Matcha Yogurt Buns at Simply Splendid Bakery

Fro-yo girl here. Simply Splendid Bakery is a Hong Kong style bakery in Alhambra, CA. I was a fan of their yogurt buns when I found them in 2023. On a recent visit, I spotted matcha yogurt buns.

The matcha yogurt bun ($3.25) was huge and green. The bun was soft, chewy, and not very sweet. It was green but the matcha flavor was quite faint. It’s filled with a cream that has a slight tang. Must be the yogurt filling. I liked the bun but it did need more matcha flavor and/or more yogurt flavor.

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

* SIMPLY SPLENDID BAKERY: 1273 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

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.

Froyo Scene in Newport Beach, CA

CDM Yogurt

Fro-yo girl here. Newport Beach in Orange County includes Corona Del Mar, Newport Coast, and Balboa Island. It’s known for Balboa Pier, Corona Del Mar State Beach, the harbor, and sandy beaches. It is the home of 82,637 residents and is also a popular tourist destination. The median household income is $149,471 per year and the median age is 46.7 years. And yes, they enjoy froyo there.

There are currently five places to get froyo and two aren’t technically froyo shops. I found ten closed froyo shops and one closed froyo truck.

Places To Get Froyo

• Bloomingdale’s 59th & Lex Café, 701 Newport Center Dr, offers Forty Carrots frozen yogurt.
• Golden Spoon, 21109 Newport Coast Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92657, is a counter-serve branch that opened in 2023, taking over the Menchie’s location
• Golden Spoon, 2445 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, not sure when it first opened, probably before 2008.
• Nick the Greek, 1320 Bison Ave, opened at The Bluff in 2020. The Greek fast-casual chain offers Greek froyo for dessert.
• Tutti Frutti, 302 Marine Ave, is the only froyo shop in Balboa Island. It’s self-serve and first opened in 2008.

Closed Froyo Shops

• CDM Yogurt, 3333 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar was a self-serve froyo shop that opened in 2008-2020. The ownership changed in 2017.
• CDM Yogurt also had a froyo truck in 2013. I’m not sure when it closed.
• Cefiore, 3305 Newport Blvd Ste B, was open from 2007 – 2010. It was counter-serve and part of a chain started by Todai. It was similar to Pinkberry.
• Fannie’s, 1644 San Miguel Dr was an old school froyo shop that closed a long time ago
• Go Greek Yogurt, 3109 Newport Blvd, offered self-serve Greek froyo and Greek yogurt in Corona Del Mar. This branch opened and closed in 2016.
• Icicles, 545 Eastbluff Dr #2545, was a self-serve shop that opened in 2010 in Corona Del Mar and closed in 2016
• Menchie’s, 21109 Newport Coast Dr, was open at Newport Coast Shopping Center from 2013- 2023.
• Pinkberry, 941 Newport Center Dr, opened at Newport Fashion Island in April 2008 and closed in 2019. It was the 50th Pinkberry branch when it opened.
• Red Mango, 7972 East Coast Hwy, opened in 2008. It was counter-serve, and I don’t think it lasted for long.
• TCBY, 20341 SW Birch St Ste 310. I’m not sure when it opened and closed but probably a long time ago.
• Tutti Frutti, 2233 W Balboa Blvd, Ste 101, opened in 2010 and may have closed in 2014.

Did I miss any froyo shops in Newport Beach? 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.

NEW Labna Honeycomb (Yogurt) Flavor at Kinrose Creamery

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve been waiting over a year for Kinrose Creamery to introduce their frozen yogurt/yogurt ice cream and it finally happened. You see, when I first visited the shop on opening day, January 3, 2024, I asked if they were going to create a frozen yogurt flavor. They said they were working on it…but I wasn’t sure if they were just being polite?

Kinrose specializes in Persian/Egyptian ice cream. Persians love yogurt, so it seemed like a natural fit. The new flavor is called Labna Honeycomb and it is described as “a beloved creamy and tart strained yogurt often enjoyed with honey.” They made their own honeycomb to fold into the yogurt ice cream. The scoop of Labna was topped with more honeycomb and black nigella seeds (black cumin) for more flavor and texture.

Everything they make is made from scratch with love. The Labna Honeycomb was no exception. It was rich, dense, and creamy. It did have some mild tang. It’s not very tart but is very rich. The bits of honeycomb folded in are tiny but they added flavor and texture.

I love how their ice cream comes with paired toppings that add texture and flavor. And the ice cream always looks pretty. A single scoop is $7.50 and totally worth it.

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

* KINROSE CREAMERY, 140 Mills Pl, Pasadena, CA 91105

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.

Frozen Yogurt Food Show from SR Food Group on March 20 in Sacramento, CA

 

Fro-yo girl here. There’s a new frozen yogurt show happening this Thursday, March 20, at the Electro Freeze showroom in Sacramento, CA.

By attending the show, you’ll be able to try the new flavors from SR Food Group and learn how to make your own unique flavors with frozen yogurt toppings and ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.

