Comparative Essay: Frozen Yogurt vs. Ice Cream

Have you ever had to decide between ice cream or frozen yogurt? Ultimately, making the decision of eating ice cream or frozen yogurt is not as difficult as it seems. Although some argue that ice cream is a classic treat and conjures up memories of summer in comparison to newfound frozen yogurt, frozen yogurt is better than ice cream due to its increased health benefits, increased popularity, and innumerable amount of tasty flavors. 

Moreover, frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert product made by freezing yogurt, and occasionally adding other corn syrups, flavorings, emulsifiers and yogurt cultures for flavor and consistency. Frozen yogurt contains the same healthy probiotics found in yogurt products, commonly lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, and bifidobacterium, all of which help to maintain the balance of bacteria in ones body needed to boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract (Sadick and Sohrabi). The addition of probiotics in frozen yogurt compared to ice cream are not the only health benefits working to increase the popularity of frozen yogurt. Major health benefits of boosting cardiovascular health, aiding in weight loss efforts, and boosting nutrient intake are also positive nutritional benefits of eating frozen yogurt over ice cream (Staughton). The health benefits of frozen yogurt aid in its growing popularity amongst consumers, also. 

Even more so, in response to frozen yogurt’s health benefits and nutritionally enhanced ingredients, frozen yogurt is increasing in popularity. According to a report titled “Frozen Yogurt Market, 2021 – 2028,” by Fortune Business Insights, the frozen yogurt market grew in size from 1.63 billion dollars to 1.69 billion dollars from the year 2020 to the year 2021 (“Frozen Yogurt Market to Reach USD 2.14 Billion in 2028;”). Although already experiencing an increase in popularity, the frozen yogurt market is projected to grow even more in acknowledgment of the introduction of self-serve frozen yogurt shops and parlors. As noted by The Global Frozen Yogurt Association, more than two-thirds of the total number of frozen yogurt stores worldwide are designed as self-serving (“Frozen Yogurt Market to Reach USD 2.14 Billion in 2028;”). The growth of frozen yogurt popularity, in response to its increased health benefits and nutritional information, has also influenced and expanded the innumerable amount of tasty frozen yogurt flavors. 

Furthermore, the increased popularity of frozen yogurt introduced the production of new tasty flavors and differing frozen yogurt toppings. For example, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt company created, developed, and served over ten new frozen yogurt flavors in the year 2020. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is an American frozen yogurt chain company offering self-serve frozen yogurt with different choices of yogurt flavors and toppings. The new fun and flavorful frozen yogurts introduced to the Mechie’s stores included “Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake froyo,” “Pumpkin Spice froyo,” “Cinnamon Bun froyo,” and more (“New Froyo Flavors & Flavor Trends in 2020 - The International Frozen Yogurt Association''). The increased popularity of frozen yogurt and introduction of new frozen yogurt flavors allows consumers to choose their own toppings, quantity, and flavors based on their dietary and nutritional needs. 

However, although frozen yogurt is growing in popularity due to its health benefits and tasty flavor options, many argue that ice cream is a traditional treat in comparison to its competition. Dating back to the early 1700s, the introduction of ice cream to consumers was introduced by European settlers in the Americas (Avey). The origination of ice cream recipes through confectionary books and recipes spurred the serving of ice cream as a tasty treat, with the first ice cream parlor opening in New York in the year 1790 (Avey). For most, ice cream is the ultimate old-fashioned treat, conjuring up memories of summer, hot fudge sundaes, root beer floats, and more. 

In conclusion, the benefits of frozen yogurt are substantial in comparison to those of ice cream. Although ice cream is argued to be, by some, a classic and traditional treat in comparison to its competition, newfound frozen yogurt, frozen yogurt is better than ice cream. Because of increased health benefits, growing popularity, and innumerable amounts of tasty flavors and toppings, the justification of eating frozen yogurt over ice cream is evident. So, the next time you have to decide between eating ice cream or frozen yogurt, the decision of choosing to eat frozen yogurt will be much easier.