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Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made from yogurt and other dairy or non-dairy ingredients.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made from yogurt and other dairy or non-dairy ingredients. It is similar to ice cream but typically has a tangier flavour and may contain live bacterial cultures. In Canada, it is commonly sold in grocery stores, cafés, and dessert shops.

Definition

Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made from yogurt and sometimes other dairy or non-dairy products. Standard dictionary and encyclopedic sources describe it as a sweet dessert similar to ice cream but made with yogurt instead of, or in place of, cream.

Ingredients and preparation

Typical formulations may include yogurt, milk, sugar or other sweeteners, stabilizers, and flavourings. Scientific sources note that frozen yogurt can be made from stirred yogurt or from mixes containing milk solids, sweeteners, and added cultures.

Taste and texture

Frozen yogurt is usually described as creamy with a tart or tangy flavour. The exact taste and texture vary by recipe and serving style, including soft-serve and hard-frozen forms.

History and popularity

Frozen yogurt became popular in the 1970s, particularly in the United States. It later developed into a common retail dessert sold in specialty shops and food courts.

Key facts

  • Frozen yogurt is made with yogurt as a primary ingredient.
  • It is usually served as a dessert and is often compared with ice cream.
  • Some versions contain live bacterial cultures, depending on how they are processed.
  • Commercial frozen yogurt may include stabilizers, sweeteners, fruit, and flavourings.
  • It became especially popular in the United States from the 1970s onward.
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Canadian context

Frozen yogurt is sold in Canadian grocery stores, cafés, and dessert shops, and is familiar to Canadian consumers as a sweet frozen dessert similar to ice cream.

Frequently asked questions

What is frozen yogurt?
Frozen yogurt is a frozen dessert made from yogurt, usually with sweeteners and flavourings added.
Is frozen yogurt the same as ice cream?
No. It is similar to ice cream, but yogurt is the defining ingredient and the flavour is often more tart.
Does frozen yogurt contain live cultures?
Some products do, but the presence and viability of cultures depend on the recipe and processing method.
Is frozen yogurt always healthier than ice cream?
Not necessarily. It may be lower in fat, but sugar content can still be high.
What is frozen yogurt also called?
It is also called froyo or frogurt.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_yogurt
    Supports: Basic definition, alternate names, and general description as a frozen dessert made with yogurt.
  2. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/frozen-yogurt
    Supports: Simple definition of frozen yogurt as a very cold food made by freezing yogurt.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frozen%20yogurt
    Supports: Definition as a sweet frozen dessert like ice cream but made from yogurt.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/frozen-yogurt
    Supports: Description as a cultured frozen product and broad composition details.
  5. ScienceDirect — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/frozen-yogurt
    Supports: Notes on production, ingredients, live cultures, and popularity since the 1970s.