What We’re Snacking On Now: The Healthiest (and Most Delicious) Frozen Yogurts!

July 18, 2011 at 12:07 pm
By FITNESS Intern

The perfect snack for a hot summer day! (Photo courtesy of Eating Well)

Written by Theresa K. Brady, editorial intern

Ice cream is a summertime staple—in fact yesterday was National Ice Cream Day! But sadly, the frosty treat isn’t always bikini-friendly, so I like to swap in frozen yogurt for some of those scoops.

Besides providing a healthier and practically fat-free alternative, frozen yogurt is a better source of calcium than standard ice cream, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetics Association and FITNESS advisory board member. Need more of a reason to make the switch? Many frozen yogurts contain “good bacteria” that is beneficial for your digestive system, according to Marjorie Nolan, R.D., a nutrition counselor in New York City.

I took on the (not so) difficult task of touring the yogurt options near our offices. My unscientific personal picks:

• Best Texture: Pinkberry
• Best Vanilla: Red Mango
• Best Chocolate: Pinkberry—I think it tastes better than chocolate ice cream!
• Lowest Calories: Tasti D Lite. Several flavors are offered that have 70 calories per ½ cup.
• Most Unique Flavor: Tasti D Lite’s PB Moosemellow (90 calories, 2.5 g fat)
• Most Bang for Your Buck: Certain locations of several yogurt vendors allow you to serve yourself and pay by ounce so you only pay for what you eat!
• Most Topping Options: 16 Handles. More than forty are available.

If all of those flavor and topping combinations have you feeling a bit overwhelmed, try one of these sure-to-please mixes that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

• Chocoholic: chocolate frozen yogurt, dark chocolate chips, cocoa puffs, drizzle of chocolate
• Tutti Fruity: strawberry frozen yogurt, fresh pineapple, fresh raspberries, fresh kiwi fruity pebbles
• Happy Trails: original frozen yogurt, granola, peanuts, raisins, M&Ms, drizzle of honey

If you don’t have a frozen yogurt shop near you or prefer at-home snacks, take a look at our Healthy Snack Awards in the July/August issue for plenty of healthy treats that are sure to cool you down.

Now tell us: What is your favorite summertime dessert?