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.

Menchie’s December Feature Flavors

Fro-yo girl here. Happy December! This month’s featured flavors at Menchie’s include a returning holiday favorite, Holiday Egg Nog, and a new flavor, Ginger Snaps Fresh Baked Cookie. Who likes eggnog? I don’t. But I do like ginger snaps.

Ginger snaps fresh baked cookie froyo: This is a lowfat flavor made with milk, soy, and wheat. It didn’t taste like gingerbread, but it tasted more like molasses. Any spicing was very subtle. I didn’t notice much ginger either. It’s made with ginger snaps. Recommended toppings: chocolate shell, Heath, white chocolate chips.

I picked up another Menchie’s holiday spoon, Snow One Like You, while I was there. Also, they still had holiday cups too.

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 New Winter Flavor, Molasses Gingerbread Cookie Froyo (and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos)

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland is looking festive this month with new toppings, a new holiday cup, and a new flavor of froyo, Molasses Gingerbread Cookie. Sadly, the Yogurtland location that I visited did not have the new cups or new toppings, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Pretzel Tree Toppers, yet. However, I was able to try the new flavor.

Molasses Gingerbread Cookie is described by Yogurtland as tasting “like a chewy molasses cookie, straight from the oven, with hints of warm ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg that will keep you in the spirit all season long.” It’s lowfat and made with ginger, molasses, and cookie crumb. I like molasses and gingerbread, so I was looking forward to trying this flavor. I could definitely taste the warm spices. I didn’t notice the cookie crumbs that are in the froyo. The texture was smooth and creamy, though not as creamy as I expected. It wasn’t heavy. Recommended toppings: whipped cream, white chocolate chips, Pretzel Tree Toppers (white chocolate covered pretzels).

I have to go back for the new toppings and the new cup.

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 Holiday Flavor, Cranberry Orange Frozen Yogurt

Fro-yo girl here. Pinkberry just introduced its holiday flavor of 2019, Cranberry Orange (tart) frozen yogurt. Cranberries and oranges do go together, so I had high hopes for the new flavor. It’s available from October 25 until January 5, 2020. Pinkberry recommends pairing Cranberry Orange froyo with fresh orange pieces, dried cranberries and honey granola. I noticed cute table decals to promote the new flavor.

* Cranberry orange froyo: It was tarter than average which I appreciated. The yogurt was a pale pink color. Texture-wise, it was smooth and light. It melted quickly for some reason. I could definitely taste cranberry and only a hint of orange. The cranberry dominated the other flavors. I would have preferred a stronger note of orange. Recommended toppings: fresh orange pieces, almonds, and gummy bears.

It’s been many years since I last had Cranberry Orange froyo. Yogurtland had it back in 2013. I haven’t seen at Yogurtland in years.

Here’s the official press release from Pinkberry:

PINKBERRY INTRODUCES CRANBERRY ORANGE FROZEN YOGURT FLAVOR

This Tart Swirl is Available for a Limited Time Only

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinkberry® (www.Pinkberry.com) invites you to spend the holidays delighting in our new Cranberry Orange frozen yogurt flavor! This flavor will be available from October 25, 2019 until January 5, 2020.

This refreshing tart swirl will also be featured in a combination topped with cranberries, fresh orange pieces and honey granola to create the perfect holiday treat.

"The refreshing combination of tart cranberries and orange citrus is the perfect break from your typical decadent holiday treats," said Melissa Hubbell, senior director of marketing for Kahala Brands™, parent company of Pinkberry. "The new Cranberry Orange frozen yogurt will definitely make your season feel merry and bright!"

At Pinkberry, guests can customize their sweet citrus flair with a variety of toppings that include fresh, never frozen, fruit that is hand-cut in stores daily, along with premium granolas and nuts, specialty chocolates, and much more. Pinkberry is swirling with possibilities!

