Fresh pineapple for tang, popping boba.

The new Joy cups come in two sizes. The new toppings are multi-colored gummy butterflies. There are two new spoons, a brown spoon with a Mud Pie handle and a red spoon with a watermelon slice. I also received a coupon for 3 free ozs.

Promotional flavors, cups, spoons and toppings are available while supplies last.

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.

National Frozen Yogurt Month 2017: Reflections on Frozen Yogurt Trends

Fro-yo girl here. It’s June which means it’s the 24th annual National Frozen Yogurt Month. The first National Frozen Yogurt Month was declared by TCBY. National Frozen Yogurt Day is the first Sunday in June, or June 4, 2017. It’s also the time of year that I like to look at frozen yogurt trends.

Looking at Google Trends, one sees the continual slow decline in the number of searches for the term, frozen yogurt. The peak occurred in July 2013. The number of searches for frozen yogurt shows a cyclical pattern, with fewer searches during the winter months and localized peaks in the summer months.

Interestingly, the number of searches for the term "Greek yogurt" also peaked in 2013 and have been declining since. The search pattern there is different because the number of searches peaks in January, when people are presumably thinking about New Year’s resolutions like eating healthier. The number of searches for the term acai bowl is definitely on the rise though more so in Australia than in the US.

It's interesting to look at the searches by region. The top 5 countries by interest in frozen yogurt are #1. United States, #2. Canada, #3. Denmark, #4. Greece and #5. Australia. These were also the top five countries last June though tiny Denmark (population 5.676 million) has overtaken Greece (population 10.82 million). The two most popular related queries were “yogurt near me” and “frozen yogurt near me.” Consumers are clearly looking for frozen yogurt shop locations. A couple of years ago, they were searching for Pinkberry but now they're searching for Menchie's.

Everyone that I’ve spoken to has mentioned the number of frozen yogurt store closures. I’ve seen many frozen yogurt stores that didn’t have anything unique to offer. Even some frozen yogurt chains lack personality. This is the time that the shops that survive should be sure that they have established a distinct brand identity and that they’ve actively cultivated the loyalty of their customers. It’s a good time to emphasize product quality and customer service. In the end, the places that I want to return to are the higher quality shops. I’d like to see healthier options (lower sugar) too. Places like Yoga-urt in Glendale, CA, Easy Breezy Frozen Yogurt in San Francisco, CA and Culture in New York that make frozen yogurt in small batches, from scratch.

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 New June Flavors: Chocolate Caramel Biscuit and Tropical Passion Fruit Sorbet

Fro-yo girl here. Happy June! Menchie’s has two new feature flavors this month, Chocolate Caramel Biscuit made with Twix and Tropical Passion Fruit Sorbet made with real passion fruit juice from Ecuador. Both flavors are made without artificial flavors. Twix joins the long list of candy bar flavors created by Menchie’s (e.g., Butterfinger, Nestle Crunch, Whoppers, Andes, Heath, Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, Kit Kat, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups).

* Chocolate Caramel Biscuit made with Twix: Very rich and creamy, I think it’s full fat. The milk chocolate flavor dominated but the caramel gave it a distinctive sweetness. Recommended toppings: almonds, Nilla wafers, brownies

* Tropical Passion Fruit Sorbet: I usually don’t like sorbets but I liked this one a lot because it was quite tangy and had that distinctive passion fruit flavor, also the texture wasn’t too icy. Recommended toppings: pineapples, strawberries, popping boba

They also have a new limited edition, collectible cup design featuring DreamWorks’ Captain Underpants, The First Epic Movie. The shop didn’t have the cups during my visit but I saw some Captain Underpants signs.

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.