Monday, May 11, 2015

Yogurtland Off the Stick – New Flavors Inspired by Ice Cream Truck Memories







Fro-yo girl here. I’ve just returned from Yogurtland where I tried two new flavors from the new Off the Stick flavor promotion. This new summer time promotion is inspired by childhood ice cream truck memories.

The new flavors are:

  • Strawberry Shortcake Pop (May 11): “An old fashioned flavor in a froyo twist. Real strawberries and crumbled cookies blend together in a flavor that’s worth chasing after.” I’ve never had the Strawberry Shortcake Pop. This flavor tasted like strawberries and cream but not fresh strawberries. It was sweet and not tangy at all. While it contains crumbled cookies, I couldn’t see any cookies. The popsicle version is covered in cake crumbs, so Yogurtland recommends pairing Strawberry Shortcake Pop with cake bites. The cake bites are small and spongy like pound cake but not as dense.
  • Grape Freeze Sorbet (May 11): “Made with real Concord grapes, this sweet sorbet packs a punch of fruity flavor that’s so delicious, it’ll give you one tasty brain freeze.” I was expecting a punch of flavor and I didn’t get it. The grape flavor seemed muted – the actual popsicle probably has a stronger grape flavor. Kids might like this flavor but I can’t imagine eating a cup of it.
  • Chocolate Banana A’Peel (June 8)
  • Big Pop Sorbet (June 8)

I think the only one of those popsicles I’ve had before is Big Pop Sorbet which was okay (I haven’t had it in years). My favorite ice cream truck memory is of buying candy grab bags from the truck right after school. I’d get ice cream cup with chocolate sauce, Nutty Buddy, or a malt cup occasionally. Even if I thought those popsicles were okay before, I probably wouldn’t like them now. Froyo is better than a sugary popsicle. Froyo is better than ice cream.

None of the new flavors is tart (sad face). They sure come out with a lot of sorbets now.

The new toppings are cake bites (available now) and chocolate Magic Shell(available June 8).

Yogurtland is also bringing back back Orange Cream Pop and Rocket Pop Sorbet during the promotion, which runs through July 5.

Also, Yogurtland is raising funds for local children’s hospitals. Show your support by donating $1. You can fill out a paper form with a froyo cup and it will be displayed on the wall of your Yogurtland.

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

Here’s the official press release from Yogurtland:

Yogurtland Introduces Four New Flavors Driven by Ice Cream Truck Memories

– Magic Shell Debuts at Yogurtland —

(Irvine, CA) May 11, 2015 – If just hearing the sound of an ice cream truck makes you smile, then you are in for a sweet treat with Yogurtland’s four new unforgettable flavors inspired by ice cream truck novelties that take enchanted childhood memories off the stick and into your cup.

Beginning today, Yogurtland presents “Off the Stick,” its first flavor promotion featuring classic flavors – Strawberry Shortcake Pop, Grape Freeze Sorbet, Chocolate Banana A’Peel and Big Pop Sorbet. These unforgettable frozen delights will be accompanied by two new toppings – Yellow Cake Bites to complement the new Strawberry Shortcake flavor and Magic Shell, the velvety-smooth chocolate goodness that quickly freezes into the crunchy candy coating you couldn’t get enough of as a kid. This is the first time Yogurtland has offered Magic Shell.

Yogurtland is also bringing back Orange Cream Pop and Rocket Pop Sorbet, its much-admired ice cream novelty inspired flavors from your childhood glory days.

“These flavors were an indelible part of nearly everyone’s childhood, and we think these authentic tastes will bring back those carefree memories of warm days spent outside enjoying a frozen treat,” said Yogurtland’s chief flavorologist Scott Shoemaker. “At Yogurtland we strive to recreate memorable flavors that bring generations together for a fun experience, and these flavors represent some of the best of our childhood memories.”

On May 11, Yogurtland will introduce Strawberry Shortcake Pop and Grape Freeze Sorbet followed on June 8 by Big Pop Sorbet and Banana A’Peel.

Strawberry Shortcake Pop is an old-fashioned flavor in a froyo twist. Real strawberries and crumbled Shortcake cookies blend together in a flavor that’s worth chasing after.

Grape Freeze Sorbet is made with real Concord grapes in sweet sorbet that packs a punch of fruity flavor so delicious, it’ll give you the tastiest brain freeze ever.

Big Pop Sorbet is inspired by perhaps the most celebrated ice cream flavor of your childhood. This swirl of real cherries and pineapple delivers BIG fun flavor by the spoonful in this summer-y sorbet.

Banana A’Peel is a boardwalk icon with everything your heart desires when it comes to frozen treats. It’s made with mixed real bananas and real cocoa to recreate the classic chocolate dipped banana flavor that’s perfect for your cup.

