Unlimited Cup Lessons, Part Three

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve earned the Yogurtland Unlimited Cup reward for the third time. While I’ve been going regularly (i.e., at least once a week) to Yogurtland for years, earning the unlimited cup is no easy feat, even for me.

Consider this: To earn the Unlimited Cup reward, you need to (1) be a Real Rewards member and (2) collect 520 points within a year of the day you first joined Real Rewards (your anniversary day). One (paid) ounce is equal to one point. The free froyo you earn along the way doesn’t earn you any reward points. If you buy gift cards, the points go to the person using the gift card at the time he/she is paying for the yogurt.

With the free froyo rewards every 36 points, you will consume more than 520 ounces to get to your Unlimited Cup. Assuming you are a Platinum Real Rewards member, you’ll have earned 14 four-ounce rewards along the way, or 56 oz. and an additional reward, a free 16 oz birthday cup. This translates to a minimum of 592 ounces of froyo (unless you didn’t redeem your rewards) or 11.38 oz/week to consume. That’s a lot of froyo if you’re only buying froyo for yourself.

Since you’re only paying for 520 ounces, if the froyo was 50 cents an ounce, that’s $260 of froyo or $21.67/month. On a monthly basis it doesn’t sound so bad, like 5 lattes or 5 cups of froyo, plus a free 6 ounces in rewards (another cup).

Once you earn the Unlimited Cup, you have a month to redeem it. You can redeem it at any Yogurtland store in the US whenever you want. And whatever fits in the 16-ounce cup is yours.

I’ve seen a few articles about getting your money’s worth when it comes to toppings at self-serve froyo shops.

Light toppings:

• Oreos 
• Sprinkles 
• Whipped cream 
• Cap’n Crunch 
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch 
• Mini peanut butter cups 
• Reese’s Pieces 
• M&Ms 
• Chocolate sauce 
• Coconut 
• Nuts 
• Marshmallows 

Heavy toppings:

• Cheesecake bites 
• Maraschino cherries 
• Strawberries 
• Blueberries 
• Brownies 
• Wet walnuts 
• Popping boba 

Cookie dough and gummy bears appeared on light and heavy toppings lists. Usually, I pick the toppings that I think complement the yogurt and also freeze well.

You shouldn’t just go in unprepared though. At a minimum, make sure your shop has at least one froyo flavor that you like, go when it’s not busy, and bring a cooler bag filled with ice. For more advice, see my older post http://froyogirl.blogspot.com/2017/07/unlimited-cup-lessons-part-two.html

My goal was to exceed my last unlimited cup of 70.2 ounces. I was definitely feeling the pressure. It’s a lot of work to build a giant cup of froyo. I’m happy to report that I met my goal, though I made a mess doing so. My cup was 83.4 ounces after deducting the weight of the cup. I chose Sumatra Coffee and Pumpkin Pie froyo, with chocolate wafer roll cookies, mini chocolate chip cookies, toffee chips and crushed Oreo cookies. What did I learn? Adding big cookies to froyo is easy and it seems to help hold the shape of the froyo together. Also, be careful of froyo burnout after you redeem your unlimited cup. Hopefully, you have someone to share that froyo with.

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

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

Yogurtland Ultimate Creation Event Recap

Fro-yo girl here. I couldn’t miss the first ever Ultimate Creation event, even though I find it difficult to build an unlimited cup when it’s crowded. Ideally, I would have the place to myself so I could swirl, add toppings, swirl some more, etc. But there were plenty of enticements – like the new “Made With Ghirardelli” flavors, Frozen Hot Chocolate frozen yogurt and Dark Chocolate Blueberry sorbet, new toppings, new sauces, new spoons and new cups.

During the event on November 14 from 4 PM – 9 PM local time, 16 oz cups were just $5. My creation was 32.5 oz (after the weight of the cup was deducted). I took some Ghirardelli cups and spoons home.

I tried the new Dark Chocolate Blueberry Sorbet which was “inspired by Ghirardelli’s Dark Chocolate Blueberry square…this sorbet provides delicious dark chocolate flavor from Ghirardelli cocoa, followed by notes of sweet blueberry.” It delivered on the promised flavor and wasn’t icy. It was an interesting flavor but I’m personally not a fan of the chocolate and fruit combination. Recommended toppings: blueberries, Ghirardelli chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs.

I’m happy that they brought back Pumpkin Pie froyo! Thanks, 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.

