Saturday, December 31, 2022

My Best Froyo Swirl of 2022


Fro-yo girl here. I’ve looked at all the froyo cups and cones that I consumed this year and found my best looking self-swirl. My best looking swirl happened during my first visit to the new Easy Breezy in Los Gatos. I chose three flavors, vanilla bean gelato, plain tart froyo, and vegan strawberry breeze and added different toppings to each. The proportions of froyo are about equal and the toppings are neatly placed. Yum!

I’ve had 145 cups (and cones) of froyo this year, more than last year’s 134 cups but less than the 153 cups in 2020. My first cup of froyo this year was True Tahini from Yoga-urt in Echo Park (the froyo is naturally sweetened with no sugar added, vegan, organic, and Mr. Froyo’s favorite). My last cup was the plain froyo at Anita Gelato. They opened this year in Tarzana.

Of the 145 cups/cones of froyo, 60% were self-serve (or in some cases, partial serve). A few places that were self-serve still don’t allow customers to add their own toppings (e.g., Yogurtland Eagle Rock, Yogurtland Burbank) but most are back to self-serve froyo and self-serve toppings. In 2021, only 31% of my cups were self-serve and in 2020 that number was 23%.

I’m a big fan of getting just one froyo flavor per visit. This year, 88% of my cups had one flavor. Last year, 90% of my cups had a single flavor. I’m consistent! Eight-one percent of my cups had were dairy-based in 2022 compared to 26% in 2021 and 25% in 2020.

You can see every cup of froyo that I consumed on my Pinterest board.

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.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Painful California Froyo Shop Closures of 2022

Yogurtland, Burbank, Media Center



Fro-yo girl here. Before turning the page on another year, I like to take a moment to remember a few froyo shops that closed during the year. This year, there were fewer froyo shop closures and none of the closures were very painful, but I do have a few that I'd like to mention.

Menchie's, 1040 Mission St., South Pasadena, CA 91030

Menchie's South Pasadena closed this summer. It was the one closest to my house, so I'd been there many times. Truthfully, it went downhill a long time ago many years ago. Part of me is glad that it closed because it reached such a miserable state. The soft serve machines were acting up and they barely offered any flavors. Sometimes the froyo was very icy. 

Yogurt World, 701 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy Suit, B-3, Petaluma, CA 94954

I've never been to the Yogurt World in Petaluma, but it was over 30 years old, so it deserves a mention.

Yogurtland, 304 N San Fernando Blvd, 
Burbank, CA 91502

There are two Yogurtland locations in Burbank. The one in downtown Burbank closed in the fall. I've gone by a few times since then, and the space hadn't been cleared out yet. 

Yogurtland Burbank Media Center was nearly 13 years old. I went a few times, including to the 5th anniversary celebration.

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.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

2022 California Froyo Shop Openings & Closings



Fro-yo girl here. It's been an interesting year for froyo in California. While froyo shops continued to deal with rising costs and supply shortages, the number of non-froyo shops offering froyo seemed to be higher than ever, thanks to froyo vending machines (iCream partnered with Pinkberry) and Nick the Greek. Amazon Go opened three shops in Southern California, two of which offer self-serve Pinkberry froyo.

I tried to keep track of any place that serves froyo in soft serve form, including restaurants, convenience stores, pop-ups, froyo trucks and trailers, vending machines, and more. As usual, it's easier to find out about openings since many places close quietly, without making any announcement. 

Froyo Shop Openings (Includes Froyo Trucks)

  1. Abyss Yogurt, inside Abyss Market, Valley Village
  2. Cool Spot, Brentwood (froyo truck)
  3. Easy Breezy, Los Gatos
  4. Golden Spoon, Valencia (Northpark)
  5. Joy Sedona, Lake Balboa
  6. K&J Froyo & Kafe, Hanford
  7. Lizzy’s Premium Frozen Yogurt, Desert Hot Springs 
  8. Never Better Frozen Yogurt, Lake Elsinore
  9. NuYo, Blue Oaks, West Roseville
  10. Sprinkles on Top, Elk Grove
  11. Sweet Spot, Escalon
  12. Tuttimelon, Fairfield
  13. Waffie & Yogie, Long Beach
  14. Yogurt Mill, Modesto (froyo truck)
  15. Yogurt Stop, Walnut Creek
  16. Yogurtland, Fresno – El Paseo 
  17. Yogurtland, Palmdale - East Ave.
  18. Yogurtland, Madera
  19. Yogurtland, Pixley


Not a Froyo Shop but Serves Froyo

  1. Active Culture, Long Beach
  2. Amazon Go, Whittier 
  3. Amazon Go, Woodland Hills 
  4. Anita Gelato, Tarzana
  5. Jayna Gyro, Sacramento
  6. K Street, Oakland
  7. Loop Market, Sacramento
  8. Nick the Greek, Daly City (Gellert)
  9. Nick the Greek, Elk Grove
  10. Nick the Greek, Foster City
  11. Nick the Greek, Fresno
  12. Nick the Greek, Novato
  13. Nick the Greek, Roseville - Fountains
  14. Nick the Greek, San Francisco
  15. Nick the Greek, Santa Rosa
  16. Nick the Greek, Vacaville
  17. Nick the Greek, Walnut Creek
  18. Souvla, Dogpatch, San Francisco
  19. Sweetie’s Ice Cream Shop, Santa Barbara
  20. Valley Swirl, Los Angeles (moved)


Vending Machines

  1. Pinkberry, Cabazon, Palm Springs
  2. Pinkberry, Westfield Santa Anita, Arcadia
  3. Pinkberry, Topanga, Canoga Park
  4. Pinkberry, Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks
  5. Pinkberry, Beverly Center, Los Angeles
  6. Pinkberry, Ontario International Airport, Terminal 2
  7. Pinkberry, Ontario International Airport, Terminal 4
  8. Pinkberry, Pacific View Mall, Ventura
That's a total of 46 new places that serve froyo: 18 new froyo shops (including two froyo trucks), 20 non-froyo shops, and 8 froyo vending machines. In 2021, I found 26 new places that started serving froyo, including 15 new froyo shops, 10 non-froyo shops that serve froyo, plus one existing cafĂ© that added froyo. That's a lot more in 2022 vs. 2021. 