Fans are encouraged to share their memorable creations at #OffTheStick and #Yogurtland.

At Yogurtland, a modern, bright wall of flavors and a colorful appealing topping bar filled with healthful and indulgent options welcomes guests. Paying by the ounce, guests can choose among 16 yogurt flavors and more than 60 fruit and premium toppings to create their own delicious frozen treat and top it off their way.

As the frontrunner in the recent frozen yogurt industry surge, Yogurtland is one of the nation’s first and largest self-serve frozen yogurt brands. The company has transformed the industry by reshaping a popular trend into a growing business by redefining the dessert experience and delivering ultimate customer control.

The Yogurtland Difference

Separating Yogurtland from competitors is the company’s team of flavorologists who develop the proprietary recipes for the brand’s more than 100 different and customized flavors. Whether traditional or exotic, each flavor uses real ingredients sourced from their original locations. By controlling the entire frozen yogurt making process, Yogurtland has raised the standards for flavors and quality to new heights and much to the delight of millions of fans.

Naturally occurring calcium makes Yogurtland yogurt a healthful, refreshing treat. Fruit flavors are also fortified with Vitamin C. All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non- and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy and no sugar added choices.

Presently there are Yogurtland locations across the U.S., Australia, Guam, Thailand, Venezuela and Dubai. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com.

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, May 9, 2015

Mother’s Day 2015 Frozen Yogurt Specials


Fro-yo girl here. Moms love frozen yogurt. If you love your mom and your mom loves froyo, how can you not take her out for froyo? Here are a few shops with Mother’s Day 2015 froyo specials:
  • 3 Spoons Yogurt (Waco, TX): 1/2 for moms
  • Awesome Yogurt: Buy a cup, get mom's free
  • Chiller Bee: Free froyo for moms, up to a $5 value
  • City Girl Yogurt: 10% off for moms
  • Craze Frozen Yogurt: Free froyo for mom, up to 6 ounces
  • Dairee: Free froyo for mom w/ purchase (must be equal or lesser value)
  • Di'lishi Greensboro: Free froyo for moms, up to 8 ounces
  • Flying Froyo: Free cup for mom, up to $4 value
  • Frogurt: Buy a cup of froyo, get mom's 1/2 off
  • FroYo Cafe (New Orleans): Free froyo for mom w/ your purchase
  • FroYo Nation: Buy a cup, get mom's free (up to 10 ounces)
  • Frozu: Buy 1, get mom's froyo free
  • Fruity Yogurt: Buy 1 froyo, get mom’s free
  • Goji’s: Free froyo for moms
  • Hoopla: Free froyo for moms (up to 12 ounces)
  • Ilya: 1/2 off for moms
  • LuLu's: Free froyo for moms
  • Menchie's Houghton Plaza: Buy 1 cup, get mom's free
  • Menchie's Middleton: Buy 1 cup, get mom's free
  • Menchie's Trinity: Buy 1 cup, get mom's free
  • Mochi (Jacksonville, FL): Free for moms, up to 6 ounces
  • Orange Leaf: Moms get a free cup of froyo, up to 8 ounces, no coupon required
  • Peaks: Free froyo for moms, up to 10 ounces
  • Pinkberry: Buy one Pinkberry, get 1 free for mom between 2-5 PM
  • Pinkberry Boston: Get a free small Pinkberry when you purchase a yogurt of equal or greater value
  • Red Mango Fairfield: 50% off for moms
  • sweetFrog: Free 12 oz cup for moms
  • Sweetkiwi: Free 6 ounce cup of froyo for moms
  • Swirlin Twirlin: Free for moms (up to $4)
  • Taste Yogurt Bar: Half off for moms
  • TCBY: Free froyo for moms
  • Tutti Frutti Canada: Buy 1 froyo, get mom’s 50% off
  • Tutti Frutti Fargo & Moorhead, ND: Up to 12 ounces free for mom
  • Twist Frozen Yogurt: Buy a cup of froyo, get mom's 50% off
  • Urban Swirl: Buy a cup of froyo, get mom's free (up to 8 ounces)
  • UU Yogurt: Up to 10 ounces free for moms
  • Yeh: 1/2 off mom's froyo
  • Yoberry: 4 ounces free for moms
  • YoFresh: Free froyo for moms
  • Yoghut: Free froyo for moms (up to 8 ozs)
  • Yogo Factory: 1/2 off for moms
  • Yogurt Shoppe: Free froyo for moms
  • Yogurtini Fairfax: Free froyo (up to 8 ozs), bubble tea or smoothie on 5/9 and 5/10
  • Yogurtini Zona Rosa: Buy a cup of froyo, get 1/2 off mom's cup
  • Yogurtland Camp Pendleton: Buy one cup, get mom's 1/2 off
  • Yogurtland La Brea: Buy one cup, get mom's 1/2 off
  • Yogurt Zone Burleigh: 50% off for moms
  • Yo Mama: Free froyo for moms
  • Y'Opa: Buy 1 cup, get mom's free
  • YoYo's: Buy 1 cup, get mom's cup for free
  • Zebra Frozen Yogurt: Free small froyo for moms
  • Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt: Free froyo (up to $3 value)

Wow, I love seeing how many froyo shops have free froyo for moms.