Promotional Flavor:

Cranberry Orange frozen yogurt

Promotional Combination:

Cranberry Orange frozen yogurt topped with cranberries, fresh orange pieces and honey granola

About Pinkberry

Pinkberry® launched in Los Angeles, CA in 2005 as the original brand that reinvented frozen yogurt. Today, over a decade later, Pinkberry continues to create great tasting treats with fresh ingredients in an experience comprised of distinctive product, outstanding service and inspirational design. At Pinkberry you can taste the difference of an uncompromising commitment to quality and freshness. Most recently, Pinkberry U.S. was acquired by Scottsdale, Arizona-based Kahala Brands™, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of nearly 29 fast-casual and quick-service restaurant brands with approximately 3000 locations in 35 countries.

For more information about Pinkberry, visit www.Pinkberry.com.

For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.KahalaBrands.com.

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.

4th of July/Independence Day Froyo Specials

Fro-yo girl here. National Frozen Yogurt Month (June) may be over, but July is still prime froyo consumption time and Independence Day (4th of July) is a big day for frozen yogurt. It’s easy to get in the spirit of Independence Day by creating a patriotic red, white, and blue swirl. My favorite red, white, and blue swirl is the classic plain/original tart frozen yogurt with raspberries (or strawberries), blueberries, and mochi. For those of you who need some extra incentive to get froyo, some shops have July 4th froyo specials. Some also have special hours.

Independence Day Froyo Specials:

• Cherry Berry (Farmington, UT): Get a red, white & blue froyo for 10% off on 7/4/19
• Elements Fro Yo & Juice Bar (Puyallup, WA): BOGO 50% off on July 4, 2019
• Frost (Kailua, HI): BOGO 50% July 4, 2019 for Fivestar Reward Members
• Menchie's Hancock Center (Austin, TX): $5 fill up your cup on 7/4/2019
• Menchie's Mandalay Village (Port Hueneme, CA): 20% off on July 4 with valid military ID
• Menchie's University (Encino, CA): Buy one, get one half off pre-pack yogurt through July 4, 2019
• Sweet CeCe's (Murfreesboro, TN): Receive a free cup with purchase on July 4, 2019
• sweetFrog: Loyalty members who visit their local sweetFrog July 4th through July 6th get a flat rate: $5 small, $7 medium and $9 large cups all day long! Valid at participating locations.
• Tutti Frutti (River Ridge, LA): $5 fill up cups on 7/4/2019 from 12 PM - 6 PM
• Yogurt Breeze (Lake Nona, FL): 10% off during 4th of July week
• Yogurt Mill (Central CA): BOGO all day, 15% of proceeds will be donated to the Modesto PD Memorial Fund and California Fire Foundation. Catch Yogurt Mill in the 4th of July parade in Modesto and Turlock.
• Yogurtland (Alhambra, CA): $6 unlimited cup on 7/4 & 7/5/2019
• YoJay's (Forest Park, GA): 25% off on July 4, 2019

Be sure to also check out the July 4th/Independence Day Froyo 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.

Menchie’s Mid-November Flavor Change

Fro-yo girl here. Happy mid-November! It’s time for the continuation of Menchie’s holiday promotion, with two feature flavors. Both are returning frozen yogurt flavors.

* Double Espresso Tiramisu: This lowfat frozen yogurt is made with real cookies, mascarpone, and cocoa. It’s a good flavor - not super strong coffee/espresso but sweeter and more indulgent because of the mascarpone. Recommended toppings: Nilla wafers, almonds, chocolate chips, Cool Whip

* Spiced Gingerbread Cookie: This lowfat flavor tastes more like gingerbread spices than gingerbread cookies. It's a bit powdery tasting, so I'm not a fan. The spices like ginger and cinnamon are definitely noticeable but not overpowering. Recommended toppings: almonds, Heath, Magic Shell and brownies.

