|
07 09 10 | Epicurious Frozen Yogurt Taste Test
We sampled 27 varieties of frozen yogurt and found 3 to be the cream of the crop.
With the explosion of high-end frozen yogurt stores in every city and the continual rollout of frozen yogurt–type desserts made with nondairy ingredients, we decided it was high time to roll up our sleeves, grab some spoons, and start tasting to decide which frozen yogurt really is the best. No sooner did we embark on our research than we realized this was going to be as complicated as the rules for the World Cup: There are many variations on the market, including low-fat; low-cal (although frozen yogurt is already generally much lower in fat and calories than ice cream); nondairy, from every imaginable source (hemp frozen dessert, anyone?), for those with a dairy, soy, or gluten allergy or intolerance; supermarket products vs. yogurt sold at chain eateries; and a multitude of flavors and degrees of tanginess. We also kept an eye on brands that call themselves frozen yogurt but lack active yogurt cultures or use cream instead of milk—those being key differentiators between frozen yogurt and ice cream.
We developed a game plan and conducted three taste tests to figure out which brands are truly the "crème de la yogurt": We tested 6 fat-free or low-fat brands, then separately evaluated 13 nondairy or low-lactose frozen yogurt alternatives. Lastly, we sampled 8 soft-serve (or harder) frozen yogurts in the popular tart flavor widely sold at fro yo shops; 2 are available at supermarkets, and the others are sold at yogurt chains. Phew. Read on for the results.
Best Low-Fat or Nonfat Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
Häagen-Dazs Low-Fat Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
($5.29 per pint)
Pros: This option delivered from start to finish. Not only did it look luscious and creamy, but it lacked the soft, spongy consistency of many of its competitors. One judge said it best: "Is this really frozen yogurt? Fooled me! Tastes like full-fat ice cream."
Cons: More caloric than the others, at 200 calories for a 1/2-cup serving. For dieters, another option is the runner-up, 140-calorie Julie's Organic Vanilla Bean.
Best Nondairy Vanilla Frozen Dessert
Tofutti Vanilla Premium Frozen Dessert
($4.99 per pint)
Pros: Judges favored this pick for its similarities to cow's-milk ice cream. "This one is creamy and smooth," proclaimed one judge. "Tastes like cake batter," said another.
Cons: Not ideal for people who are sensitive to gluten (for more on this, see Tofutti's FAQs); however, Good Karma Organic Rice Divine Very Vanilla is a great alternative.
Best Tart Frozen Yogurt
Pinkberry Original Frozen Yogurt
($3.43 for a small serving without toppings)
Pros: Not only is this option only 100 calories per 1/2-cup serving and nonfat, but it is very well balanced—not too sweet, not too sour. "I think I might have just found a replacement for my Greek yogurt addiction!" stated one judge.
Cons: Cannot be purchased at your supermarket. If there is no Pinkberry outlet near you, Häagen-Dazs Tart Natural is a good second in the tart category and is readily available in stores.
The Other Contenders: The Bottom Three
Edy's Slow Churned Rich & Creamy Vanilla Yogurt Blend may contain live and active cultures, but it was considered way too sweet by all the judges, with little body. Tasters didn't need to be told that Tempt Vanilla Bean is made from hemp milk— they could tell. One judge said it tasted herbal, and all agreed that it did not melt as it should. Trader Joe's Plain Nonfat Pleasantly Tart was a mix of citrus and soy flavors. Judges found it to have a gummy consistency.
View the entire article here
Source
|
