Is Frozen Yogurt Just Like Regular Yogurt Nutritionally?

Rohit Panwar

Frozen versus regular yogurt, wondering if they have the same benefits? Many people find themselves asking this question, which is why I am gonna address it here.

Let me start by stating that despite popular belief, frozen yogurt is not merely a frozen version of regular yogurt. They differ in a lot of nutritional respects and before you pick one, you must acquaint yourself with these.

frozen versus regular yogurt

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Regular Versus Frozen Yogurt: Nutritional & Outcome Differences 

Before I answer a popular question Is frozen yogurt healthier than regular yogurt, let me take you through a comparative difference between regular and frozen yogurt:

BASE INGREDIENTS
Frozen Yogurt

Dairy Milk 

Regular Yogurt

Dairy Milk 

TASTE
Frozen Yogurt

Tangy & Sweet

Regular Yogurt

Sweet & Sour

DAILY INTAKE
Frozen Yogurt

1/2 cup

Regular Yogurt

1 cup

CALORIES
Frozen Yogurt

127*

Regular Yogurt

70*

CARBOHYDRATES
Frozen Yogurt

22 g*

Regular Yogurt

5 g*

FAT CONTENT
Frozen Yogurt

4 g*

Regular Yogurt

3.5 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Frozen Yogurt

3 g*

Regular Yogurt

3.5 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Frozen Yogurt

110 mg*

Regular Yogurt

132 mg*

RECOMMENDED TIME
Frozen Yogurt

Noon

Regular Yogurt

Morning or Noon

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Frozen Yogurt

Negative

Regular Yogurt

Negative

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Frozen Yogurt

No

Regular Yogurt

No

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Frozen Yogurt

Average

Regular Yogurt

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Frozen Yogurt

Good

Regular Yogurt

Very Good

BODILY COOLING EFFECT
Frozen Yogurt

Very Good

Regular Yogurt

Very good

ADDITIVES
Frozen Yogurt

Dry Fruits 

Regular Yogurt

Fruits & Honey

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 100 gm

The nutrient values for frozen yogurt I have taken here are for the standard sweetened product. The exact nutrition details may vary depending on the brand and ingredients used in preparation.

Is Frozen Yogurt Just Regular Yogurt That Has Been in The Freezer?

No! If you put yogurt into the freezer, you will not get frozen yogurt. The texture of frozen yogurt is ice cream like which is obtained by whipping air into the yogurt before freezing it. Apart from milk, flavours, sugar and yogurt culture, the market versions may also contain cream and stabilisers to keep them fresh longer. 

Yogurt is prepared by adding a yogurt culture to warm milk. This mix is allowed to ferment for a few hours to obtain the thick yogurt. 

Differences in Taste and Texture of Frozen Yogurt and Regular Yogurt

Frozen Yogurt has a creamy and light texture very similar to ice creams. It is usually flavoured but retains a hint of tanginess that comes from the fermentation of milk.  

Regular Yogurt has a slightly sour taste with a smooth and creamy texture. It is available with added falvours and plain.  

How Much of Frozen Yogurt Vs Regular Yogurt Is Too Much? 

Remember, frozen yogurt is a dessert and not a health food. Therefore, you need to limit the intake of the product. I would recommend not going beyond half a cup which is about 110 grams of frozen yogurt a day.

Plain yogurt is a healthy food that can be included in your everyday diet. You can consume around one cup or under 240 grams of yogurt everyday.  

Frozen Yogurt Versus Regular Yogurt : The Question of Calories

Frozen yogurt is high in sugar which means it is high in calories. Even the low sugar or no sugar versions of frozen yogurt have more calories than regular yogurt. 

Yogurt comparatively has lower calories than its frozen counterpart. Therefore, it is a much better option if you are trying to limit your calorie intake. 

Higher on Carbs: Regular Yogurt or Frozen Yogurt?

Frozen yogurts are generally loaded with sugar and therefore are pretty high in carbs. So, this is not really a good option if  you are cutting back on carbs. 

Regular or plain  yogurt is much lower in carbs when compared to frozen yogurt. In fact even if we compare sugar-sweetened yogurt to frozen yogurt, the regular ones will still have a lower carb count. 

