We love frozen yogurt, and we hope you do too! If you happen to be a fanatic of the sweet deliciousness of fro-yo, you’re in for a treat. But if you’re on the fence, no worries, hopefully these facts (and the yummy selections at 16 Handles) will win you over!
Now let’s get some brain stimulation going with 16 fun facts about frozen yogurt!
People have been eating plain yogurt for thousands of years, and its origins can be traced to the Middle East and India. Yogurt was brought to the United States in the 1900s and Dannon started selling it in the 1930s. That was when it became popular here in the US, and the rest is history!
Yogurt has been around for a while, but frozen yogurt is actually pretty new. Since freezers haven’t been around for as long, it wasn’t possible to make frozen yogurt until the 1900s, when freezers were invented. Even still, the first commercial frozen yogurt wasn’t available until the early 1970s. A few decades later, you can find frozen yogurt in markets and specialty frozen yogurt shops across the globe because of the high demand for this delicious treat!
Back when Fro-yo was first invented and sold, it was sold only in scoops like ice cream. When soft-serve frozen yogurt was first invented in the 1980s, it quickly became popular, and stores have been serving it like that ever since!
Dannon was always a big player in the yogurt industry. Back when fro-yo was first being created, Dannon released “Danny,” a fruit-flavored frozen yogurt popsicle, in 1979. It was the first frozen, perishable snack to be distributed in the United States.
Your beloved frozen yogurt contains bacteria, but don’t worry – it’s the good kind! Fro-yo is made by adding these good bacteria to milk and ferment, producing a lot of its unique qualities. After fermentation, lactose is turned into lactic acid, explaining the tart flavor in classic fro-yo, like our Eurotart flavor. These probiotics in fro-yo is actually really good for your digestive health. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and boost your immune system.
In addition to helping out your digestive and immune systems, the active cultures in fro-yo are actually known to improve bad breath! So, if you ever feel the need to freshen up a little, stopping by a fro-yo shop might be the way to go!
It depends on who’s making it, but it’s not always made from cow milk. In fact, lots of people make frozen yogurt out of milk from sheep, goats, and water buffalo. In parts of Asia, they might even use camels and yaks! 16 Handles sticks with cow’s milk for its classic fro-yos and ice creams, and we use cashew milk, soy milk, and fresh fruits for our non-dairy flavors.
Usually things that taste good aren’t good for you, but frozen yogurt begs to differ. Fro-yo actually comes with a lot of healthy vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, B6, B12, and others! We all might need to eat some more fro-yo… for health reasons, of course 😉
Because of its high level of protein, fro-yo can actually make you feel full longer. Unlike a lot of other sweet-treats, frozen yogurt won’t leave you hungry.
You heard that right! The month of June has been National Frozen Yogurt Month in the United States since 1993. That might be an extra reason to treat yourself, but at 16 Handles, every month is frozen yogurt month.
A month AND a day? Yes, that’s how special this treat is. February 6th is National Frozen Yogurt Day, which proves that fro-yo is the perfect year-round snack!
Yeah, we have some mixed thoughts about that too… It used to be sold under the name “Fro-gurt” in New England in the 1970s when it was first created.
What’s Sakura? It’s a cherry blossom flavor that made for the first black fro-yo flavor ever! The black color came from a naturally activated charcoal. Cool, right?
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan was nicknamed the Frozen Yogurt Justice, and rightfully so. Her deep love for frozen yogurt led to the first installation of a frozen yogurt station in the Supreme Court cafeteria. Paired with a variety of toppings and sauces, Justice Kagan has been applauded for this great feat. She really changed the Supreme Court cafeteria for the better.
Google has a habit of naming their codenames after tasty treats. Google Android’s 2.2 release in 2010 made an honorary mention to our fave dessert “Froyo.” Others have included ice cream, pie, and Oreos!
Okay, so this one might seem a little biased, but let us explain. In addition to a wide range of the most delicious and innovative flavors out there, our frozen yogurts are made with fresh, quality, natural ingredients. We also cater to your needs and restrictions by offering low-fat, fat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan, and nut-free options! Pay us a visit; we always love to meet our fellow fro-yo lovers!