Custom Shakes Now at Yogurtland Lakewood

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland Lakewood now offers custom shakes. It’s currently the only Yogurtland location to offer shakes. The shakes are $5.99 each. They’re available in one size.

The process is easy. Pick up a metal cup at the shake station and fill it to the line with frozen yogurt (you can choose any flavor/s you’re in the mood for). Then, fill the cup to the top with anything from the toppings bar, including sauces, fruits, cheesecake, candy, cereal, etc. Once the cup is full, take it to a Yogurtland employee for blending. After blending, you can add whipped cream and more toppings!

I did hear that gummy bears sometimes get caught in the blender so you might want to save those as a topping vs. use them as a blend in.

I didn’t want a very sweet shake, so I chose plain tart (one of their best flavors) and doused it with lots of raspberry puree. Their premium fruit purees are really good. I was essentially creating a raspberry tart froyo shake. For mix-ins, I selected fresh strawberries, blueberries and some Cap’n Crunch.

My shake was super thick, tart and fruity. The fruit seeds added texture. The Cap’n Crunch got lost after being blended but maybe I didn’t put enough in my cup. The cup was 20 ozs and it was filled to above the brim. I added another spoonful of Cap’n Crunch. It’s a good deal – tons of yogurt and toppings – but it’s super filling. I can’t eat over 20 ozs of froyo at once.

With so many froyo flavors, toppings, sauces and syrups, there’s room for endless creativity and customization.

P.S. Don’t forget $5 Unlimited Cup Tuesdays at Yogurtland Lakewood, August 22 & August 29 from 11 AM - 5 PM.

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

* YOGURTLAND LAKEWOOD: 5017 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712.

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.

Customer Appreciation Day at Yogurtland Claremont

Fro-yo girl here. I don’t make it out to Claremont too often and I’ve never been to Yogurtland Claremont, but now I have a great reason to make the trek. Yogurtland’s Guest Appreciation Day is this Sunday, August 20, 2017.

They’ll have FREE FROYO from 11 AM – 1 PM and fun activities all day long.

If you can’t make it to the Guest Appreciation Day, Yogurtland Clarement has a 50% off happy hour Mondays and Tuesdays in August from 1 PM – 4 PM. On Saturdays in August, they’re hosting Kids Corner, with free games, crafts and activities from 12 PM – 2 PM. There was a $5 Unlimited Cup event on August 9 that I missed.

I have to build up my froyo appetite now, by not eating froyo for a few days. 

Follow Yogurtland Claremont on Instagram, @yogurtlandclaremont or Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/YogurtlandClaremont/

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

* YOGURTLAND CLAREMONT: 101 N Indian Hill Blvd Suite 103, Claremont, CA 91711

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.

$5 Unlimited Cup Tuesdays Coming to Yogurtland Lakewood

Fro-yo girl here. Froyo fans, do you love the challenge of creating a spectacular unlimited cup? Do you love showing off your swirling skills?

Be sure to mark these $5 Unlimited Cup dates on your calendar: Tuesdays, August 22 & August 29 from 11 AM - 5 PM at Yogurtland Lakewood, 5017 Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712. This promotion does not apply to Yogurtland's Custom Shakes.

That's right, Yogurtland Lakewood has Custom Shakes. Pick the froyo and toppings you'd like in your shake to create the perfect shake for you. Custom shakes are just $5.99. Try one before, after or during the Unlimited Cup event. After all, you can never have enough froyo.

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.

Unlimited Cup Lessons, Part Two

Fro-yo girl here. For Yogurtland Real Reward members, the ultimate reward for eating froyo is the coveted “Unlimited Cup.” To earn the Unlimited Cup the standard way, you need to (1) be a Real Rewards member and (2) collect 520 points within a year of the day you first joined Real Rewards (or the anniversary of the day you first joined).

One (paid) ounce is equal to one point. The free froyo you earn along the way doesn’t earn you any points. If you buy gift cards, the points go to the person using the gift card at the time he/she is paying for the yogurt.

With the free froyo rewards every 36 points, you will consume more than 520 ounces to get to your Unlimited Cup. Assuming you are a Platinum Real Rewards member, you’ll have earned 14 four ounce rewards along the way, or 56 oz. and a free 16 oz birthday cup. This translates to a minimum of 592 ounces of froyo (unless you didn’t redeem your rewards) or 11.38 oz/week. That’s a lot of froyo if you’re only buying froyo for yourself. 

Once you earn the Unlimited Cup, you have a month to redeem it. You can redeem it at any Yogurtland store whenever you want. Whatever fits in the 16 ounce cup is yours, free.

