Van Leeuwen’s New Flavors: Pumpkin Spice and Vanilla

Fro-yo girl here. It looks like Van Leeuwen is planning a monthly flavor drop at their froyo-serving scoop shops. This month, there are two new flavors: Pumpkin Spice and Vanilla froyo. Neither are tart.

Vanilla froyo: I was surprised to find that it had a icier texture. It did not taste like frozen yogurt but it did taste like vanilla. Recommended toppings: any crumble, any sauce

Pumpkin spice froyo: Definitely creamier in texture than the vanilla froyo, the pumpkin spice froyo tasted like pumpkin ice cream. The texture was off though – there were some large ice crystals. It also melted fast. Recommended toppings: speculoos cookie crumble, honey slivered almonds, whipped cream.

What’s up with all the texture issues at Van Leeuwen?

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

* VAN LEEUWEN, 321 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502

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.

Costco Drops Frozen Yogurt!

Fro-yo girl here. Costco no longer serves frozen yogurt? Say it isn’t so! Given the volume of frozen yogurt sold by Costco at its food court, this was major news. They’ve been serving YoCream froyo for many years. For many years, they offered two froyo flavors, nonfat vanilla and chocolate. You could also get froyo with strawberries. Many people loved the froyo. If you search Costco froyo on Twitter, there are many mentions. For some, the froyo was the main reason they went to Costco. The froyo was just $1.35 or $1.65 for the very berry sundae. 

In mid-2018, Costco dropped chocolate frozen yogurt, replacing it with soft serve acai, in an effort to provide healthier options. The acai was also much more expensive than the chocolate froyo ($4.99 bowl, $2.99 for a froyo/acai swirl). I never tried the acai (I don’t like acai bowls because the acai usually has banana) but the reviews were mixed.

Costco replaced frozen yogurt with soft serve ice cream in June/July 2020. The ice cream is $1.99 for a cone or $2.49 for a sundae, still plenty cheap.

One thing that I don’t understand is why they don’t still offer froyo when the soft serve machines have a dual hopper and they could easily offer two flavors. There was no announcement or official word from Costco. 

IKEA, don't fail me now...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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