Which one Has More Fats: Frozen Yogurt Vs Regular Yogurt?

Frozen yogurts are also high in fats. Although low fat varieties are available, I would advise against them since they contain more added sugar than low-fat or regular varieties.

 Regular yogurt has lower fats when we compare them to frozen yogurt. As I mentioned earlier, these nutrients can vary with brand. So, make sure you check the labels before making a pick. 

Does Frozen Yogurt Have the Same Amount of Protein as  Regular Yogurt?

This is one aspect where regular and frozen yogurt are nutritionally similar. However, here too regular yogurt has a higher protein content when compared to the frozen variety. 

If we compare frozen yogurt with Greek yogurt, Greek yogurt definitely outshines the frozen version and regular yogurt both. 

Amount of Calcium in Frozen Versus Regular Yogurt? 

Frozen and regular yogurt are both derived from dairy milk which is a rich source of calcium. This calcium is needed by our body to keep the teeth, bones, and muscles functioning properly. 

The amount of calcium in frozen and regular yogurt does not differ much. However, the regular version does have slightly more calcium than the frozen variety. 

What’s the Best Time to Consume Frozen Versus Regular Yogurt?

Frozen yogurt is best consumed during the day. This gives your body enough time to digest the calories from this delicious dessert. 

Yogurt can be consumed in the morning or during the day. As per the ancient Indian medicine science Ayurveda, any fermented dairy product should be avoided at night.  

Vegan Friendly Options in Frozen Yogurt Vs Normal Yogurt? 

The dairy milk based frozen and regular yogurt are not suitable for vegan consumption. However, their vegan versions are increasingly becoming available. 

However, it is important to remember that the plant based varieties of yogurt  may vary in nutrition when compared to dairy. So, make sure to check the labels before picking your vegan variety of frozen or regular yogurt. 

Frozen Yogurt & Regular Yogurt’s Impact On Environment

Frozen and regular yogurt are generally made using cow milk. The production of milk is associated with many sustainability issues Therefore the impact of these  dairy products impact on the environment is negative.

However, the plant-varieties are available as well which are much better for the planet than their dairy versions. 

Frozen Versus Regular Yogurt:  Better for Oral Health?

Yogurt is one of the best foods for maintaining overall dental health. This is because it contains calcium, phosphorus which are essential for maintaining strong teeth. Along with this, the good bacteria in yogurt help in keeping the bad bacteria in control. 

Frozen yogurt, although rich in calcium, is also usually high in sugars. Therefore, its impact on the overall dental health is average. I would recommend limiting the quantity of frozen yogurt and rinsing the mouth after eating it. 

Does Frozen Yogurt Have the Same Probiotic Benefits as Regular Yogurt?

Fermented dairy products are rich in probiotics or good bacteria which are helpful in keeping your gut healthy. They also have less lactose which means that even lactose intolerant people can have it in moderation. 

Yogurt is rich in probiotics and is quite good for the tummy.  Frozen yogurt may or may not have probiotics. Even if they do have probiotics, the quantity is lower than the regular varieties. 

Better for Summers: Regular or Frozen Yogurt?

Frozen yogurt is a dessert loved by everyone because of the cooling properties it has. This delicious sweet treat can be ideal for the summer season. 

Yogurt too can help you cool down the body. You can consume it as such or blend it it ice and fruits to make some smoothies.  

Frozen Yogurt Vs Regular Yogurt: Uses & Versatility?

Frozen yogurts are generally available in a variety of flavors and toppings. Be careful while picking your flavours and opt for healthier alternatives like dried and fresh fruit instead of jelly. You can use frozen yogurt to prepare desserts and smoothies instead of ice cream. 

Plain yogurt is a very versatile dairy product. You can mix it  up with both sweet and salty flavours. Blend it with fruits or use it to make dips, in every way you can enjoy its goodness. 

So, in conclusion, we can say that regular yogurt is definitely more nutritious and healthy than frozen yogurt. You can enjoy frozen yogurt now and then, but yogurt can pretty much be a part of your daily diet. 

I hope you enjoyed reading the piece. I would love to hear from you, so feel free to reach out to me with your queries.  

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.