You shouldn’t just go in unprepared though. Here are some tips.

Tips for Building Your Unlimited Cup

1. Check the available flavors to make sure that the location you plan to visit has a flavor (or flavors) that you like. Use the Real Rewards Flavor Finder app to determine the available froyo flavors or call the location.

2. Choose a day/time that isn’t busy (generally going when Yogurtland first opens should work), so people don’t get in your way. Bring a tray to make it easier to carry your froyo and catch toppings overflow. I can’t imagine eating that much froyo (60 oz or more) at once, so you should be prepared to take some home. If you don’t live close to a Yogurtland or it’s a hot day, bring a cooler filled with ice. Don’t carry a big purse because you’ll need both hands. Bring a friend or loved one, if you can. He/she can help with piling on the toppings.

3. Once you’re at the shop, check the available flavors and toppings and decide what you want before you start. Pick froyo flavors that will complement each other. Forget using a cup divider. Keep in mind that some toppings freeze better than others (e.g., fresh fruit, gummy bears, popping boba and mochi don’t freeze well). Candy bars, cookies, and nuts still taste good when frozen. Nuts are probably the best because they don’t get soggy but they aren’t heavy. Big cookies are a good choice if you want to have a heavier cup. The chocolate wafer rolls taste amazing frozen (better than at room temperature) because the chocolate center hardens. Frozen cookies all seem to taste great. The wafer rolls stayed crispy. The yogurt pretzels stay the same when frozen.

4. Be sure to start with the 16 oz cup (if you start with the larger cup, you may have to transfer what’s in it to the 16 oz cup) that the reward specifies.

5. You’re ready to start building your cup. Build a base of about 1 inch on the bottom – pack it solid with smaller toppings – cookies and nuts. Use a spoon to mash together and make a smooth, even surface. It will be difficult to add smaller toppings on top. If you don't care about small toppings, you can skip this step.

6. Add froyo. Try swirling to fill the cup (usually I start from the edges and then fill in the center). Once you’ve gotten close to the rim, stop and tap the bottom of the cup hard against the table. This will fill in any air pockets. Add more froyo till you reach the rim. Stop.

7. Add a ring of wafer roll cookies. Make sure the cookies are firmly placed in the froyo. Place them in right next to each other at a slight outward angle (not straight up and down). This will form a wider base for your froyo. I forgot my own advice and my cookies were straight up and down. I definitely think this made it difficult to make wider swirls.

8. Swirl around the outside edges…then start building your froyo towers. Don’t move the cup too much, a gentle back and forth motion will work. Do this till you reach the maximum height. Towards the end you can place the cup on the shelf below and move it a little that way. The multiple towers add stability to the overall structure and allow you to avoid the hole in the middle that can’t be avoided with a single swirl.

9. Add additional toppings if desired. Cookies will be faster and easier to add to your swirls. Try building cookie walls as your creation gets taller. Work quickly of course.

10. Redeem your reward.

11. Take plenty of pictures.

12. Grab a few cups to transfer your froyo to so that you can take it home if you didn’t bring your own container or your container isn’t large enough. Ask for lids.

The goal is to get to at least 50 ounces. In this video, a man builds a 6 lb cup (96 oz) of froyo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v5ejCr6OKw

A few people have built cups that over over 200 ounces. I’ve seen photographic evidence. My creation was 70.2 ounces after deducting the weight of the cup. The cup would have cost $33.70 without the reward. I was able to build a bigger cup than my first unlimited cup creation, which was over 60 ounces.

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.

Fro-yo Girl's 2016 Froyo Wish List

Fro-yo girl here. It’s the eighth edition of my annual froyo wish list. Let’s see how my 2015 wishes fared. Last year I wished for:

* Yogorino (or something similar to Yogorino): A new Yogorino did open in the US but it’s in Princeton, NJ. We went to NYC in October and Mr. Froyo had his beloved Yogorino.

* More froyo HQ visits: I visited quite a few froyo HQ this year, including Pinkberry, GoGreek, Menchie’s, Tutti Frutti, and Yogurtland, plus I went on a tour of Flavormine’s froyo manufacturing plant.

* Making frozen yogurt the official state food of California: I gave this a try and wrote to my state senator but I didn’t receive a response.

* A Food Network show dedicated to frozen yogurt or a froyo truck on the Great Food Truck Race: This didn’t happen but I have seen froyo being made on Chopped and Culture: An American Yogurt Company was featured on Unique Sweets.