I haven’t seen any holiday spoons, cups, or gift cards. Hmm…

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 November Feature Flavors, Holiday Cups, Gift Card Special

Fro-yo girl here. Happy November! The day after Halloween is always a very sad one, but thankfully, Menchie’s has new feature froyo flavors to look forward to – and more than the usual two per month. Their holiday promotion has begun and the flavor schedule is as follows:

• November 1: Homemade snickerdoodle cookie, La crème brulee 
• November 16: Double espresso tiramisu, Spiced gingerbread cookie 

I think I’ve had all four flavors in the past, but I had to go Menchie’s to get the new holiday cup (see the picture). It’s a cute cup, with Menchie and his friends decorating a festive giant cup of Menchie’s froyo.

The holiday gift card promotion is back. During November and December, you’ll get a $5 bonus card when you buy $25 worth of Menchie’s gift cards.

* Homemade Snickerdoodle Cookie: I quite enjoyed this flavor because it tasted like cinnamon. I’m also pumpkin spiced out, so cinnamon is a nice change but still a warm fall flavor. The texture was smooth and creamy. Recommended toppings: Chocolate shell, Heath, almonds, Nilla wafers.

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 Brings Back Eggnog Froyo and Introduces a New Topping

Fro-yo girl here. Eggnog lovers must be enjoying all the eggnog froyo that has returned to froyo shops. Eggnog is one of Tutti Frutti Canada’s winter flavors, one of Menchie’s November featured flavors and now it’s back at Yogurtland, for a limited time.

Yogurtland describes Eggnog froyo as “simple, delicious, and full of holiday cheer. Real nutmeg sprinkled in for a flavor that’s worth a toast.” I don’t like eggnog, so I can’t say that I like Yogurtland’s eggnog froyo. But, I did try a sample and I would pair it with whipped cream, Ghirardelli caramel chips, and graham cracker crumbs.

Speaking of toppings, I did spot a new topping at Yogurtland: Mint & fudge cookies! Yum! These cookies are covered in chocolate.

P.S. I also heard that they’re bringing back Frosted Cookie 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.

Memorial Day Frozen Yogurt Specials

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve been seeing a lot of Memorial Day froyo specials. Here are a few:

• 3 SPOONS WACO: All military get 50% off one cup of froyo on Memorial Day Monday with proof of service
• BERRY BEAR CLARKSVILLE: US military & family members get 15% discount on Monday, May 29
• CRAZY FOR YOGURT: 6 oz free with military ID on Memorial Day
• D'ILISHI: 10% discount with military ID every day
• THE MIX VALDOSTA: Military & their children receive 4 free ounces on Memorial Day Monday
• PURPLE PENGUIN: Military & immediate family members get 10% off with ID from 12 - 3 PM, double stamps from 6-9 PM
• RED MANGO MCALLEN: Military get 20% off on Memorial Day
• SWEETFROG DANVILLE VA: 50% off for military on Memorial Day
• TJ’S FROYO: $3 off your purchase with a military ID on Memorial Day (Monday)
• TRAILSIDE TREATS: 50% off with a military ID on Memorial Day
• TUTTI FRUTTI SAN CARLOS: Vets and their families get 10% off on Saturday, Sunday & Monday (Memorial Day weekend)
• YAGOOT: Get a free small cup with a military ID on Monday, Memorial Day
• YODELICIOUS: 50% off from 3 – 6 PM on Saturday, Sunday & Monday (Memorial Day weekend)
• YOGO CRAZY: Past and present military with a valid ID will get a free 8 oz of froyo on Monday, May 29
• YOGO FACTORY ROWAN: $5 all you can fill cups 5/26-5/29
• THE YOGURT SHOPPE: Free froyo for active and retired military every day
• YOGURTLAND ONTARIO: Active and retired military receive 50% off everyday (not just Memorial Day)
• YOGURTLAND BURBANK: Show your military ID on Memorial Day to get a free 16 oz cup of froyo
• YOGURTOLOGY: Buy one, get one half off on Memorial Day
• YOTOPIA EVANS: 20% off for all veterans and active military on Memorial Day
• ZUMBERRI: 50% off with a military ID on Memorial ID

Yasso is on sale at Target right now, 3 for $10.