Frozen yogurt, ice cream, and gelato. They can all be described as cold, creamy, and delicious, but what are the differences between these treats? From the creation, to the ingredients, to health and flavor, how much do you really know about your favorite summer desserts?
Well, this is the inside scoop!
Here is where the differences begin. How each treat is made impacts the flavor, texture, and healthiness of the dessert. We can start by looking into the history, ingredients, and the processes underwent.
While regular yogurt has been around for thousands of years, frozen yogurt was introduced in the early 1970s. Starting out, it was scooped like ice cream, then shaped like popsicles. A great evolution of frozen yogurt has occurred in the past few decades. While invented fairly recently, frozen yogurt has quickly become a household staple for millions. Now there are thousands of “fro-yo” shops all over the country!
Frozen yogurt does not generally use cream because it gets its dairy from cultured milk. Cultured milk is created by adding live cultures into pasteurized milk. As a result, frozen yogurt contains bacteria, which results in its signature tart flavor. But no worries, these are actually good bacteria that can have very positive health benefits for the consumer!
Of course, different frozen yogurts are made differently. The freezing process in some frozen yogurts limits the probiotic effect. And if you have a lactose allergy, some frozen yogurts do not use milk at all! If you are looking for different frozen yogurts to satisfy dietary restrictions, you’re in the right place. Here at 16 Handles, we do our best to cater to your needs with a large variety of different flavor profiles and healthy ingredients! Learn more about our offerings. We have frozen yogurts that are vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free, you name it!
Ice cream has a very far-reaching history, as some say it was introduced as early as the second century B.C. It was introduced to America in the mid-1700s, but it was considered an exotic delicacy for the elite even in the 1800s. Over time, however, it became more accessible to the masses. Since then, ice cream has become a great American staple as it pops up through every generation. From ice cream sodas, to the creation of sundaes, to ice cream parlours, ice cream has consistently stayed near and dear to our hearts.
As you can tell by its name, ice cream is made from cream. There is actually a required minimum of 10% milkfat for ice cream to be legally sold. As a result, ice cream has a much higher fat content compared to frozen yogurt (which does not use cream at all). Ice cream consists of a combination of water, milk, cream, and sugar, all of which are rapidly churned together. This produces the creamy and lighter concoction that you love! Because of its churning process, ice cream can have an air content that ranges from 25-90%. (It will never reach 100% because that would be just air!)
Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream and is thought to have been created during the Italian Renaissance in the 14th century. It was introduced to the United States in the late 1700s. When it was brought to the US, two types were introduced: one made by mixing water with fruits (sorbetto) and the other by mixing milk with cinnamon, chocolate, or other flavors. Of course, many changes have been made to produce the gelato we have today.
Like ice cream, gelato uses cream and has a much thicker consistency compared to frozen yogurt. However, unlike ice cream, there is no required minimum of milk fat. Therefore, gelato uses substantially less cream than ice cream.
Like with ice cream, the ingredients are churned together, but more slowly to incorporate less air. As a result, gelato tends to be denser, milkier, and more flavorful, while consisting of less fat. Because of its composition, gelato has to be served at higher temperatures compared to ice cream. Otherwise, you would get a rock solid popsicle! (But who knows; that could be delicious, too!)
All three treats have nutritional benefits with protein, calcium, potassium, and other vitamins. Because ingredients differ amongst various brands, there are a variety of different amounts of sugar, fats, and nutrients. Some brands of ice cream may be healthier than other brands of frozen yogurt or gelato! It really comes down to how they are made individually.
Some frozen yogurts add more sugar due to the tartness of the flavor. However, some still have sugar-free options or add other flavorings to mask the flavor. Some frozen yogurts simply fully embrace the tartness. Because frozen yogurts sometimes have probiotic effects and good bacteria, there may be more health benefits compared to other frozen treats. Frozen yogurt with active bacteria can improve digestive health, lower cholesterol, boost immune system health, as well as freshen breath.
