The yogurt craze is hitting Davao!!!
Who does not love sweets, especially when iced? Ever since, both my children just loved the ice cream. It did not matter to them whether it was in the cup, stick, or cone. They enjoyed the cold, and the licking of whatever drips down. Yum!
In 2011, the Ngo family here in Davao franchised the yogurt business of the Gatchalians named YOH FROZ. Every time we would pass by its location along Torres Street, I kept wondering if they were making some sales because I knew that Davao people’s kind of food was still not advanced.
In 2013, when my eldest was still 11 and my youngest was turning 3, Tutti Frutti, another yogurt franchise, opened in the SM City Ecoland branch. We never missed eating there whenever we went to the mall. In fact, we became loyal customers. Part of the kid’s enjoyment was preparing the yogurt. After paying to the cashier, she would give a cup size corresponding to the customer’s payment, and then the customer would be the one to operate the yogurt machine. Afterward, we choose whatever toppings we want to put on it then weigh it. It must have the weight of the size we paid for. So, it was kind of a self-service thing. Kids love exploring, as you know, so they enjoyed it. Unfortunately, at that time, Davaoeneos’ taste buds were still selective, so the store did not last.
Now that my kids are grown up, my son stopped being into sweets, but my daughter is just so into it, and yes, I am worried! I have been reminding her to control taking sweets because we have a family history of diabetes.
One time, we went to the mall, and she asked if we could eat in YOH FROZ because they opened a branch in SM Ecoland, then she told me why she likes yogurt now. Apparently, it is her one way of avoiding ice cream because yogurt is “healthier”.
Before I delve into Yoh Froz, maybe it is best to first talk about yogurt in general. What is yogurt, and what is it made of?
Basically, yogurt is produced from any kind of milk. It is the product of the bacteria produced after the milk gets fermented. The bacteria used to make yogurts produce natural sugars that give yogurt its unique taste and texture.
Researchers say that yogurt has several health benefits. When taken regularly, it may reduce the risks of some illnesses. Specifically, yogurt aids in digestion and weight management. That does not mean that it is for everyone. It is not recommended for those who are lactose intolerant and allergic to milk. The healthy yogurt options are plain, unsweetened, and with probiotic.
Going back to Yoh Froz, from its first branch along Torres Street, which started in 2013, it now has 6 branches here in Davao. Obviously, there is an improvement in Davaoeneos’ perception and reception of yogurt. Yes!!!
Yoh Froz’s space in SM Ecoland is just small and simple. Entering it reminded me of the days when I would bring my kids to Tutti Frutti. Their concept is basically the same except that Yoh Froz is not self-service. After we pay, we just tell the cashier the toppings we want, and they will serve it when ready.
I noticed Yoh Froz’s customers are from teens to late 20’s. Aside from the yogurt, it also serves other food like frozen drinks, waffles, etc., and they also offered food not on the menu board.
Looking at their menu board and counter full of sweet toppings made me want to sit right away to talk to my daughter. When seated and received the yogurt, I told her that this kind of innovation for yogurts makes it NOT healthy anymore. What makes yogurt healthy is its natural sugar and probiotic, but the idea of putting several sweets on it defeats the purpose of marketing yogurt as healthier than ice cream. She just smiled, but she agreed. If we want to be healthy, then let us just order plain yogurt, not anything on top!
To divert my point, she told me there is another yogurt franchise in Davao, and it is better than Yoh Froz. The name is Llao Llao.
Two weeks later, my friend and I went to SM Lanang Premiere and saw an outlet of Llao Llao. I got attracted to its green and white color. For one, green is my favorite color, but on top of that, I thought it was trying to depict a healthier yogurt concept. Nah! Just the same concept—yogurt with toppings!
Another 2 weeks passed, and my daughter and I went back to SM Ecoland to buy something in Watsons. I saw another outlet of Llao Llao, and that was the one my daughter was talking about when we were in Yoh Froz. I really like their outlet designs. I found it catchy, but since I already know what it tastes like, we did not buy anymore.
So, what is with Yoh Froz and Llao and Llao? Why are people into them? Well, first, because of fad. Yogurts are everywhere now here in Davao, just like how milk tea shops have sprouted. So, whatever is new, people try it because social media advertisements make them so enticing. Next, because of a wrong belief that if they eat it instead of ice cream, they are doing themselves a favor. No, no, no! I still do not consider the fruit toppings healthy because these are canned or bottled fruits dipped in fructose.
Now, what is their difference?
YF is Filipino owned, but all pasteurized and main ingredients are from Australia. Their complementary products like fruits, nuts, and sweet toppings are locally sourced from nearby suppliers wherever a branch is located.
LL, on the other hand, is an international brand from Europe that has stores in different parts of the world.
Taste? Yoh Froz is sweet and sour, while Llao Llao is sweet and creamier.
In terms of presentation, I like Llao Llao better because of its unique spoon. Their store concept also is more inviting than YF because it has 2 colors only, white and green.
Last, product focus. Yoh Froz is serving other frozen drinks and food snacks, while Llao Llao is focused on yogurt only.
Try them for yourself and be the judge!
Thumbnail and last Photo edited with Pic Collage.