I didn’t count the rebranded froyo businesses or the ones under new ownership, but I did try to track both.

Name Change/Rebranded

  • U Top It Subs & Sweets, Ukiah (moved, changed name from U Top It)


New Ownership

  1. JoJo’s Yogurt, Clovis
  2. Menchie's, Fremont
  3. Tutti Frutti Canyon Country, Santa Clarita
  4. Urban Yogurt, Shingle Springs
  5. Waffie & Yogie, Long Beach


Closings

  1. Big Spoon, Roseville
  2. Cherry Chill, Ontario
  3. Go Crazy, Concord
  4. Hogi Yogi, Redlands
  5. Menchie’s South Pasadena
  6. Menchie's, Santa Maria
  7. Mickey’s Yogurt, Riverside
  8. Owl’s Ice Cream, Porter Ranch
  9. PennyLane, Campbell
  10. Riyo Yogurt, Lotus
  11. Tutti Frutti, Buena Park
  12. Tutti Frutti, North Hills
  13. Tutti Frutti, Piedmont, Oakland
  14. Valley Swirl, Los Angeles (moved)
  15. YoFrutti, Moorpark
  16. Yogurt Creations, Santa Maria
  17. Yogurt World USA, Petaluma
  18. Yogurtland, Santa Ana – Main Place Mall
  19. Yogurtland, Brentwood
  20. Yogurtland, Burbank - Downtown
  21. Yogurtland, Whittier
As for froyo shop closings, I found twenty-one this year (and some weren't technically froyo shops, but I grouped them together since most were froyo shops). Three Yogurtland locations closed in Southern California and two Menchie's locations. One Yogurtland location closed in Northern California. In 2021, I found 45 closings, including 8 Menchie’s locations, 2 Pinkberry locations, 4 Tutti Frutti locations, and 6 Yogurtland locations. 

And more froyo is on the way. I found 20 places listed as opening soon.


Coming soon

  1. Beary Bliss, Big Bear Lake
  2. Menchie's, Burbank (moved)
  3. Nick the Greek, Berkeley
  4. Nick the Greek, Folsom
  5. Nick the Greek, Hayward
  6. Nick the Greek, Hollister
  7. Nick the Greek, Marin
  8. Nick the Greek, Monterey
  9. Nick the Greek, Mountain View
  10. Nick the Greek, Natomas
  11. Nick the Greek, Oakland
  12. Nick the Greek, Palo Alto
  13. Nick the Greek, Sacramento
  14. Nick the Greek, Salinas
  15. Nick the Greek, Sonoma
  16. Nick the Greek, Stockton
  17. Nick the Greek, Tracy
  18. Pinkberry, Manteca (1st drive-thru)
  19. Souvla, Larkspur
  20. Yoba, Ontario

Since I find out about openings and closings after publishing my post, I’ll keep updating this post. Did I miss any openings or closings? Let me know.

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.

Thursday, December 22, 2022

The 2022 Christmas Spirit Froyo Shop Winner

 



Fro-yo girl here. Last Christmas, 16 Handles in Stamford, Connecticut was named the first winner of the Christmas Spirit Froyo Shop (Virtual) Award. They demonstrated their holiday spirit with elaborate window displays and store decorations and they had two holiday new flavors: Butter Cookie ice cream and Cinnamon Bun oatmilk soft serve. They even had a staff holiday party. Congrats!

This year, I’ve seen new holiday froyo flavors, holiday toppings, holiday spoons, holiday cups, holiday promotions, holiday gift card designs, festive store decorations, holiday froyo cakes, visits from Santa, and more. Taking all of these into consideration, the froyo shop (or chain) with the most holiday spirit in 2022 is…Yogurtland.

It’s been years since Yogurtland has shown this much holiday spirit. Remember their annual Yuletide promotions when they introduced 12 holiday flavors? Think back a decade. When they first started the promo, they had a new holiday flavor available for one day for 12 consecutive days! 

It’s nice to see that they’ve got their holiday spirit back. This year, they had a new holiday cup design featuring gold stars on a background of red and burgundy, a cup of froyo, and the words Love, Hope, and Joy. Then there were two new holiday flavors, Chocolate Peppermint Cookie froyo and Snickerdoodle froyo, new holiday toppings (mini Stroopwaffel cookies, holiday tree gummies), and a new holiday spoon that’s red and has a present on the end of the handle. It didn’t end there. They introduced an intriguing White Elephant froyo flavor, which apparently is more than one flavor. There’s an online exclusive froyo creation called the Sugar and Spice cup which features Snickerdoodle froyo topped with Holiday Gummies and Stroopwafels. The gift cards feature holiday designs. They gave out Yogurtland holiday sticker sheets and had a few holiday promos and giveaways, like double points for Real Rewards members. Also, there’s new Yogurtland merchandise, including apparel for adults and kids, bibs, giant froyo spoons, mugs, tumblers, hats, totes, backpacks, pet accessories, and more. Proceeds from the sale of Yogurtland merchandise will be donated to Yogurtland Cares, Yogurtland's non-profit that supports organizations that assist women and children. So, they’re helping others during the holidays (and beyond).

