Ice Cream & Frozen

Frozen Yogurt

A frozen dessert of yogurt and milk, sold in hard-packed pints and soft-serve shops. It ranges from tart and yogurt-forward to sweet and mild.

Frozen Yogurt
Photo: Willis Lam · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
CategoryIce Cream & Frozen
Maker / OriginUnited States
StorageKeep sealed in the back of the freezer. Press plastic wrap onto the surface after serving.
Shelf lifeAbout 2 to 3 months in the freezer unopened; about 1 to 2 months once opened.
Best usesFroyo cups with toppings, sundaes, parfaits, and eating plain.
SubstitutesLow-fat ice cream for a milder version, or sorbet for a fruit-forward dairy-free one.
PairingsBerries, granola, honey, and chocolate chips.
Last checkedOctober 18, 2026

About it

Frozen yogurt's frozen-food form took off in the 1980s and 90s, riding the success of tart yogurt cultures. The tart styles taste distinctly of yogurt; the sweet, soft-serve shop styles taste closer to mild ice cream, which is why topping bars became the format.

Storing it

Tart styles freeze harder; temper before scooping. Keep it airtight against odors, which it absorbs readily.

Using it

Build froyo cups with fruit and granola toppings, or scoop tart frozen yogurt as the light counterpoint to rich cakes and brownies.

Swaps & pairings

Light ice cream swaps in with a creamier, less tangy result. Sorbet covers fruit flavors without any dairy.

More from this maker: United States

Related entries