SR Food Group is a well-known manufacturer of premium soft serve mix, spanning from the creamiest frozen yogurt to the velvety richness of gelato and the delectable world of non-dairy delights. The non-dairy mixes are made with almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk.

Show Details

• Date and Time: March 20, 10 AM – 3 PM. Flavor demos at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM.
• Location: Electro Freeze of Norcal, 4330 Pinell St, Sacramento, CA 95838
• Show Special: Raffle for 10 free cases of soft serve
• New Flavors: Vanilla oat milk, acai soft serve, custard, and more

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.

Pinkberry Introduces Spring Froyo Flavor, Blueberry Lavender

Fro-yo girl here. Spring’s new Pinkberry froyo flavor is Blueberry Lavender. The official recommended combination is Blueberry Lavender froyo with fresh blueberries and lemon wafer cookies. There is also a new blueberry lavender smoothie. 

Blueberry Lavender froyo: The froyo was smooth and light with a refreshing tang. I couldn’t taste the lavender though. It’s been a long time since I’ve had Pinkberry’s blueberry flavor. I’ve always liked that flavor. Blueberry Lavender seemed tarter than the blueberry that I remember and it does taste like real yogurt. Recommended toppings: fresh blueberries, mochi, Belgian butter waffle cookie, dark chocolate crisps. I didn’t see the lemon wafer cookies during my visit, so I can't recommend them. 

Blueberry Lavender is available for a limited time at participating stores nationwide. It will be around till May 29.

Yogurtland had a blueberry lavender light ice cream back in 2019.

Pinkberry recently turned twenty quietly. I wonder if they have anything planned?

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 March Featured Flavors

Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s has two featured flavors this month and the new Two Thumbs Up Kiwi spoon.

Orange Cream Bar froyo is a new flavor that’s described as a blend of “vibrant citrus with smooth, creamy vanilla.” The froyo is gluten-free, and contains no artificial colors, artificial flavors, or high fructose corn syrup. The texture was extra rich, thick, and creamy. The cream flavor was strong, and the orange flavor quite muted. I was expecting more orange flavor. It was pleasant and rich. Recommended toppings: strawberries, Sour Patch Kids.

It’s hard to believe that Menchie’s hasn’t had orange creamsicle before? The previous Menchie’s orange flavors were Freshly Squeezed Orange Sorbet, Orange Pineapple Sorbet, Blood Orange Sorbet, and Carrot Orange Boost Sorbet.

Cotton Candy froyo is back. I didn’t think that I would like the flavor because I don’t like cotton candy. Cotton candy tastes just like sugar. Cotton Candy froyo is better than cotton candy because the yogurt mutes the cloying sweetness of cotton candy. And this flavor is nonfat, gluten-free, and contains no artificial colors or flavors and no high fructose corn syrup. Recommended toppings: Sprinkles, Circus Animal Cookies, white chocolate chips

These flavors are available at participating locations for a limited time, while supplies last.

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.

Q-gurt Functional Yogurt Gummies Review

 

Fro-yo girl here. Functional gummies are enjoying increased popularity in the US and also in Taiwan. I recently found Q-gurt functional yogurt gummies at the new iTaiwan Foods store in Temple City, CA. The gummies are sold in 63g bags with 18 individually wrapped gummies per bag. The gummy is a small cube and contains live and active cultures, as well as collagen. One bag was $4.

According to the importer, iTaiwan Foods, “Fruity peach yogurt gummies with added probiotics. A tasty and health-conscious snack for all ages. Light and fluffy with a chewy texture, providing a dual sensation. Enhanced with collagen, the addition of white peach ensures a snack that not only delights the taste buds but also contributes to your skincare and beauty.” Q-gurt is a product of Taiwan’s Bifido Foods.

Peach and yogurt gummies: Soft, chewy but gelatinous, the texture was like a marshmallow-gummy hybrid. The juicy white peach flavor was surprisingly strong. It is sweet like a candy and pretty in appearance (white and pink). It’s made with peach juice concentrate.

Tangerine and yogurt gummies: these gummies had more of a powdery taste, like a drink mix, even though it is made with orange juice concentrate. The cube was orange and white.

One gummy is 10 calories, 0g fat, 0g cholesterol, 2g total carbs, 2g total sugars and 0g protein.

Since it’s functional, I assume that you’re not supposed to eat a couple at once? Anyway, the peach and yogurt ones are much better than the tangerine and yogurt ones. Neither tastes like yogurt.

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

* ITAIWAN FOODS, 5781 Rosemead Blvd, Temple City, CA

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.

