I really like the new batch of frozen yogurt stores that are popping up, like Pinkberry and Red Mango. What do you think of them?
-- Alicia M.
Bellevue, WA
Frozen yogurt is back in a big way.
The newer chains you mention specifically pride themselves on serving frozen plain yogurt containing live, active bacteria (both Pinkberry and Red Mango have seals of approval from the National Yogurt Association asserting their live bacteria count qualifies their product as true yogurt, although Pinkberry had to change their original formula to receive this distinction.)
My opinion? They are a legitimately healthy and tasty treat.
I have yet to try Pinkberry, but have been very happy with all my Red Mango experiences.
As with everything else, keep portions in check and you'll do just fine.
A small order of either chain's yogurt provides 80 - 90 calories, about 1 teaspoon of added sugar, and 10% of the calcium daily value.
Make smart choices with toppings (i.e.: fresh fruit and sliced almonds rather than sugary cereals and Oreo cookies) to add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
I love that the fruit toppings are fresh, rather than canned and drowning in heavy syrup.
That said, there is nothing magical about these places. Plain yogurt with strawberries from your refrigerator is just as nutritious.
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3 comments:
Exactly. Or fruit without yogurt. The trick is to not wake up too many taste buds. Let sleeping buds lie.
Nutritionally magical, no - they are no better for you than what you describe and probably a tiny bit less so (added sugar in yogurt).
But for someone who's got a raging sweet tooth for whom plain old fruit just doesn't cut it? It sure does a good job satisfying an ice cream craving and helping me not go overboard. Plain yogurt is never in a million years going to do that.
(We have one in the Boston area called Berryline, and I LOVE it. They make wonderful fruit yogurts that are naturally flavored, too.)
Daphne,
That is precisely why I like these chains.
I know many people who would never dream of having plain yogurt as a snack, but would opt for some Red Mango or Pinkberry in place of, say, Coldstone.
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