My Christmas-y froyo images Pinterest board has over 1,500 images. https://www.pinterest.com/froyogirl/christmas-y-froyo-images/

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.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

My Favorite Froyo Flavors of 2022

 

Limoncello by Pinkberry


Fro-yo girl here. This was a good year for new froyo flavors. The International Frozen Yogurt Association found 77 new froyo flavors that were introduced in 2022. Sadly, I wasn’t able to try them all but I did try all the new flavors from Menchie’s, Pinkberry, and Yogurtland. That’s 30 new flavors that I tried this year. And my favorite flavors were…

Best Tart Froyo: Tie between Limoncello and Strawberry Shortcake by Pinkberry

I just can’t choose between the two. Love the slightly bitter edge of the Limoncello froyo. Both were tangy and smooth. So good!!!

Best Sweet Froyo: Snickerdoodle by Yogurtland

Snickerdoodle is mild and scrumptious, like snickerdoodle cookies are. The cinnamon is not overpowering. It goes so well with so many toppings especially cookie toppings.

Best Vegan Non-Froyo: Watermelon sorbet made with Sour Patch Kids by Yogurtland


I’ve loved Sour Patch Kids for a long time. I still had my doubts about a sorbet that’s candy flavor. Yogurtland pulled it off. Yes, it tastes like candy but the tanginess makes it addictive. I had it a couple of times and I rarely like sorbets.

2022 had some great new flavors. To see a list of 2022’s new flavors, see https://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/news/new-froyo-flavors-and-trends-of-2022

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.

Saturday, December 17, 2022

New Froyo Spoons of 2022

 

Menchie's 15th birthday spoons

Fro-yo girl here. You know I love my froyo spoons. So, froyo spoon collectors out there, these were the new froyo spoons that were released in the US in 2022. I’ve noted the shop, spoon color, and theme.

New spoons:

  • Menchie’s, green, Spring for Froyo! Chip with a skateboard
  • Menchie’s, teal, 15th birthday, Let’s Celebrate spoon with Menchie wearing a party hat
  • Menchie’s, grey, Mellow Hooked on Books
  • sweetFrog, pink color-changing, Gabby’s Playhouse
  • Yogurtland, green, Sour Patch Kids
  • Yogurtland, giant turquoise spoon for National Spoon Day
  • Yogurtland, red, wrapped Christmas present spoon

There were seven new froyo spoon designs, the same as in 2021. One of the new spoons was a giant spoon.

I noticed Moyo in Mexico introduced a new spoon for the new Minions movie.

Check out all the fancy froyo spoons on the Pinterest board, Fancy Froyo 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.

Thursday, December 15, 2022

New Test Flavor at Menchie’s: Vegan Cake Batter


 

Fro-yo girl here. I recently visited Menchie’s in Encino, California and there was a new test flavor, Vegan Cake Batter made with almond milk. It’s kosher and made with no artificial flavors and no artificial flavors.

Vegan Cake Batter was smooth and creamy but it tasted like egg nog to me, though I could taste the almonds too. It was unusual…didn’t really like it. I don’t like cake batter froyo in general.

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

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

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.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Amazon Go Opens in Torrance, CA Without Pinkberry & in Woodland Hills With Pinkberry



Amazon Go Torrance



Fro-yo girl here. Amazon Go, Amazon’s convenience store, opened quietly in Torrance, CA last month. The Torrance store is their second in the Los Angeles area and is 6,100 sq. ft. The first opened in Whittier, CA in September 2022. The new Amazon Go format first opened in Mill Creek, Washington in April 2022. The new format features Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” technology that allows shoppers to use the Amazon app to skip the checkout. The technology tracks what you walk out with and charges your Amazon account.

Amazon Go offers grab-and-go food and beverages, freshly prepared food including sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and avocado toast, hot food (e.g., cheese pizza, sandwiches), snacks, essentials, coffee, pastries, kombucha on tap, etc. However, the Torrance location does NOT have self-serve Pinkberry froyo! The information provided by Amazon Go to Yelp shows that they have Pinkberry in Torrance. I looked all over for the Pinkberry machine and to confirm, spoke to the store clerk. 


Amazon Go, Woodland Hills


The Woodland Hills Amazon Go opened on December 1 and it does have self-serve Pinkberry for $4.99 (flat rate). The price includes toppings. They had two flavors of froyo: original and pomegranate and three kinds of toppings: mini milk chocolate gems, granola, and chocolate chips. FYI, the store is filled with potential toppings, like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, scones, vegan donuts, nuts, potato chips, candy, and more.

Amazon Go is a nicer convenience store and has lower prices on some of the same items carried by Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. The prepared food is better than the average convenience store. You can also use the Just Walk Out Technology and skip the trip to the register. Also, you can place your food order at a kiosk. The $3 breakfast sandwiches are fresh, customizable (made to order), and really good.

Amazon hopes to have zero carbon certification for these three outlets in Southern California soon.

* AMAZON GO: 22135 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
* AMAZON GO: 22001 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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.

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Humphrey Slocombe Creates Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream Inspired by Frozen the Musical




Fro-yo girl here. It’s been six years since I last mentioned Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream. I’ve mentioned them twice because they sometimes offer scoopable froyo. Well, they have froyo, aka yogurt ice cream right now. Their new flavor, FROZEN, is inspired by the new Disney FROZEN musical.

FROZEN is a yogurt ice cream with lemon, blueberries, and blue spirulina. The spirulina gives it that blue color you’d associate with FROZEN the movie/ the musical. It’s described as lightly sweet and perfectly tart. I ordered a scoop of FROZEN. It did taste like yogurt and it was slightly tart. I love blueberries and lemon together. Surprisingly, I could barely taste either. It tasted more like brown sugar and cream, with a yogurt aftertaste. The texture was thick, dense, and creamy but it did not taste like blueberries or lemon. I didn’t love it or hate it.