Because ice creams have a 10% milkfat minimum, wiggle room for fat content is limited. However, low-fat ice creams do exist! Ice cream sometimes contains less sugar than frozen yogurt, but it depends on the brand and type of ice cream.
Gelato sometimes contains less fat per serving, but serving sizes will seem smaller because the product contains less air. The density of gelato compacts it, which could double its calories per cup, but become equivalent or less per serving, so beware! While there may be fewer calories per serving compared to ice cream, one serving of gelato will often seem much smaller.
Of course, it all comes down to the flavor.
Frozen yogurt has the most distinct taste out of the three. Given its signature tart flavor, many try to compensate by adding sweetness. Ice cream has a creamy and fluffy texture with a mellower flavor, while gelato is denser, with a stronger flavor.
Flavor differences are also strongly influenced by brand, so it really comes down to personal preference!
There are many similarities between the three, but here is a brief overview of what the major differences between frozen yogurt, ice cream, and gelato are:
Frozen yogurt, ice cream, and gelato are all delicious options for a cold treat! Who knew how many differences there really were? While they may look the same or sometimes even taste the same, with so many differences in the creation process and in ingredients, you are left with three distinct and yummy desserts!
This summer, 16 Handles is launching something big…
…something amazing…
…something that will make you want to scream…
for ICE CREAM!
That’s right! On June 1st, 16 Handles is kicking off summer by offering ice cream in two delicious flavors – Dutch Chocolate and Classic Vanilla.
The frozen dessert shop, traditionally known and beloved for its frozen yogurt, is expanding its offerings to include ice cream for the very first time, only for a limited time!
“16 Handles has always been about variety – we have something for everyone,” says CEO and founder, Solomon Choi. “This summer, by expanding our frozen dessert options to include ice cream, we’re letting customers flaunt their flavor in a whole new way. Nowhere else can you customize your dessert with as many options as you can at 16 Handles.”
Handcrafted with six simple ingredients, the new soft serve ice cream flavors, Dutch Chocolate and Classic Vanilla, are bound to delight. To celebrate, the brand is unleashing a 17th “twist” handle for the summer of ‘17, allowing customers to combine the two ice cream flavors for the ultimate summer treat.
It’s the summer of ice cream! Celebrate with ice cream your way, only at 16 Handles.
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
Classic Vanilla Sundae: Classic Vanilla Ice Cream paired with Hot Fudge, Nuts, Chopped Bananas, Whipped Cream
Dutch Chocolate Indulgence: Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream paired with Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Strawberries
Chocolate & Vanilla Twist: Mini Black & White Cookies, Chocolate Chips, Yogurt Chips
16 Handles’ May flavor of the month, Cookie Butter, is a creamy caramel and cinnamon dream crafted with Europe’s most beloved cookie. Created with Lotus Biscoff cookies for deliciously authentic cookie butter taste, this flavor is available at 16 Handles for a limited time only for the month of May. Try it today!
Speculoos, the spiced shortbread biscuit that gives cookie butter its delicious flavor, originated in the Netherlands and Belgium as a popular holiday treat. In the past few years, cookie butter’s caramelized, gingerbread-like flavor has soared in popularity amongst food enthusiasts in the United States.
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
One Smart Cookie: Ghirardelli® Caramel Sauce, Cookie Dough Bites, Whipped Cream
Cookie Monster: Mini Black & White Cookies, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Sauce
Scrumptious Speculoos: Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Wet Walnuts, Banana
16 Handles’ May flavor of the month, Cookie Butter, is a creamy caramel and cinnamon dream crafted with Europe’s most beloved cookie. This flavor is available at 16 Handles for a limited time only for the month of May. Try it today!
Speculoos, the spiced shortbread biscuit that gives cookie butter its delicious flavor, originated in the Netherlands and Belgium as a popular holiday treat. In the past few years, cookie butter’s caramelized, gingerbread-like flavor has soared in popularity amongst food enthusiasts in the United States.
