There are a number of ways to cool down in Phoenix during the summer months – pool parties, chilled cocktails, jumping into a bath of ice … but frozen yogurt is our fave and by far the absolute yummiest. We’ve compiled for you the top 10 places to enjoy this light and healthy frozen treat around the Valley.
10. A Touch of Yogurt
A fixture in Downtown Phoenix since 1987, A Touch of Yogurt serves up not just frozen yogurt, but also sorbets, smoothies and Italian ices. All flavors are non-fat and at least one “no sugar added” flavor is available daily. You can download calendars for upcoming months on the shop’s site to discover which flavors will be available on which days.
9. Yogurt Builderz
Located in North Scottsdale, Yogurt Builderz is a self-serve shop offering both ice cream and frozen yogurt. There are lots of fresh toppings to choose from, but what we really love is that they stay open until 11 p.m. seven days a week, making post-dinner dessert runs a snap. Check out their “Only 8” flavors, containing just 8 ounces per ounce.
8. Yogurtology
Another self-serve shop, Yogurtology prides itself on delivering treats that are “simple, clean and delicious,” the “clean” aspect meaning not just spotless counters and a lack of wayward toppings strewn about by careless tween-agers, but also the fact that all the ingredients, such as fruit, are as fresh as possible, hand-cut and replenished throughout the day. The enterprise has two locations in the Valley, with at least three more soon on the way.
7. Zen Zen Yogurt
Situated in the shopping center at 44th Street and Indian School Road (and just a few steps away from Pita Jungle, we might add), Zen Zen Yogurt opened this past spring. Another shop of the self-serve variety, this shop stocks both sweet and tart flavors in order to please everyone, regardless of which camp of fro-yo-tology you might be in. They also offer dairy-free and gluten-free selections.
6. Mojo Yogurt
Mojo Yogurt, which has four locations throughout the Valley, promises that all its frozen yogurt is 100-percent fat-free. More than 28 flavors are offered each day, and the tart ones are really excellent here, including the strawberry, mango, pomegranate and raspberry. After you build your concoction, if you’d rather have it in smoothie form, just hand your cup to the attendant and he or she will blend it for you right there on the spot.
5. Golden Spoon
We’re aware many frozen yogurt shops tend to garner cult followings that rival that of the Twilight fan base (on second thought, maybe nothing could ever rival that), but Golden Spoon‘s customers are a particularly loyal bunch. The company has more than 105 locations across the U.S., and 10 in the Phoenix area. They specialize in frozen yogurt exclusively, so you won’t find any other treats in their shops, but you will find two dozen different flavors and five serving size options, plus three kinds of cones. Customers are served by an attendant from behind the counter, and the customer service is stellar.
4. Red Mango
Located in North Scottsdale, Red Mango emphasizes that each of its frozen yogurts is all-natural, fat-free and gluten-free, containing no artificial ingredients or added sugars. You have four flavors to choose from: Original, Pomegranate, Madagascar Vanilla and a rotating “flavor of the day.” The toppings, while not all all-natural themselves, are creative choices and even include Fruity Pebbles. This attractive store also serves parfaits and smoothies.
3. Yogurtland
With four locations in the Valley, including one practically just across the street from Scottsdale Fashion Square and one on the ASU campus, Yogurtland seems to have the young crowd on lockdown when it comes to frozen yogurt. The stores are super cute, brightly colored, clean, self-serve and feature an endless rotating menu of fun flavors. For newbies to fro-yo, this place offers an ideal first-timer’s experience.
2. Yogurberry
While some Yogurberry locations in the U.S. are supposedly self-serve, the two locations here in the Valley (Gilbert and Glendale) are not. Instead, you’re served your frozen yogurt or smoothie by a friendly, smiling member of their staff who will ring you up for a dollar amount that will put some spring in your step, as this shop is a little better priced that others in the Phoenix metro area. We also give them points for using recycled materials and supporting environmental organizations.
1. Cherry on Top
The incredibly unique flavors found at Cherry on Top make this shop our favorite of all the frozen yogurt stands in Phoenix. At either of their two locations, both in North Scottsdale, try the Margarita Sorbet (non-alcoholic), Pina Colada (non-alcoholic), Oatmeal Cookie, Chai Latte, Lychee Tart, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Praline, Eggnog or Taro, plus any of the usual staples, such as Green Tea, Pomegranate-Blueberry, Strawberry, Vanilla and others. The majority of flavors are non-fat, with also a few low-fat and no sugar added options as well. You’ll find all your favorite toppings, alongside a few you maybe wouldn’t have expected, such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Now that’s a lot of frozen yogurt!