A few unexpected surprises also happened to me in 2015: 

• I reached the unlimited cup at Yogurtland for the first time. I hadn’t really planned to reach the unlimited cup but then at some point it seemed like an achievable goal. 
• I was customer of the month at my local Yogurtland (thanks Yogurtland Pasadena – Lake). 
• I won one of the prizes during the Red Mango for life sweepstakes. 
• I picked up a few froyo toys. 
• I found Yogurtland at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and visited many froyo shops on the East Coast and a few in Canada.
• I picked up a few unexpected froyo spoons from Froyo World in Boston and Fruyo in Hong Kong

For 2016, my froyo wishes are: hmm, it’s hard to think of anything new since I have boxes full of froyo t-shirts and spoons. 

* Going to more countries to try their froyo (e.g., Llaollao, Frozen by a Thousand Blessings, Sour Sally, Berry Culture, The Local Frozen Yogurt, Pick Yo) 

* I'm still looking for good tart froyo at the supermarket (or popsicles). I spotted a new kind at the Korean market that I'm going to try very soon.

* Collecting froyo spoons from other countries, including the Hello Kitty spoon from Yogen Fruz Mexico, the Hello Kitty spoon from Yoppi Yogurt Taiwan, Moyo spoons, Sour Sally hand spoons, etc. I still need Joji spoons from Florida.

Maybe this is the year a froyo robot will finally serve my froyo?

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.

Unlimited Cup Lessons

Fro-yo girl here. For Yogurtland Real Reward members, the ultimate reward for eating froyo is the coveted “Unlimited Cup.”

To earn the Unlimited Cup you need to (1) be a Real Rewards member and (2) collect 520 points within a year of the day you first joined Real Rewards (or the anniversary of the day you first joined).

Generally, one ounce of froyo and toppings is equal to one point though sometimes they have double point promotions (most of these are for new Real Rewards members). The free froyo you earn along the way doesn’t earn you any points. If you buy gift cards, the points go to the person using the gift card at the time he/she is paying for the yogurt.

With the free froyo rewards every 36 points, you have to eat way more than 520 ounces to get to your Unlimited Cup. Once you earn the Unlimited Cup, you have a month to redeem it. You can redeem it at any Yogurtland store whenever you want. Whatever fits in the 16 ounce cup is yours, free.

Tips for Building Your Unlimited Cup

• (Pre-planning) Choose a day/time that isn’t busy (generally going when Yogurtland first opens should work) so people don’t get in your way. Bring a tray (e.g., the FreeHand ThumbTray from CarryOutSupplies.com makes it easy to carry multiple cups of froyo).
• (Pre-planning) Be sure to start with the 16 oz cup (if you start with the larger cup, you may have to transfer what’s in it to the 16 oz cup
• (Pre-planning) Survey the available flavors and toppings and decide what you want before you start. 
• Keep in mind that some toppings freeze better than others (e.g., fresh fruit, gummy bears don’t freeze well). Cookies and nuts still taste good when frozen. Nuts are probably the best because they don’t get soggy.
• Pick froyo flavors that will complement each other. Forget using a cup divider. 

You’re ready to start building your cup.

1. Build a base of toppings about 1 inch on the bottom – pack it solid with toppings – cookies and nuts. Use a spoon to mash together and make a smooth, even surface. The toppings base was about four ounces in my cup.
2. Add froyo – no one sees what’s inside the cup. Try swirling to fill the cup (usually I start from the edges and then fill in the center). Don’t exceed the rim of the cup. Once you’ve gotten close to the rim, stop and tap the bottom of the cup hard against the table. This will fill in any air pockets. Add more froyo till you reach the rim. Stop.
3. Add a ring of wafer roll cookies. Make sure the cookies are firmly placed in the froyo. Place them in right next to each other at a slight outward angle (not straight up and down). This will form a wider base for your froyo.
4. Swirl around the outside edges…then start building your froyo towers . Don’t move the cup too much, a gentle back and forth motion will work. Do this 3 to 5 times till you reach the maximum height. Towards the end you can place the cup on the shelf below and move it a little that way. The multiple towers add stability to the overall structure. The goal is to get to 50-70 ounces.
5. Add additional toppings if desired. Redeem your reward. Take plenty of pictures. Grab a few cups to transfer your froyo to so that you can take it home. The tray will come in handy.

For additional inspiration, check out the Pinterest board, Unlimited Cups of Froyo.

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.