It is a Friday night, and a place is buzzing with excitement and energy as students from Jacobs socialize with each other after a home football game. After filling their cups with thick and creamy yogurt, the customers make their way over to the toppings bar where they get to choose from a variety of toppings, ranging from fresh fruit to colorful gummy bears.
If you have not guessed by now, the place that I am talking about is Yogurtland that just opened up in Algonquin. Another yogurt place by the Commons? Trust me, this one is different, and possibly better than its froyo competitors.
Yogurtland offers an assortment of unique, all natural flavors including Birthday cake batter, Dutch chocolate, fresh strawberry sorbet, Pistachio, Toasted coconut, Pecans & Pralines, Madagascar Vanilla bean, Sumatra coffee blend, Rocket pop sorbet, Pumpkin pie, Taro, and just plain tart.
According to employee Kaelene Goettelmann, Yogurtland’s flavors are made from natural ingredients; Unlike Yumz, who use a base powder for their chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors.
I would take her word for it. After trying their Rocket Pop sorbet flavor, I could not believe how similar it tasted to the actual Rocket Pop popsicles that I’d chase down the ice cream man for.
Which explains why it is one of the most popular out of their 12 flavors. The birthday cake batter and the pecans and pralines flavors are also must tries for all the Yogurtland froyo virgins.
“The birthday cake batter is definitely a popular one that I’ve noticed a lot of people getting lately” said Goettelmann. “But the one that I’ve enjoyed lately is the pecans and pralines because it has this sort of caramel taste to it.”
One flavor that stood out the most to me was Taro. Like most of you, I had no idea what taro was before I went there.
Apparently it is a taproot vegetable that is somewhat similar to potatoes, yet surprisingly does not taste like potatoes at all. It tasted more like a mix of coconut and pumpkin to me.
Besides having some of the most unique flavors I have ever seen, (can you honestly say you have seen taro and Sumatra coffee flavored froyo before?) another thing I noticed was that Yogurtland had a lot more healthier choices at the topping bar than Yogen Fruz or even Yumz.
This might be the reason why a majority of Yogurtland customers are leaning towards healthier options, and satisfying their body rather than their sweet tooth. Even the kids would load their cups with raspberries and strawberries and sprinkle just a few sprinkles on top.
“A lot of people that come in, even the kids, would put some fruit on it and maybe just a little bit of candy” said Goettelmann. “I’m surprised the kids won’t top it completely with sugary sweets.”
I am just as surprised as you are. It is making me greatly reconsider my froyo eating habits. Unlike the “kids of today” I top my yogurt with mountains of candy and maybe just one banana just so I won’t feel guilty afterwards.
No matter what your froyo eating habits are, Yogurtland gives off the same vibe for everybody once you step in. With their light-hearted music playing in the background, the comfy decor, and soft colors, you can not help but feel happy.