Is Frozen Yogurt Bad For You?

Frozen yogurt is all the rage right now ^[1], especially with so many new types, brands, flavors, and stores being introduced. It's cold, delicious and nutritious, but it can also pack a lot of sugar and hidden calories, as well as artificial ingredients. Today I'd like to discuss the pros and cons of frozen yogurt to help you decide if it's the best dessert for you.

Grocery vs Store-Bought Yogurt: Health Benefits

Not every yogurt is created equal. Grocery or supermarket frozen yogurt is very inferior to most yogurt-shop varieties, as most commercial yogurts are subjected to heat, which kills the beneficial bacteria ^[2]. Eating the beneficial bacteria in the more tart frozen yogurt brands, such as Pinkberry and Red Mango (called probiotics, also in regular, non-frozen yogurt), helps your digestive system process food. But beware because not all frozen yogurt brands contain these special live bacterias, so if you are not sure, ask the store! More often than not, because live active cultures are such a health benefit, the yogurt store will advertise them in their product.

Fat-Free, Low-Fat or Low Calorie?

I think the fat-free hype has gone a little too far. It's the natural way of the world that 'calories in' has to be less than 'calories out' for a person to lose weight. Many fat-free items are packed with calories because manufacturers need to add so much sugar to maintain the pleasant taste since they've removed all the fat. The other alternative to adding all that sugar is adding artificial sweeteners, which is just as unhealthy. My recommendation is to pick a lower calorie, natural yogurt with as little sugar as possible, and if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, order fresh fruit like mangoes, pineapple, berries, or what ever you fancy.

Watch Your Stomach

Frozen yogurt can leave many feeling bloated and cause flatulence and discomfort for people. It's often made with a lot of air, but different brands affect people differently, so you have to try what's best for you. If you do have a sensitive stomach, I definitely recommend the ones that include the live bacteria cultures, as these will aid in digestion.

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^[1] - http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/sep/02/yogurt-places-are-popping-up-all-over-tampa/news-breaking/

^[2] - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0675/is_n6_v8/ai_9223152/