Be sure to call first to see if a location near you is participating.

No froyo specials in your area? Your mom still deserves froyo or a froyo gift card.

Be sure to check out my new Pinterest board, Mother’s Day 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.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Pinkberry’s New Flavors, "Springtime Favorites"



Fro-yo girl here. The next batch of three new Pinkberry flavors arrived in stores on May 1st. The “Springtime Favorites” flavors are:

Raspberry: This new tart flavor is surprisingly sweet since I think of raspberries as relatively tart. I like how you can still taste the yogurt flavor but wish the flavor was a bit tangier. The texture is light and very smooth.

Recommended toppings: Raspberries, watermelon, shortbread cookie, yogurt chips

Cinnamon Churro: It’s truly chock full of cinnamon. You can see the cinnamon in the yogurt. The texture is light and smooth. The flavor isn’t too sweet. The cinnamon overpowers the yogurt flavor and I didn’t detect a pastry flavor.

Recommended toppings: Dark chocolate crisps, chocolate chips, cinnamon crumble, shortbread cookie, almonds

Tropical Mango: Pinkberry’s first dairy-free flavor is an all natural fruit soft serve made with fruit, fruit juice, water, citric acid and natural flavors. The mango flavor is ripe and sweet and the texture is firm and not overly icy. Each serving provides three servings of fruit and no added sugar. If you like mango, you’ll like Tropical Mango Pinkberry. 

Recommended toppings: Coconut, popping boba, mango

The new topping, Cinnamon Crumble, reminds me of the cinnamon streusel topping they had in the past, with small crispy, cinnamony crumbs.

My favorite of the new flavors is Raspberry.

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, May 5, 2015

Happy Froyo Cinco De Mayo


Fro-yo girl here. Happy Cinco De Mayo froyo fans! Yes, it is possible to celebrate Cinco De Mayo with frozen yogurt. Here are a few suggestions for your Froyo Cinco De Mayo:

Pinkberry recently introduced Cinnamon Churro frozen yogurt, along with Raspberry and their first dairy-free flavor, Tropical Mango.

Remember Churro froyo, inspired by Mexico, which Yogurtland introduced as part of Flavor Quest 2015? Use your Yogurtland Real Rewards app to see if you can find Churro in your area.


sweetFrog has a Cinco De Mayo special, get two 12 ounce cups or one 24 ounce cup for $5.55 at participating locations.

Tell the cashier Happy Cinco De Mayo at Mojo Yogurt to get 50% off today.

Yumilicious in Dallas, Texas has a new flavor inspired by Mexico called Chamoyada which they describe as “sweet & tangy Mexican spiced yogurt with a kick.” It's available at all their Dallas Forth Worth locations.


The Arizona Diamondbacks introduced the Churro Dog this year, featuring a chocolate glazed donut stuffed with a churro topped with froyo, caramel and chocolate sauce.

In Ada, Oklahoma you don’t have to leave the restaurant, Fresco’s Mexican Grill &Gourmet Frozen Yogurt, to get your Mexican food and frozen yogurt.

You can always buy a churro and stick it in your favorite cup of froyo.


Be sure to check out the new Pinterest board, Cinco De Mayo Froyo, for Cinco De Mayo inspired froyo images.

Happy Froyo Cinco De Mayo!

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

* FRESCO’S MEXICAN GRILL & GOURMET FROZEN YOGURT: 1010 Lonnie Abbot Blvd., Ada, OK 74820

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, May 4, 2015

Menchie’s Froyo Cake




Fro-yo girl here. I’ve been longing for a froyo cake for years but so few places have them. That might be about to change. Menchie’s University in Encino, CA is currently offering ready-made and custom froyo cakes. They come in one size that feeds 10-12 people. A cake is $24.99.

To build your own froyo cake, you choose a base (chocolate cake, vanilla cake or waffle crisp), two froyo flavors (the selection depends on what’s in store), toppings (these go inside your cake) and decorations. They have a library of cake images to choose from (including designs that feature Menchie and his Sweet Friends) or if you email a picture, they can put it on your cake. You can also add sprinkles to your cake. They’re testing adding colors to the frosting. The standard color is white and it tastes like a whipped and sweet. It’s not a buttercream frosting or whipped cream. The flavor is mild.