FROZEN yogurt ice cream is available at Humphry Slocombe scoop shops through December 15. There are 6 scoop shops in the Bay Area, including in SF, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and Redwood City.

To celebrate the new flavor and musical, they gave away tickets to see FROZEN in San Francisco and also pints of the new FROZEN flavor. That giveaway has ended though.

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.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

New Menchie’s Flavor: Peppermint Brownie, New Puss In Boots Cup




Fro-yo girl here. I’m back from Menchie’s Encino, which had a small Christmas tree, holiday gift card offer, holiday froyo flavors, and a new Puss In Boots promo.

NEW Peppermint Brownie made with Hershey's Chocolate froyo: The new festive flavor is made with real Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, cake batter, peppermint, and cocoa. The froyo contains no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and no high-fructose corn syrup. I could taste the peppermint but the chocolate tasted chalky. I guess the cake batter made it chalky. Not a fan of cake batter froyo. The texture was smooth and creamy.

They brought back Holiday Eggnog froyo which does taste like eggnog. I don’t like eggnog though.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Partnership: Menchie's has a new cup design that features Dreamworks Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The new cups are available for a limited time. I also spotted some Puss in Boots signs near the froyo machines. Puss in Boots favorite flavor is Blackberry Burst according to the sign.

Double Points on 12/13: FYI, be sure to save the date, December 13 and scan your Menchie’s app that day for double smiles.

Holiday Gift Card Offer: Finally, you’ll get a FREE $5 bonus card when you buy $25 in Menchie’s gift cards in store. The offer ends on December 31, 2022.

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.

Monday, December 5, 2022

New Pressed Freeze Flavor: Mint Freeze



Fro-yo girl here. Pressed has been introducing so many new Freeze flavors this year. Wow. The newest flavor is Spirulina Mint which is made with better for you ingredients: agave syrup, coconut cream, almonds, mint natural flavor, sea salt, and spirulina extract. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.

Mint Freeze: It’s icier and the mint flavor wasn’t as strong as I expected. The soft serve had tiny yellow bits throughout and I’m not sure what they were. Spirulina? It was sweet and refreshing without tasting like toothpaste. It wasn’t bad but the Pumpkin Freeze was much better.

Pressed has a new seasonal sundae called Mint Chocolate Chip. It’s made with Mint Freeze and topped with chocolate chips and cacao drizzle.

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.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Menchie’s Testing New Flavor, Dark Chocolate Candy




Fro-yo girl here. I recently visited Menchie’s in Encino, California – that’s the location where they test new flavors and ask for guest feedback. The newest test flavor is Dark Chocolate Candy made with Dove Dark Chocolate frozen yogurt. It’s made with no artificial flavors and no artificial flavors.

Dark Chocolate Candy tasted like other Menchie’s chocolate froyo flavors in the past – something like fudgsicle. There was just a hint of dark chocolate. It was sweeter and more like milk chocolate. It wasn’t as good as Menchie’s Rich Dark Chocolate made with Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate.

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

* MENCHIE’S: 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.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

IFYA Announces Results of the National Frozen Yogurt Survey



Fro-yo girl here. The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) sponsored the National (US) Frozen Yogurt Survey this fall. There were two versions of the survey, one for consumers and one for shop owners.

Frozen yogurt consumers in the United States responded to an online survey about frozen yogurt in September 2022. The survey measured loyalty, liking for major frozen yogurt chains, frozen yogurt preferences, what they’re looking for from frozen yogurt shops, current and future consumption, what would increase their froyo shop visit frequency, etc.

There were 1,318 responses. The survey found that froyo shop visit frequency was greater than 2021. The most important froyo shop attribute was quality froyo; cleanliness slipped from #2 most important in 2021 to #3 in 2022. When asked about their favorite shop, Pinkberry ranked #1.




In October 2022, IFYA invited frozen yogurt shop owners in the United States to take an anonymous online survey. The survey asked about operational practices, shop and owner characteristics, supplier satisfaction, concerns, and shop performance.

The goals of the shop owner survey were to provide shop owners with benchmarks for assessing how they compare to other shops, help suppliers learn more about how shops felt about their suppliers, and provide an overall sense of where the frozen yogurt industry is headed by looking at trends over time.

There were 30 responses. The survey found that 63% of respondents said their sales had returned to pre-pandemic levels. As in 2021, their main concerns were rising costs and finding and retaining good employees. Most are satisfied with their soft serve machines and soft serve mix suppliers.

The full results are available for $150 per report. To order the report or for more information, please contact us at info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com

A limited set of results is available for IFYA members in the members only section of our website.

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

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



Thursday, November 24, 2022

2022 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Froyo Specials

 




Fro-yo girl here. Happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday! Most froyo shops are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Some are closed all Thanksgiving week.

While froyo shops are resting, I’ve been busy finding Black Friday/Cyber Monday froyo specials. And here they are, in alphabetical order.