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 December Holiday Flavors

Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s Holiday Celebration continues with limted time December flavors. The December flavors are:

• Holiday eggnog: Holiday eggnog is not a brand new flavor. I like how the eggnog flavor is present but not too strong (I usually hate eggnog).
• Southern pecan pie: This is also a returning flavor. The taste of pecans is subtle and pleasant. 
• White chocolate peppermint bark: I haven’t found this flavor
• Almond biscotti (dairy-free, made with almond milk): Menchie’s second non-dairy flavor made with almond milk is made with almond milk and real biscotti cookies. Almond biscotti has a distinctive taste and this frozen treat does capture that flavor. You can see bits of almond in it. The texture was thick and creamy. I think it’s their best dairy alternative flavor yet. Recommended toppings: almonds, Nilla wafers, Heath

These December flavors have been hard to track down, even though December is almost over. I’ve seen Holiday Eggnog quite a bit but not the other December flavors. Why are these flavors so hard to find? I checked multiple Menchie’s locations. The app doesn’t have a flavor finder and none of the Menchie’s shops in my area have flavor updates on their Facebook pages. Most are not actively using their FB pages. Menchie’s South Pasadena almost never answers the phone. Once I called six times in a row before someone answered but 95% of the time no one picks up the phone.

Menchie’s – can you please ensure that promotional flavors reach stores in a timely manner? Can you add a flavor finder to your app?

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 Holiday Flavor at Menchie’s: Southern Pecan Pie

Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s rolled out a new holiday flavor today, Southern Pecan Pie froyo. The new flavor is the favorite of Theodore (from Alvin and the Chipmunks), according to the flavor card. Southern Pecan Pie froyo is lowfat and contains pecans and pie crust crumbs.

I’ve never eaten pecan pie (and I never want to) but I do eat pecans. Southern Pecan Pie froyo did have a nutty pecan flavor though it was on the subtle side. I couldn’t detect the pie crust. The flavor seemed very sweet and was a bit icy. Mr. Froyo agreed that he could taste pecans.

Recommended toppings: Whipped cream, almonds, Heath Bars, graham cracker crumbs

My Menchie’s location ran out of the Alvin spoons (sad face) though they’re expecting more soon. They still had plenty of Alvin & the Chipmunk yogurt cups.

The next new holiday flavors are Holiday Eggnog and Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownie, due December 1.

Remember that for every $25 Menchie’s gift card purchased, receive a $5 bonus Alvin and the Chipmunks Menchie’s gift card. Be sure to enter the Alvin & the Chipmunks The Road Chip contest and win a road trip to Los Angeles from San Francisco.

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.

Walking in a Winter Yogurtland Promotion Begins

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland kicked off its holiday promotion today, Walking in a Winter Yogurtland, with two new flavors every week and double points Monday - Wednesday with Real Rewards. My local Yogurtland looked quite festive today.

The holiday flavor schedule:

• November 11: Spiced apple cider sorbet & Salted caramel pecan
• November 18: Chocolate mocha & Sticky toffee pudding
• November 25: Cranberry orange tart & Butterscotch
• December 2: Chocolate mousse pie & Egg nog
• December 9: Vanilla custard & Cinnamon roll
• December 16: White chocolate peppermint & Raspberry pomegranate tat

As a tart froyo lover, I’m most looking forward to the cranberry orange tart. Vanilla custard also sounds delicious. The spiced apple cider definitely tasted of holiday spices. I’m not a cider fan...found myself wanting more tart apple flavor. It was sweet, not tart.

There won’t be holiday cups or spoons but I’m told some new toppings are on the way, including chocolate covered espresso beans and chocolate nonpareils.

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.