What is Frozen Yogurt?
Frozen yogurt combines yogurt, cultured milk, cream, and sweeteners. Dessert companies usually sell frozen yogurt in the form of frozen flavored yogurt desserts, frozen yogurt novelties, sandwiches, etc. The yogurt content is different for every brand, as frozen yogurt is not a term regulated by the FDA.
How is Frozen Yogurt prepared?
First, add gut-friendly live yogurt cultures to pasteurized milk to prepare the dessert's base. Then sugar, milk, and stabilizers are added to this blend before coloring and flavor agents are mixed. Frozen yogurt contains high amounts of sugar and emulsifiers, which maintain the air bubble structure and feel similar to an ice cream. The sugar also ensures that yogurt remains creamy while it is frozen. The production of frozen yogurt resembles the production of ice cream, and they are generally prepared in the same machines.
Difference between Frozen Yogurt and Ice cream
As the names suggest, regular yogurt is the base ingredient for frozen yogurts, whereas dairy products such as milk or cream are the base for ice cream. Unlike ice creams, yogurt does not have that extra milk fat. Gelatin and other emulsifiers help stabilize the dessert. While ice cream is churned to make it fluffier and sweet, live yogurt cultures make yogurt tangier.
People have enjoyed ice creams since way back in the 18th century. Frozen yogurt is a comparatively new concept that began attracting attention as a mainstream dessert in the late 1970s. Ice cream companies initially sold ice creams with traditional flavors such as chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Today, people are fans of ice cream's fruity and nutty flavors. The dessert space is constantly evolving, with new flavors and combinations being introduced almost daily. Frozen yogurt started with mostly fruit-based flavors; however, innovative flavors like almond, pistachio, and red velvet are slowly replacing them to make froyos more similar to ice cream flavors.
Are Frozen Yogurts healthier?
The fat content in ice creams is a concern for many people who want to enjoy their favorite dessert without worrying about their health. A cup of frozen yogurt has almost half the fat content compared to a cup of ice cream of similar weight. However, it may contain more sugar and artificial sweeteners to neutralize the tangy flavor, which is not a good sign.
If we look at the content sheet of both desserts, froyos look healthier on paper. The calcium and protein levels are almost similar as both are dairy products. Dietary fiber is negligible. Frozen yogurt is considerably low in calories, which makes it preferable over ice creams.
But wait, there’s more to it. Frozen yogurt desserts, or froyo desserts as we call them, are heaped with toppings. These sugary toppings and confectionaries add to the overall sugar content and calories. People also argue that yogurt contains probiotics, which are good for your gut health. However, frozen yogurt will not have the same benefits, as freezing kills most good bacteria.
What should you choose?
If a low-calorie, lactose-controlled sweet indulgence is what you are after, then frozen yogurts are a better choice. However, be mindful of the toppings and the quantity you indulge in. Look for the low-fat or fat-free options of frozen yogurt, which are even better.
If you have diabetes or are limiting your sugar intake, ice creams can be your go-to desserts. But it’s a good indulgence if you keep your portion sizes in check. Top your cup with fresh fruits and nuts to give it a healthy nudge. Whether you like ice creams or froyos, it is a good habit to check the packaging for exact content details and choose what’s best for you. Ice creams in moderation are a great, light treat if you are dieting for weight loss.
To sum it up, Ice creams and froyos are both delicious treats that you can enjoy in moderation. Dairy-based products are healthier than empty-calorie foods, chips, and candies as they contain protein and calcium.
Froyos are a good alternative to ice creams with their low-fat content and calories. However, they can be high in sugar as companies tend to add a good amount of sweeteners during production. Limited portion sizes will help you prevent overindulging. Be mindful of the toppings you put on your froyo, as people often overlook this habit and make their desserts more unhealthy than they should be.