  • 16 Handles (New City, NY): Get $100 in gift cards for $50 on 11/25, in-store only
  • 16 Handles (participating locations): 30% off a $100 gift card, 20% off a $50 gift card, on 11/25/22
  • Active Culture (CA, Bend, OR): Buy one $50 gift card, get a $10 gift card for free till 11/28/22
  • Blitzer's Yogurt (CA): Spend $20 in gift cards on 11/25, get $5 in Blitzers Bucks
  • Blue Spoon (WA): Buy a $25 gift card on 11/25, get a $5 gift card free
  • Chilly Billy's (Duluth, MN): Free $5 gift card for every $25 gift card purchase on 11/25/22
  • Cityice (Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina): Ask for a voucher on Black Friday for 55% off icew cream and 65% off froyo
  • Exotic Berry (McAllen, TX): Buy one, get one 50% off during Black Friday weekend
  • Farmhouse Froyo (TX): Buy one, get 1 free on froyo on 11/25
  • The FroYo Factory (Fairmont, WV): $25 in gift cards for $15 on 11/25/22
  • Froyo Shoppe (Simsbury, CT): Buy one, get one 8 oz froyo on Black Friday 
  • Frutti Swirl (Mauritius): 50% off waffle cones on 11/25 & 11/26
  • Go Greek: BOGO free froyo on 11/25/22
  • Golden Spoon (Upland, CA): Buy one froyo, get a second for 50% off on 11/25 - 11/27
  • Hoopla (St. Joe, MI): Buy one, get one half off on 11/25 for froyo, Hoopla shirts & gourmet popcorn
  • Igloo Frozen Yogurt Bar (Berea, OH): Buy $20 in gift cards, get $5; buy $40, get $10 on 11/25 - 11/26
  • Island Frozen Yogurt Bar (Henderson, NV): Buy 1, get one of equal or lesser value free on 11/25/22
  • Jono Yogo (Hungary): 20% off froyo from 11/25 - 11/27/22
  • Just Peachy (Burlington, WA): 10% off physical gift cards, 15% off egift cards on 11/25
  • Just Peachy (Marysville, WA): Buy 1, get 1 50% off on 11/25/22
  • Kiwi Loco (Twin Falls, IA): Buy 1, get 1 20% off; buy 2, get 1 40% off; buy 3 get 1 50% off - 16 oz cups on 11/25/22
  • La Yogurteria (Trento, Italy): Buy one, get one 50% off from Nov. 25 - 27
  • La Yogurteria (Vico Equense, Italy): 30% off on 11/25, 20% off on 11/26, 10% off on 11/27
  • Llaollao (Spain): 30% off your purchase during Black Friday week for Club llaollao members
  • Llaollao (Malaysia, Brunei): Black llaollao available one day only, 11/25/22
  • Lynden FroYo (Lynden, WA): On 11/25, buy $25 in gift certificates, get a $5 gift certificate for free
  • MeltenCo (Brazil): Buy 2 froyo cups for 50% off on Black Friday
  • Menchie's (Warner Robins, GA): 30% off your froyo on 11/25/22
  • The Mix (Valdosta, GA): BOGO $5 gift cards on Black Friday
  • Myfroyoland (Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India): BOGO free on 11/25/22
  • Myo Frozen Yogurt (CA): Buy $25 in gift cards on 11/25 and get a free 16 oz cup of froyo, limit one per transaction
  • Orange Leaf (Alliance, OH): BOGO free on 11/25 & 11/26/22
  • Pinkberry (Nigeria): 50% off froyo - all sizes and flavors on 11/25
  • POG (Ireland): 10% off on gift cards on 11/25/22
  • The Skinny Dip (St. Pete, FL): Buy one, get one 50% off on 11/25
  • Spoon (Williamstown, MA): Buy a $20 gift card, get a $30 value on Black Friday
  • SummerSweet (Colorado Springs, CO): 25% off on 11/25/22
  • Surfin' Spoon (Nags Head, NC): 40% select items on 11/25/22
  • The Sweet Escape (Asheville, NC): 30% off on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
  • SweetFrog: On Black Friday, enjoy 2 small cups of froyo for $10 for loyalty members
  • SweetFrog (Dominican Republic): Fill your pink cup for RD$199 + ITBIS on 11/25/22
  • Tasty Waves (New Milford, CT): Spend $25 in gift cards, get $5 card for free on 11/25 -11/26
  • Tutti Frutti (Australia): No weigh $9.95 cup on 11/25
  • Twist It Top It (Howard Beach, NY): Buy four gift cards, get one free till 11/30/22
  • Twisted Frozen Yogurt (Middletown, DE): Buy a $25 gift card, get a 16 oz bubble tea for free or an extra $5 value on your gift card on 11/25
  • Ultimate Yogurt (Eureka, CA): Get a $40 gift card for $20 on November 25 – 26, December 1
  • Urban Swirl & Scoop (Granger, IN): Buy $25 or more in gift cards, get a $5 bonus card starting 11/25
  • Yo-Gainz (Carrum, Australia): BOGO free on November 25 - 26
  • The Yog Bar (UK): On Black Friday, save up to 50%, screenshot the offer on IG @theyogbar to redeem
  • Yog-art (San Diego, CA): 20% off egift cards on 11/25 with code BLKFRIDAY
  • Yogiboost (Sweden): Flat rate froyo cups, max price 69 SEK/cup from November 24 - 27, 2022
  • Yogurt Beach (Naperville, IL): Buy $25 in gift cards on 11/25 & get a free gift card
  • Yogurtland (Guam): 30% off orders on 11/25/22
  • Yogurtland (US): On November 28 only, guests will receive a $5 Bonus Card with any eGift purchase of $25 or more and Real Rewards members get 3x points. On Cyber Monday, get a $5 bonus card with $25 eGift card purchase
  • Yogurtland (South Africa): Buy one, get one free for the first 25 guests on Black Friday, medium or large froyo with no toppings (toppings sold separately)
  • Yogurtlandia (Brezice, Slovenia): Save up to 40% on froyo on 11/25 (10% off for a small, 20% off a medium, 30% off a large, 40% off an extra large)
  • Yogurtini Legends: Spend $20 and get a free $5 gift card on 11/25, show offer IG @yogurtinilegends
  • Yogurtown (Allen Park, MI): Show post to get BOGO free on froyo and bubble tea, starting 11/25 - good through 12/31, IG @yogurtown
  • Yole (Cambodia): Buy 2 small cups, get 1 free from 11/25 - 11/27/22
  • Yum Frozen Yogurt (Hornell, NY): $5 fill up 12 oz cup, $8 for a $10 gift card on 11/25
  • Yummy Frozen Yogurt (Hawkinsville, GA): 50% off froyo and gift cards on 11/25 - 11/27

I’ll update this list a few times. You can also view Black Friday froyo specials on this Pinterest board, https://www.pinterest.com/froyogirl/black-friday-froyo-specials/

A lot of shops (e.g., Menchie's, Pinkberry) already have gift card specials that I haven't listed, unless the promotion is specifically for Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

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.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Menchie’s Burbank Could Reopen This Month

 


Fro-yo girl here. It’s been a year since I reported that the Menchie’s location in Burbank, California was moving (but staying in the same shopping center). They had to build out the new spot, which is right next to their old spot. The old spot became an Urbane CafĂ© which recently opened.

