Frozen yogurt, commonly referred to as froyo, has become a popular, satisfying alternative to ice cream. People eat froyo because it is thought to be healthier than ice cream. If eaten strategically, this can be true. I wouldn’t recommend having this as a daily “healthy snack,” but if you want to have it as a better dessert option, that’s a good idea.
There are many aspects to the spectrum of fatty frozen dairy desserts. Let’s begin with the worst (best) of them…
#1 Ice Cream: A frozen dessert typically made from dairy products such as milk and cream and often combined with fruit or other flavors.
#2 Low-Fat Ice Cream: Most ice cream contains sugar, however, some varieties are made with artifical sweeteners.
#3 Low Fat Frozen Yogurt: A frozen dessert made from yogurt and sometimes other dairy products. It is slightly more tart than ice cream and is lower in fat due to the use of milk instead of cream.
#4 Non-Fat Frozen Yogurt: Similar to the frozen treat but with the smallest amount of fat content.
If you eat twice the amount of frozen yogurt than ice cream because you think it’s healthy for you, you rack up those calories from the sugary dessert and the high calorie intake can form into fat in your body. Regular yogurt contains more probiotics and calcium than frozen yogurt. Probiotics promote a healthy digestion. Ice cream does not contain these enzymes.
Amherst is a town with plentiful froyo and ice cream options. Bart’s homemade ice cream can easily satisfy any sweet tooth. They now have an addition of self-serve soft serve frozen yogurt, which creates competition for Froyo World, a chain located right down the street from Bart’s. Froyo World offers the self-serve style, as well. This promotes healthy choices because customers can portion their own servings. The dining halls on campus also have both hard and soft ice cream and froyo options. But beware! All of these self-serve types also promote temptations.
There are low-fat and non-fat options and healthy and unhealthy topping options. Frozen yogurt can be a great option until delicious cookie dough, chocolate fudge, and cheesecake pieces are added to the top. At that point, you might as well just have ice cream. Fresh fruit and a bit of mochi or boba poppers add a sweet, yet less fattening touch than chocolaty candy.
Ice cream and froyo are definitely my weaknesses. I have a hard core sweet tooth, but froyo is my go-to option for ice-cold desserts. If you’re going to have it often, go with small portions of frozen yogurt, but it is okay to splurge with a scoop of homemade Bart’s every once in a while. You’re a working girl and deserve the treat!
Check out these nearby ice cream and froyo joints!
103 N Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-2278
23 N Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 345-2988
28 Amity Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 256-6003
8 Old S Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-9700
129 S Maple Street
Hadley, MA 01035
(413) 584- 2224