The froyo cake came in a cute Menchie’s box with a sticker. The sticker had a survey URL; take the survey and get $5 worth of free froyo.

The cake had Mud Pie and Peanut Butter froyo, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was dense and not dry. The frozen yogurt was pretty solid but the frosting was very soft. It took a little effort to slice and serve the cake. In terms of taste, it wasn’t a surprise since I’ve had those flavors before and the firmness of the frozen yogurt worked well in cake form. The Reese’s Peanut Butter cups overpowered the Mud Pie froyo flavor though. I might prefer froyo cake without toppings in the middle.Mudslide, peanut butter, chocolate cake, Reese’s PB cups,

Menchie’s University is the training center for new Menchie’s franchisees and it’s your regular looking froyo shop that’s open to the public. It’s the place where new products are tested and where they have events like the Nutella preview event, froyo cake tasting event and coffee testing.

https://www.facebook.com/menchiesencino

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.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Menchie’s New May Flavors: Fudgy Chocolate Sorbet & Creamy Cocoa Hazelnut made with Nutella


Fro-yo girl here. It’s a new month and that means it’s time for new froyo flavors at Menchie’s. May’s new Menchie’s flavors take you to a chocolate-y place: Fudgy Chocolate Sorbet and Creamy Cocoa Hazelnut made with Nutella.

Fudgy chocolate sorbet is a dairy-free flavor that’s gluten free and made with real dutch cocoa. I liked how it wasn’t too icy. It tasted like a fudgsicle popsicle, like many chocolate flavors I’ve tried before.

Recommended toppings: Cap’n Crunch, coconut, banana, cheesecake

Creamy cocoa hazelnut made with Nutella was creamier (it’s a frozen yogurt) and much more indulgent, especially with the Nutella topping. The Nutella frozen yogurt tastes like you’d expect (like Nutella). The Nutella sauce is thick and dense. The “yogurt” flavor was difficult to discern.

Recommended toppings: Almonds, raspberries, Nutella, Heath bar and a waffle bowl (not a topping but the crunch would pair well with Nutella)


Both flavors are available for a limited time. Menchie's associates have new Nutella t-shirts and I also spotted a big inflatable Nutella jar. Cute.

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, May 2, 2015

Flip Flop Yogurt Shoppe Wins the "If Your Flavor Dreams Came True" Contest



Fro-yo girl here. Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt, a leading manufacturer and international wholesaler of soft serve mixes, and the International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) announced the winner of the If Your Flavor Dreams Came True, a new contest to help make your flavor dreams come true.

Frozen yogurt shops were invited to submit their dream frozen yogurt flavors for a chance to win the grand prize, 3 cases of Nanci's Frozen Yogurt, worth $2,430.

And the winner is...drumroll...Flip Flop Yogurt Shoppe of Crystal River, Florida. Owner Lindsey Hodgkins submitted her dream flavor, Cannoli, inspired by her Italian heritage.

Flip Flop Yogurt Shoppe is located at 4 NE 5th St, Crystal River, FL 34429. If you're in or near Crystal River, check out the shop!

Congrats to Flip Flop Yogurt Shoppe! Fingers crossed that we'll see Cannoli frozen yogurt in the near future.

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


About Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt

With more than 25 years of frozen yogurt experience, we’ve perfected our mixes for optimal taste, texture, and nutritional value. Each product is designed to be a stand-alone mix that you can put directly into your soft serve machine or a neutral base that you can flavor with one of our 100+ flavors. With convenient flexibility, our dry frozen yogurt mixes are perfect for self-serve frozen yogurt stores. Nanci’s mixes are sold across the United States and in more than 25 countries, including India, Australia, Greece, South America, Africa, and Europe.

Our products are made with the highest-quality, gluten free ingredients, including pure crystalline fructose, a natural sweetener found in fruit, berries, and sweet corn. We also use PowerPro Active Cultures, encapsulated probiotic cultures that are protected in the dry form and deliver all the health benefits you expect from frozen yogurt.

With research and development done in house, we can provide custom formulas and private label mixes. Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt is family owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled customer service. We’ll work with you on everything from product choice to business strategy. For additional information, please visit www.nancis.com


About the International Frozen Yogurt Association

The International Frozen Yogurt Association (IFYA) serves as an unbiased source of support and information for current and prospective frozen yogurt store operators. The Association works to set and promote standards to elevate the quality of frozen yogurt stores and recognizes those that meet the Swirl of Honor™ standards of the industry. IFYA represents frozen yogurt shops, suppliers and consumers across the world. Visit the IFYA website, http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/, for additional information.