The goal was to open in the fall, before the school year started. They’re now hoping to open right before Thanksgiving! You heard it here first. And the exterior sign is up. The windows were covered, so I couldn’t see anything.

Update: It looks like the opening will occur in December.

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

* MENCHIE’S: 3800 W Verdugo Ave, Burbank, CA 91505

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.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Pressed Pumpkin Freeze Returns, Try the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Freeze Sundae

 



Fro-yo girl here. Pressed first introduced Pumpkin Freeze in 2019. I remember liking it then but the texture was off (too melted, too gritty). Shame. Well, Pumpkin Freeze is back. I was told that it’s been tweaked to be creamier than before. And my experience backs up that statement. It’s really good! The spices aren’t overpowering and you can really taste the pumpkin. Plus, it’s not so sweet. The texture was thick and smooth this time!

Pressed is recommending the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Freeze Sundae: Pumpkin Freeze with granola butter and pecan pralines. Sounds good but I loved Pumpkin Freeze with my favorite Pressed topping, almond butter, plus the pecan pralines and snickerdoodle cookie crumble. Crunchy, creamy, nutty and delightful!

Pumpkin Freeze ingredients: Water, Pumpkin Puree, Maple Syrup, Almonds, Vanilla Extract, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg.

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.


Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Yogurtland Holiday Stickers

 



Fro-yo girl here. Look at what I found at Yogurtland for free – a sheet of holiday stickers! The stickers include a penguin holding a cup of froyo, a cup of froyo, a snowman holding a cup of froyo, a red Yogurtland spoon, etc. Thanks, Yogurtland! Happy holidays! Will be eating lots of Yogurtland froyo…especially the Snickerdoodle flavor.

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.

Friday, November 11, 2022

2022 Veterans Day Froyo Offers



Fro-yo girl here. Thank you, vets and active military, for your service to this country. I’ve compiled a list of froyo shops that are honoring veterans & active military with a froyo discount or free froyo for Veterans Day. Here’s the alphabetical list:

