Frozen yogurt bars are a healthy alternative to other popular frozen treats, which consist mostly of sugar and artificial flavoring. The main ingredient in these bars is yogurt that is mixed with fruit chunks or fruit juice and then frozen. Once frozen, consumers can use the included stick to transport and eat frozen yogurt bars. Some varieties are dipped in chocolate or include caramel, peanut butter, or nuts as an ingredient and are meant to be a sweeter dessert.
All varieties of frozen yogurt bars include yogurt as the main ingredient. Manufacturers commonly use plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt, but chocolate and fruit flavored yogurts are also used in some versions. Yogurt is a good source of calcium, which is essential to building and maintaining healthy bones. Getting the recommended amount of calcium may also prevent osteoporosis.
Many frozen yogurt bars blend fruit or fruit juice with the yogurt. All types of fruits can be added to the mixture, but different berries such as strawberries, cherries, and raspberries are common. Some varieties include more exotic fruits such as pineapple, kiwi, or pomegranate. Fruits and berries are a good source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Vitamins are vital to cardiovascular health, can improve nerve and eye function, and help with skin problems.
While fruit frozen yogurt bars are often marketed as a healthy snack, sweeter versions exist on the market. These sweeter versions do not typically include fruit or berries and opt for more dessert-like ingredients. For example, vanilla yogurt dipped in chocolate is a popular type of frozen yogurt bar that is meant to be eaten as a dessert.
Dessert style frozen yogurt bars can include other indulgent ingredients. Caramel is often swirled with the yogurt, and peanut butter may be mixed with chocolate to create a sweet and salty frozen yogurt bar. Some bars also include nuts, such as pecans or peanuts, which are either rolled onto the dipped chocolate or mixed into the bar itself.
Plain frozen yogurt that is blended with fruit or berries has the lowest calorie count among the different varieties of frozen yogurt bars. The calorie count in dessert style bars varies depending on the ingredients but is typically higher than the frozen yogurt bars made with fruit or fruit juice. While the calorie count is higher than in other bars, these treats are usually lower in calories and fat than ice cream.