Frozen Yogurt makes big promises

If you happen to pass a large collection of people, students and locals alike, outside the new Storrs Center, chances are they are taking care of their frozen yogurt fix. That’s right, the “froyo” craze has hit Storrs this semester with the grand opening of Froyo World. 

Froyo has appealed to the American population thanks to sugarcoated rumors of this “non-fat, low-fat or low calorie” alternative to ice cream. But are these rumors true, or just another myth to further propagate American consumerism? Frozen yogurt is addicting, plain and simple. But is it healthy? Well, let’s take a look at the facts.

Frozen yogurt and ice cream cannot compete with calorie count, and this is mostly because they are both very high in calories. Although this may disappoint you, like it did me, one must recognize there are ways to avoid the exceptionally high cal-count.  Ice cream is made from cream and “froyo” of yogurt… obviously. But next time, take a look at what kind of cream or yogurt is used. Is the ice cream made with whole fat dairy or cream? Cream will contain more fat and higher calories, but will most likely taste better. What kind of yogurt is in your froyo? Is it non-fat, low-fat or non-reduced fat at all? If you are looking for the healthier alternative in the calorie count, I would try frozen yogurt. Although ice cream does not beat it by much, if you are looking for that small difference frozen yogurt will do it.

Fat is another concern in the froyo vs. ice cream debate. According to Livestrong, there are seven grams of total fat in only one serving of vanilla ice cream and five grams of saturated fat. Conversely, the American Heart Association urges people to eat no more than 20 to 35 percent of calories from fat in daily diets and no more than seven percent from saturated fat. That means that you will most likely be well over your daily recommendation for saturated fat after a serving of the most plain ice cream available, and on your way to finishing your total fat recommendations as well. Frozen yogurt is clearly the winner here. A serving of a plain frozen yogurt will equate closer to around two grams of total fat and two of saturated fat. That is a huge cut back from the easily persuaded temptations of ice cream! 

According to the facts, froyo is in fact a healthier alternative to ice cream. But that does not mean you can eat froyo all the time. If consistently eaten, it will all add up in the end and lead to negative health consequences. Although they are delicious, try to stay away from the plethora of toppings. Cookie dough sounds like a good idea, but if you are watching your health and weight, you will definitely regret it.

Also, just as a side note, if you are truly looking for a healthier alternative to ice cream, rather than frozen yogurt, try normal yogurt! It’s delicious and much healthier than the latter two.