  • 3 Spoons (Waco, TX): Vets get a free 8 oz cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Aspen Leaf (Farmington, NM): Vets & active military enjoy a FREE cup of 14oz yogurt on 11/11/22
  • Ayelada (Pittsfield, MA): Free froyo on 11/11/22 for military vets and active duty personnel
  • Blenderz (Evansville, IN): 20% off for vets & active duty military on 11/11
  • Blue Cow Frozen Yogurt (Boise, ID): Vets and active military enjoy a free cone on 11/11
  • Cherry On Top Hawaii: Vets take 10% off your purchase on 11/11
  • EZ Freezy (Portland, OR): Vets get 50% off their bubble tea or froyo on 11/11
  • Farmhouse Froyo (TX): Vets get 8 oz free on 11/11
  • FroYo (St. Louis, MO): Vets & active military take 20% off your purchase on 11/11
  • FroYo 2 Go (Fort Belvoir, VA): Vets and active military, enjoy 10% off on 11/11 and 11/12
  • Froyo Factory (Lavale, MD): Vets get a free milkshake, boba drink or 12 cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Froyo Shop (Madison, OH): Vets enjoy a free bowl of froyo, up to $5 on 11/11
  • Frugos (Yucaipa, CA): Vets & active duty get 50% off on 11/11
  • Hoopla (St. Joe, MI): Veterans who come in on 11/11 get a free small sundae
  • Menchie’s: First 6 oz free for vets and active military on November 11
  • The Mix (Valdosta, GA): Vets receive a free 16 oz cup of froyo with a military ID on 11/11
  • Monster Yogurt (Dallas, TX): Vets & active duty military eat free on 11/11
  • Never Better Frozen Yogurt (Lake Elsinore, CA): First 10 oz free for all active and retired military on 11/11 or enjoy a free float
  • Oh My Yogurt (Lodi, CA): Vets get a $4 discount on froyo on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf (Washington, MO): On 11/11, vets and active military get a free small cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Springfield, MO): On 11/11, vets and active military get a free small cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Norwood, MA): Current & former members of the military get a free 8 oz cup on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf Towne Lake (Cypress, TX): Vets get $2 off your purchase on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf (Overland Park, KS): 50% off a cup of froyo on 11/11 for those who served
  • Peachwave (Holland, MI): Vets & active military get 20% of one bowl, smoothie or hot cocoa on Nov. 11, 2022
  • Pinkberry (Michigan): Vets & active military enjoy 10% off your order on 11/11/22
  • Rainbow Frozen Yogurt (Apple Valley, CA): Vets get 50% off their froyo on 11/11
  • Simply Swirled (Cape Girardeau, MO): Vets enjoy 6 oz of free froyo on 11/11
  • The Skinny Dip (Plantation, FL): Honoring all who served with a 20% discount on 11/11
  • The Skinny Dip (Hampton, VA): Vets and active duty military enjoy a free bowl of froyo on 11/11
  • The Skinny Dip (Sarasota, FL): Veterans enjoy 20% off your purchase on 11/11
  • The Skinny Dip (Ocoee, FL): Vets and active duty military enjoy a free bowl of froyo on 11/11
  • Spoon Cafe (Williamstown, MA): On 11/11, free small two topping froyo for all who served
  • SummerSweet Frozen Yogurt (Colorado Springs, CO): Vets and active military take 25% off your purchase on 11/11
  • Sweet Spot (Escalon, CA): 25% off for vets on 11/11
  • Sweet Susie's (Branson, MO): Vets get a complimentary slice of cheesecake per frozen treat purchase on 11/11
  • Sweet Toppings (Andover, MN): All who served get a free sundae on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Victorville, CA): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Findlay, OH): Vets & active military get a free small cup on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Cincinnati, OH): 25% off military discount on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Dundalk, MD): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Rosedale, MD): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Salisbury, MD): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Laurel, MD): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Salisbury, NC): BOGO free with military ID on 11/11/22
  • Sweetfrog (Schererville, IN): Vets & active military enjoy a free cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Sweetfrog (Chantilly, VA): Vets & active military enjoy a free small cup of froyo on 11/11, up to a $5 value
  • Sweetfrog (Brambleton, VA): Vets & active military enjoy a free small cup of froyo on 11/11, up to a $5 value
  • Sweetfrog (Hickory, NC): Free 12 oz cup of froyo on 11/11 for active duty military & vets
  • Sweetfrog (Horseheads, NY): Vets get a free small cup with ID on 11/11
  • Swirl Time (Rohnert Park, CA): All who served, enjoy 20% off on 11/11
  • TCBY (nationwide): First 6 oz free for vets and active military on November 11
  • Tutti Frutti (Port St. Lucie, FL): Vets get 20% on 11/11
  • Wild Culture (Hastings-on-Hudson, NY): Vets enjoy 15% off on 11/11 and 10% off for the rest of the week
  • Yagoot (OH): Vets get $1 off on 11/11
  • Yodels Froyo (Muskegon, MI): Free cup of froyo for all who have served on 11/11
  • Yogo Crazy (Wyomissing, PA): Honoring all who served on 11/11/22 with 8 oz of free froyo (limit one per customer)
  • Yogurt Breeze (Lake Nona, FL): Vets and active duty military enjoy 30 % off your purchase on 11/11
  • The Yogurt Experience (Round Rock, TX): Free froyo for vets & active duty military on 11/10 - 11/12/22
  • Yogurt Factory (Temecula, CA): Vets & active duty military, get up to 16 oz free froyo on 11/11
  • Yogurt Mill (Modesto, CA): Vets come by the truck for a free froyo on 11/11 from 11 AM - 2 PM, the froyo truck will be parked outside Texas Roadhouse
  • Yogurt Pop! (Rancho Murieta, CA): Free froyo or milkshake for vets & current service members on 11/11
  • The Yogurt Shop (McMinnville, OR): All vets get a free cup of froyo with one topping on 11/11
  • Yogurt Shoppe (Pendleton, OR): Vets get a free froyo on 11/11
  • Yogurt Stop (West Hollywood, CA): Vets receive 15% off on 11/11
  • Yogurtini Legends (Kansas City, KS): Vets & active military eat free on 11/11/22
  • Yogurtini Plaza, Shoal Creek & Overland Park (KS): Vets eat free on Nov. 11
  • Yogurtology (FL, AZ): Vets and active military enjoy 5 oz free on 11/11

Be sure to bring your military ID or proof of service. I plan to update this list a few more times.

Also, I'd like to point out that Menchie's has been the most consistent about recognizing vets and active duty military on Veterans 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.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Pinkberry Brings Back Chocolate Chip Cookie Frozen Yogurt



Fro-yo girl here. Pinkberry’s latest flavor introduction, their last in 2022, is Chocolate Chip Cookie frozen yogurt. They first introduced this flavor in 2014 and I thought it was decent – haven’t had it much since it was introduced. In fact, I don’t remember seeing it for a long time. I’m not super excited about the return of the flavor but I can see why they’ve brought back a sweet flavor for the end of the holiday season.

From the Pinkberry press release: “To celebrate the holiday season and first few days of the new year, our beloved Chocolate Chip Cookie frozen yogurt will spark fond memories and inspire new ones to be enjoyed with family and friends. This satisfying swirl will also be featured in combination with chocolate chip cookie crumbles. For an extra festive spin, guests can also top any swirl with peppermint bark, available for a limited time.”

Here's my review from 2014, "Chocolate chip cookie froyo: It’s a light tan color with teeeny chocolate bits. There are no visible or discernible cookie pieces. It’s a smooth, creamy and lighter than soft serve ice cream. It’s sweet and mild - I wouldn’t say it has a strong cookie flavor. It tastes more like vanilla with a hint of cookie and a hint of chocolate."

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.


Wednesday, November 9, 2022

New Yogurtland Holiday Flavors, New Holiday Spoon & Cup & More







Fro-yo girl here. ‘Tis the season and Yogurtland is full of festive spirit. They’ve also been busy putting together a big holiday promotion that includes new froyo flavors, new froyo toppings, a new holiday cup, a new holiday spoon, and branded merchandise and accessories. 

Let’s start with the new cup design, featuring gold stars on a background of red and burgundy, a cup of froyo, and the words Love, Hope, and Joy. Love, Hope & Joy were the inspiration for  the 2017 Yogurtland campaign and the words also appear on some of the new branded Yogurtland merchandise. The last new Yogurtland cup design was introduced in 2020 for the launch of the smoothie bowl.

The new holiday spoon is red and has a present on the end of the handle. On the back of the spoon, it says Join Real Rewards. It’s the third new Yogurtland spoon this year.

The two new froyo flavors are both inspired by holiday cookies. 