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
One Smart Cookie: Ghirardelli® Caramel Sauce, Cookie Dough Bites, Whipped Cream
Cookie Monster: Mini Black & White Cookies, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Sauce
Scrumptious Speculoos: Chocolate Covered Pretzels, Wet Walnuts, Banana
Spring has sprung, and we know you need your iced coffee fix. No need to wait on line at the coffee shop, 16 Handles has your pick-me-up! Try 16 Handles’ April flavor of the month, Cold Brew Mocha! Made with real chocolate and coffee, this artisan frozen yogurt flavor is handcrafted to perfection and perfect for spring. Chill out with some Cold Brew Mocha from 16 Handles – we promise you’ll love it a latte.
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
But First, Coffee: Ghirardelli® Caramel Sauce, Cookie Dough Bites, Coconut Flakes
I Love You A Latte: Hot Fudge, Brownie Bites, Whipped Cream
Livin’ La Vida Mocha: Whipped Cream, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Sauce
16 Handles’ March flavor of the month, Chocolate Chipotle, packs a real kick! Made with real chipotle peppers and cinnamon, this flavor will delight and excite your tastebuds. Chipotle peppers, a type of smoke-dried jalapeno, boast a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion and an improved immune system. Paired with the probiotic powers of Fro-Yo, Chocolate Chipotle is a delicious explosion of flavor – try it today!
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
Spicy S’more: Brownie Bites, Graham Cracker, Marshmallow Sauce
Tropical Perfection: Pineapple, Mochi, Whipped Cream
Chocolate Dream: Kit Kat, Caramel Sauce, Hazelnut Crunch
New York, NY – On February 6th, 2017, 16 Handles is celebrating “National Frozen Yogurt Day” with free Fro-Yo for all of their rewards members!
A beloved holiday for Fro-Yo fans everywhere, National Frozen Yogurt Day celebrates one of the most delicious frozen dessert treats in the world – frozen yogurt! In honor of the holiday, 16 Handles will thank its loyal rewards members with free frozen yogurt (up to 4 ounces) throughout all of its locations from 12PM to 6PM! Non-rewards members may sign up on the spot by downloading the new 16 Handles mobile app to redeem their free Fro-Yo.
“We love our customers – this day is really about celebrating them. We couldn’t think of a better way to say ‘thank you’ for their continued loyalty to our business,” says Solomon Choi, CE-YO! of 16 Handles.
Customers will be able to choose from any of the 16 delicious flavors on tap, topping their custom creations with a mix of the brand’s 50+ toppings. Plus, patrons will have the chance to try 16 Handles’ February flavor of the month, Chocolate Caramel Crush. Inspired by a classic box of Valentine’s Day chocolates, this decadent flavor is crafted with fresh caramel and rich chocolate for a velvety finish. This artisan flavor is gluten free, so treat yo-self and your loved ones!
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
Date Night: Strawberries, Chocolate Cookie Crunch, Whipped Cream
Chocolate Perfection: Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites, Hazelnut Crunch
Fall in Love: Caramel Sauce, Black & White Cookie, Blueberries
Keep your New Year’s resolutions going strong with 16 Handles’ January flavor of the month, Pistachi-Yo! Loaded with vitamins and minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorous, protein, manganese, copper, and vitamins A & B, pistachios are chock full of health benefits, so let yourself indulge a little! Top your snack with some fresh fruit and chopped nuts for the perfect pick-me-up.
Try one of these combinations to create the ultimate frozen treat:
Nutty About You: Wet Walnuts, Peanut Butter, Coconut Flakes
Fruits ‘N’ Nuts: Blueberries, Almonds, Wildberry Sauce
Caramel Dream: Caramel Sauce, Black & White Cookie, Hazelnut Crunch
16 Handles is welcoming the holiday season with a festive new flavor – White Chocolate Peppermint! Come chill with us this December and try it out. This refreshing flavor has hints of peppermint and brings all the nostalgia of the holiday season. It’s the perfect winter treat!
Try it with some of these delicious toppings:
Chocolate Chips
Crushed Oreos
Macaroon Brownie Bites
Cheesecake Bites