Active Culture Long Beach Turns Three

Fro-yo girl here. Active Culture just turned three in Long Beach. To celebrate, there was a special 50% off menu items on March 5. The discount included froyo, bowls, salads, acai bowls, burritos, burgers, soups, smoothies, shakes, and more. The Long Beach branch is the fifth. Not Your Mama’s Nachos Tortilla chips, organic black and red beans, melted cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, seasoning, OG sauce | GF

During my first visit three years ago, I was impressed with how tasty the Not Your Mama’s Nachos dish was. This time, I took home some Wholesome Bowls (organic brown rice, organic black and red beans, cheddar cheese, green cabbage, salsa, avocado, cilantro, seasoning, OG sauce) and those were also very wholesome, satisfying, fresh, and delicious. That OG sauce is seriously good. It tastes like curry, turmeric, lemon, and more.

The froyo machines are still in the back, out of sight. There are four flavors a day. During my visit, these were organic chocolate, organic vanilla, POG, and NY cheesecake. There is always a vegan option.

Prices: Jumbo ($8.99), Regular ($6.99), Cone ($4.99), Mini ($4.99). The mini is pretty big. The froyo toppings were on the main counter, so they seem to be self-serve. There were four toppings: Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, Fruity Pebbles, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch crumbs.

I’m hoping to visit the other locations. The Orange County locations have more froyo machines.

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

* ACTIVE CULTURE: 6420 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 170, Long Beach, CA 90803

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 Two Thumbs Up Kiwi Spoon at Menchie’s

 

Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s just dropped its first new spoon of 2025, continuing the tradition of having a new spring spoon. The green Kiwi spoon (green for St. Patrick’s Day?) features Kiwi making a two thumbs up gesture. I think he’s expressing his approval of froyo. The spoon says “two thumbs up!” The back of the spoon shows the back of Kiwi. Cute.

The spoons are available for a limited time, while supplies last.

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.

Los Angeles Froyo Shops That I’m Avoiding

 

Go Greek, Studio City

Fro-yo girl here. Now that I’ve told you about my favorite froyo chain locations in Los Angeles, it seems right to also warn you about some locations that I’m avoiding. I hate to be critical of froyo shops, but the feedback could also be helpful.

Go Greek, 12930 Ventura Blvd # 114, Studio City, CA 91604

The froyo is good but this location does not have the same rewards program as the Santa Monica and Beverly Hills locations. I’ve also tried to sign up for rewards twice, unsuccessfully.

Menchie’s, 10619 Valley Blvd Unit D, El Monte, CA 91731

The scanner has been broken for over a year at this location. I found out the hard way when I was participating in the Menchie’s app game challenge. Since they did not have a working scanner, I could not get credit for my visit there.

Pinkberry, 612 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016

The main reason that I no longer frequent Pinkberry in Monrovia is that they chose not to participate in the Pinkcard program. Who does that? I’ve also had icy froyo there but that could have been a temporary issue. Also, the Bible materials that they have there bother me.

Pinkberry, 120 E Palm Ave, Burbank, CA 91502

Sadly, so many of the soft serve machines are out of order. During one visit, they only had two flavors available. Also, it’s self-serve but you still can’t get your own toppings.

Yogurtland, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd #1260, Los Angeles, CA 90067

At $1.35/oz, the Yogurtland at Westfield Century City is too expensive. It also doesn’t have as many flavors as the typical Yogurtland location.

Yogurtland, 1321 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Santa Monica Yogurtland is also crazy expensive.

I’m hoping things change for the better.

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.

Favorite Los Angeles Locations of Froyo Chains, 2025 Edition

 

Menchie's Burbank

Fro-yo girl here. It’s time for another list update. It’s been over four years since my last post about my favorite locations of the froyo chains of Los Angeles. Most of my favorite locations have changed.

Menchie's

2024 favorite: Menchie’s Burbank

2020 favorite: Menchie’s Valley Village

2016 favorite: Menchie’s Monrovia

Menchie’s Valley Village is still very good. It’s the original (first) location of Menchie's. However, it is smaller (fewer flavors) and usually crowded. Menchie’s Burbank is clean, less crowded, and has 16 froyo flavors a day. They’re very organized during the free froyo events. The froyo texture is better too. Menchie’s Burbank wasn’t always as good as it is now. The new ownership made the difference. 

Pinkberry

2024 favorite: Pinkberry Los Feliz

2020 favorite: Pinkberry Los Feliz

2016 favorite: Pinkberry Glendale

There isn’t much choice because the next closest Pinkberry in Burbank has a lot of issues with their soft serve machines and the one in Monrovia doesn’t participate in the Pinkcard rewards program. Pinkberry Los Feliz is fairly reliable though the yogurt is a bit icy.

Yogurtland

2024 favorite: Yogurtland Eagle Rock

2020 favorite: Yogurtland San Gabriel

2016 favorite: Yogurtland Pasadena on Lake

I believe the ownership of Yogurtland San Gabriel has changed since 2020. They’re no longer keeping up with promotions, and they don’t post their flavors on the Yogurtland app/website. My new favorite Yogurtland location is…Eagle Rock. The Yogurtland Eagle Rock had a funky smell for years and that’s finally gone. They’re good about keeping up with promotions and they also remodeled in 2024. And they post their flavors usually.

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.