Chocolate Peppermint Cookie: This new flavor reminded me of the old Yogurtland flavor, Chocolate Mint Cookies. I haven’t had Chocolate Mint Cookies in so long! And I used to like it a lot. Chocolate Peppermint Cookie was pretty chocolatey but I could also taste peppermint. I think I like Chocolate Mint Cookies froyo better. Recommended toppings: chocolate shell, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.

Snickerdoodle: The cinnamon wasn’t too strong; the mild flavor of cinnamon and buttery cookies was delicious. The texture was smooth and creamy. Recommended toppings: Biscoff cookie crumbs, mini Stroopwaffel cookies

There was also a White Elephant froyo flavor. The mystery flavor is described as: “Like the iconic White Elephant holiday gift exchange, this ever-changing and unexpected flavor is a fun and mysterious surprise.” The yogurt was red and creamy; it tasted like red velvet cupcake batter. 

The new toppings included mini Stroopwaffel cookies and tree-shaped holiday gummies.

In other Yogurtland news, Yogurtland launched its first branded apparel and merchandise collection. The collection includes apparel for adults and kids, bibs, giant froyo spoons, mugs, tumblers, hats, totes, backpacks, pet accessories, and more. Proceeds from the sale of Yogurtland merchandise will be donated to Yogurtland Cares, Yogurtland's non-profit that supports organizations that assist women and children.

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.


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

New Flavors at Menchie’s: Dutch Apple Pie and Cinnamon Hot Cocoa, Veterans Day Offer, Holiday Gift Card Bonus

 



Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s has been busy. This month, there are two new featured froyo flavors. They’re also giving veterans free froyo on Veterans Day again. For the holidays, there’s a sweet deal: Buy $25 or more in Menchie’s gift card and get a free $5 bonus gift card.

Cinnamon Hot Cocoa made with Hershey’s Chocolate froyo
: Get cozy with a cup of Cinnamon Hot Cocoa froyo, spiced with cinnamon and made with Hershey’s chocolate. This froyo is gluten-free and contains no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and no high fructose corn syrup. The texture was creamy, the chocolate flavor mild and smooth and the cinnamon prominent. It wasn’t crazy sweet. Recommended toppings: whipped cream, chocolate chips, marshmallow sauce.

Dutch Apple Pie froyo is your classic apple pie in froyo form. It’s made with real apples, cinnamon, and graham crackers. I was surprised by how much the yogurt tasted like apples! The sweet apple flavor was the strongest but there was a hint of warmth from the graham crackers. I prefer tangy apples personally. Recommended toppings: graham crackers, caramel sauce.

Menchie’s featured flavors are available for a limited time only, while supplies last.

On Veterans Day, November 11, veterans get 6 oz of free froyo. The offer applies to active duty military as well. To redeem, show proof of service or a valid military ID.

For the holiday promo, buy $25 in gift cards and get a free $5 bonus card. This offer applies to in-store purchases 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.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Last Few Days to Take the National (US) Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey






Fro-yo girl here. The National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey, sponsored by the International Frozen Yogurt Association, is a short, anonymous online survey for froyo shop owners and foodservice businesses that serve soft serve froyo in the US. It was created to help shop owners learn about how they're doing relative to other froyo shops, as well as to capture trends in the frozen yogurt industry.

The survey asks about shop performance, profitability, satisfaction with suppliers, operational practices, management, etc. Anyone who takes the survey will also receive the full results when they are available (most likely later this month). The survey closes at midnight PST on Sunday, November 6.

Take the survey now: https://tinyurl.com/2022froyoowner

Only foodservice business owners who participate in the current National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey, those who share the survey URL, and IFYA advisory board members will have free access to the full results of the shop owner survey. IFYA members will have free access to a limited set of results.

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.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Sweetkiwi Whipped Greek Froyo Review





Fro-yo girl here. The day I heard that Sweetkiwi Whipped Greek Froyo was being carried by Ralph’s in Southern California, I rushed over to Ralph’s to get some. A few weeks have since gone by. I’ve been to several Ralph’s locations and none of them had Sweetkiwi. It turns out that not every Ralph’s carries Sweetkiwi. I finally found Sweetkiwi at the Ralph’s in South Pasadena at 1745 Garfield Avenue. They had three flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Cookies & Cream. One package is 14 oz. and $6.99 each (regular price) at Ralph’s.

Sweetkiwi is a certified women owned business and a minority-owned company founded by Ehime Eigbe-Akindele. Ehime founded the first frozen yogurt company in Nigeria and became the leader in that market. A few years later, she moved to Washington DC and decided to create a consumer-packaged version of froyo for grocery stores and other food retailers. The company later launched a line of granola.

Sweetkiwi starts with locally sourced milk from grassfed cows and real ingredients. Sweetkiwi is high in protein, probiotic and prebiotic, and superfood infused. You can find Sweetkiwi at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, and other grocery stores.

Cookies & Cream froyo: The texture was very firm coming out of the freezer, firmer than ice cream or froyo typically is. It has a high protein taste that I’m not personally not fond of. It seemed chalky and sweet but sweet in a weird way (when the sweetness comes from more than sugar). The texture is somewhat chewy and dry. I'm surprised that it's whipped because the texture is so dense. 

FYI, I tried Sweetkiwi again and it was much better! Read my updated review.

One serving is 2/3 cup, 120 calories, 1g total fat, 23g total carbs, 16g total sugars, and 9g protein. The ingredients include live and active cultures, Greek yogurt, milk protein concentrate, and a superfood blend of acerola juice concentrate, strawberry, green coffee bean extract, maqui, acai, turmeric, blueberry, broccoli, kale, and tart cherry. Wow, lots of ingredients!

To find Sweetkiwi near you, use their product locator:

https://www.sweetkiwi.com/pages/where-to-buy

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.